IRCC Continues Momentum: Express Entry French Category Draw Invites 7,500, CRS Hits Recent Low
On March 21, 2025, IRCC announced its second Express Entry draw of the week. The draw specifically targeted applicants with high proficiency in French, issuing a total of 7,500 ITAs. To be eligible, applicants needed to have submitted their Express Entry profiles by 2:53 AM UTC on March 6, 2025, and have a CRS score of at least 379.
Notably, the CRS cut-off score of 379 is the lowest seen in Express Entry draws since February 29, 2024—undoubtedly a positive signal for eligible French-speaking candidates.
This draw marks the fourth Express Entry draw in March and the second draw of the week, following the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw held on March 17. Prior to this, IRCC conducted a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw on February 5, inviting 4,000 CEC applicants. As of now, IRCC has issued a total of 30,683 ITAs in 2025.
IRCC reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing applicants already residing in Canada for permanent residence. This policy direction aligns with the draw trends seen since around July last year and reflects one of the core strategies advocated by Canada’s new leadership.
Applicants should note that Express Entry profiles are valid for one year. Once expired, individuals must resubmit their profiles to remain in the candidate pool. IRCC recommends saving previous application data for easier re-entry.
Additionally, the date of Express Entry profile submission may impact the likelihood of receiving an ITA, due to IRCC’s “tie-breaker” rule. This rule gives preference to candidates with earlier profile submission dates when CRS scores are identical. Therefore, even if your CRS score meets the minimum cut-off, you may not receive an invitation if your profile was submitted after the designated deadline.
2025 Express Entry Invitation Summary
| Date | Invitation Category | Invitations Issued | Minimum CRS Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 21, 2025 | French language proficiency | 7500 | 379 |
| March 17, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 536 | 736 |
| March 6, 2025 | French language proficiency | 4500 | 410 |
| March 3, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 725 | 667 |
| February 19, 2025 | French language proficiency | 6,500 | 428 |
| February 17, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 646 | 750 |
| February 5, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 521 |
| February 4, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 455 | 802 |
| January 23, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 527 |
| January 8, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,350 | 542 |
| January 7, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 471 | 793 |
Canada's Express Entry: Latest Draw Sees PNP Favoured Again, 511 Candidates Invited
In its latest Express Entry draw, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) once again focused on candidates from the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). A total of 511 invitations to apply (ITAs) were issued to applicants, with the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score set at 706. This marks the third draw in May 2025 and brings the total number of ITAs issued this year via Express Entry to nearly 34,000, clearly reflecting Canada's sustained preference and strategic focus on specific skills and PNP talent.
05/13/2025
Unlocking the Career Door for International Students in Canada: Essential Guide to Applying for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
For many international students aspiring to work and settle in Canada, obtaining a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a crucial first step. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) clearly states that PGWP eligibility hinges on studying at a qualified Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and enrolling in a PGWP-eligible program. Notably, beginning November 1, 2024, graduates at certain study levels will face new language proficiency and field of study restrictions. This report provides a detailed interpretation of IRCC's relevant regulations, guiding international students on how to choose schools and programs correctly to ensure successful PGWP acquisition.
05/12/2025
British Columbia Nears Cap on "High Economic Impact" Skilled Worker Invitations in First 2025 Draw
On May 8, 2025, British Columbia conducted its first skilled worker immigration draw of the year under its Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), inviting 94 candidates. The draw specifically targeted individuals with the potential for "high economic impact." This follows a period in 2025 where the BC PNP had only held draws for its entrepreneur streams. With the province having previously announced a cap of "approximately 100" nominations for this high-impact pathway due to reduced federal allocations, this draw nearly exhausts that limit. Significant adjustments to other BC PNP streams have also been announced.
05/12/2025
New Opportunities! Major Adjustments to Canada's Express Entry Immigration Policy: Significant Expansion of Trade Occupations List
Canada's Express Entry system underwent a landmark reform on February 27, 2025, with its Trade category experiencing significant adjustments. This change added 19 new occupations and removed 4, bringing the total number of certified occupations in this category to 25. This move aims to more accurately address the urgent needs of Canada's labor market, paving a smoother path to permanent residency (PR) for professionals with specific skills, significantly increasing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), even if their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is not top-tier.
05/09/2025
Canada's Maple Leaf Card Express: Eight Provinces Open Dedicated Permanent Residence Pathways for International Graduates
For international graduates who have completed their studies in Canada and aspire to long-term development, multiple pathways to permanent resident status (Maple Leaf Card) are opening up. Currently, eight Canadian provinces have specific Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams tailored for international student graduates. These programs aim to simplify the process for foreign nationals who have studied in a province to transition to permanent resident status. This article will provide a detailed breakdown of these provinces, their specific graduate immigration streams, an overview of eligibility criteria, and key requirements, offering a comprehensive and up-to-date reference for prospective applicants.
05/08/2025
New Canadian Immigration Opportunity: Sault Ste. Marie Announces Designated Employers for Rural Pathway
Canada's immigration landscape sees a significant update as Sault Ste. Marie, a city in Northern Ontario, has officially released its initial list of designated employers for the federal Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP). This move is a major step for the city in attracting and retaining skilled immigrants and opens new pathways to Canadian permanent residence for eligible applicants globally. Sault Ste. Marie has been allocated 300 spots through this pilot for 2025.
05/08/2025
IRCC Introduces Major Convenience: Eligible IEC Participants Can Receive New Work Permits Via Mail In-Canada
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently announced a significant policy change allowing eligible International Experience Canada (IEC) participants already in the country to receive their new work permits by mail to their Canadian address, provided they meet specific criteria. Effective immediately until December 1, 2025, this measure aims to streamline the renewal process and enhance convenience, particularly in response to the 'flagpoling' ban implemented since December 24, 2024, thereby reducing pressure on border resources.
05/07/2025
Thunder Bay's RCIP Program Achieves Key Milestone: First List of Designated Employers Officially Released
Thunder Bay, a city in Northwestern Ontario, has officially released the first list of its designated employers for the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP). This program is employer-focused, requiring applicants to secure a full-time job offer from a designated employer within the community and meet specific criteria related to language, education, settlement funds, and more. The release of this list, outlining businesses approved by the Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) across sectors like retail, food service, construction, and healthcare, provides crucial information for individuals interested in immigrating through Thunder Bay's RCIP pathway.
05/06/2025
BC Provincial Nominee Program Undergoes Major Overhaul: 2025 Intake Drastically Cut, Prioritizing Specific Healthcare Roles
Canada's British Columbia (BC) has recently announced significant changes to its Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). Facing dual pressures from a substantial cut in its 2025 federal nomination allocation and a large existing application backlog, BC has decided to limit the intake of new applications to 1,100 for 2025, reserving the vast majority of these spots for healthcare workers in specific occupations. Concurrently, the province has tightened the eligibility criteria for the Health Authority stream, specifying that only professionals directly involved in providing healthcare services can now apply, aiming to prioritize addressing the province's critical healthcare workforce needs.
05/05/2025
Manitoba PNP Holds Targeted Draw, Inviting Overseas Skilled Workers via Strategic Recruitment Initiative
Continuing its steady pace of invitations in 2025, the Canadian province of Manitoba held its latest Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) draw on May 1. This draw specifically targeted overseas skilled workers who received a direct invitation through the province's "Strategic Recruitment Initiative," issuing 26 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs). The minimum required ranking score for invited candidates was 727, with some possessing federal Express Entry profiles. This action underscores Manitoba's strategy of utilizing specific recruitment channels to attract in-demand talent.
05/04/2025
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