Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted another round of invitations through the Express Entry system, issuing 646 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw.
To qualify, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 750 and must have created their Express Entry profile before 5:41 PM UTC on July 23, 2024.
This marks the third Express Entry draw of the month. It followed a PNP draw on February 4, which invited 455 candidates, and a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw on February 5, where 4,000 ITAs were issued.
Since the start of 2025, IRCC has primarily focused Express Entry draws on PNP and CEC candidates. Notably, draw sizes for CEC applicants have returned to larger numbers, similar to 2024 trends.
A key omission in recent draws is category-based invitations for French speakers, healthcare professionals, and tradespeople, despite IRCC prioritizing these groups in 2025. According to the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, IRCC has set aside 41,700 permanent resident spots for these categories.
Latest Draw Details
- Draw Date: February 17, 2025
- Draw Type: Provincial Nominee Program
- Number of Invitations: 646
- Minimum CRS Score Required: 750
Express Entry Draws List
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Minimum CRS |
| February 17 | Provincial Nominee Program | 646 | 750 |
| February 5 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 521 |
| February 4 | Provincial Nominee Program | 455 | 802 |
| January 23 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 527 |
| January 8 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,350 | 542 |
| January 7 | Provincial Nominee Program | 471 | 793 |
Overview of Express Entry
Express Entry is a system that manages three of Canada’s main economic immigration programs:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Newcomers eligible for one of these programs must submit a profile to be entered into the Express Entry pool. They are then assigned a CRS score based on factors like skills, work experience, and language abilities. Candidates with higher CRS scores have a better chance of receiving an ITA.
Once an ITA is issued, candidates have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence (PR) application, including additional documents like police clearance certificates and proof of funds, depending on the individual’s circumstances. After the PR application is submitted, IRCC aims to process it within six months. If successful, applicants can receive PR status and must land in Canada to finalize the process.
Should You Enter the Express Entry Pool with a Low CRS Score?
Many candidates hesitate to enter the Express Entry pool if their CRS score is low, but doing so can still be beneficial. Here’s why:
- CRS Score Fluctuations: Express Entry cut-off scores are unpredictable. A score that seems low now might be enough in future draws. Staying in the pool ensures you don’t miss out on potential opportunities.
- Tie-Breaking Rule Advantage: Candidates are selected based on CRS score and the time they created their profile. Entering the pool early improves the chances of receiving an ITA if a tie occurs at the cut-off score.
- Score Improvement: While in the pool, candidates can improve their CRS score by enhancing language proficiency, gaining work experience, or obtaining higher education credentials. Any updates to the profile are reflected in real time.
- Access to Other Immigration Pathways: Having an active Express Entry profile allows candidates to be considered for other immigration programs, such as enhanced PNP streams and pilot programs. Applying through multiple pathways increases the chances of securing an ITA.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding CRS score trends, eligible candidates are encouraged to enter the Express Entry pool to maximize their immigration opportunities.
