Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued additional Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through the Express Entry system.
In the latest draw, 646 candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) received ITAs. To be eligible, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 750 and must have submitted their Express Entry profile before 5:41 PM Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) on July 23, 2024.
Recent Express Entry Draws
This marks the third Express Entry draw of the month, following:
- A PNP draw on February 4, which invited 455 candidates
- A Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw on February 5, issuing 4,000 ITAs
Since the beginning of 2025, IRCC has primarily focused Express Entry draws on PNP and CEC candidates, with CEC draw sizes returning to the larger numbers seen in 2024.
Interestingly, IRCC has not yet conducted category-based draws for French speakers, healthcare workers, and tradespeople – despite designating these groups as priority categories for 2025. Additionally, under the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, IRCC has set aside 41,700 permanent resident landings for these candidates.
Summary of Express Entry Draws in 2025
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | CRS Cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 17 | Provincial Nominee Program | 646 | 750 |
| Feb 5 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 521 |
| Feb 4 | Provincial Nominee Program | 455 | 802 |
| Jan 23 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 527 |
| Jan 8 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,350 | 542 |
| Jan 7 | Provincial Nominee Program | 471 | 793 |
Should You Enter the Express Entry Pool With a Low CRS Score?
If your CRS score is low, you may hesitate to enter the Express Entry pool. However, it is often advantageous to apply if you are eligible. Here’s why:
- CRS scores are unpredictable. What may seem like a low score now could be competitive in future draws. If you’re not in the pool, you might miss out on potential opportunities.
- The tie-breaking rule favors early applicants. To receive an ITA, you must have created your profile before the cut-off time stated in the ministerial instructions. Entering early improves your chances.
- Your CRS score can improve while in the pool. By enhancing your language proficiency, gaining work experience, or obtaining additional educational credentials, you can boost your score in real-time without submitting a new profile.
- You remain eligible for multiple immigration programs. While in the Express Entry pool, you can also apply for other pathways, such as enhanced PNP streams and regional pilot programs, increasing your overall chances of receiving an ITA.
Even with a low CRS score, being in the Express Entry pool keeps you in the running for potential opportunities. Stay proactive and explore ways to enhance your profile.
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