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 |
Yukon Adjusts Nomination System: A New Expression of Interest Application System Boosts Upgraded Immigration Selection
Canada's Yukon Territory has announced a significant overhaul of its Yukon Nominee Program (YNP), transitioning to a new Expression of Interest (EOI) pool-based system effective March 31, 2025, replacing the previous direct application model. This change aims to manage a substantially reduced federal nomination allocation and better target candidates aligning with the territory's priorities. Under the new system, employers must first submit an EOI and receive an invitation before applying for nomination for a foreign worker. Yukon has also outlined priority candidate groups for 2025 and launched a temporary measure offering work permit support to certain foreign nationals already in the territory.
03/31/2025
Several Top Canadian Universities Enter Global Top 100 in Subject Rankings; Key Study Permit Application Process Explained
The international higher education research institution Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) recently released the 15th edition of its World University Rankings by Subject. The report indicates that several Canadian universities are ranked among the global top 100 in multiple subject areas, reaffirming the outstanding strength of Canadian higher education. Notably, the University of Toronto, University of British Columbia (UBC), and McGill University are among the top performers across several broad subject categories. For international students intending to pursue further studies in Canada, understanding the areas of strength at these leading institutions, as well as the latest study permit application process, is essential.
03/31/2025
Major Adjustment to Canada's Express Entry: Extra CRS Points for LMIA Officially Cancelled
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) officially implemented the latest Ministerial Instructions on March 25, 2025, eliminating the additional 50 to 200 CRS points previously awarded to Express Entry candidates for valid arranged employment. This measure aims to curb illegal activities such as purchasing Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs), enhance the integrity of the immigration system, and is explicitly stated as a temporary measure.
03/26/2025
Canadian Federal Government Significantly Increases Quota for Parents and Grandparents Program
The Canadian federal government recently announced a significant increase in the processing cap for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) for 2025, raising it to 25,000 applications. This decision reverses the tightening policy announced earlier this year and signifies a new opportunity for sponsors who submitted an interest form in 2020 but have not yet received an invitation to apply. The move aims to better address the family reunification needs of Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
03/26/2025
Canada Immigration Update: British Columbia and Prince Edward Island Issue Provincial Nomination Invitations, Focusing on Entrepreneurs and Key Industry Talents
Last week, British Columbia (BC) and Prince Edward Island (PEI) issued immigration invitations through their respective Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP). BC's target is foreign entrepreneurs who have established new businesses or purchased existing businesses in the province, while PEI focuses on talents in key industries and occupations in high demand within the province.
03/25/2025
Canada Study Permit Policy Adjustment: College Bachelor's Degree Graduates No Longer Subject to Major Restrictions, Offering a Boost to Post-Graduation Work Permit Applications
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently announced a relaxation of the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) application requirements for College Bachelor's Degree graduates, removing the previous restrictions on fields of study. While this policy is positive news for some international students, new language requirements remain in place, and not all graduates will meet the eligibility criteria.
03/25/2025
IRCC Continues Momentum: Express Entry French Category Draw Invites 7,500, CRS Hits Recent Low
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has once again conducted a targeted draw through the Express Entry system, this time focusing on candidates with strong French language proficiency. A total of 7,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued, with the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score set at 379—the lowest in nearly a month. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the draw results, a review of Express Entry draws in 2025 to date, and an analysis of current immigration policy trends.
03/24/2025
Canada Ramps Up Express Entry Immigration: Third Round of March Invitations Focuses on Provincial Nominee Program, Education Added as a New Priority Field
In its third Express Entry draw of the month, IRCC issued 536 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). In addition to the focus on PNP, IRCC reaffirmed its commitment to applicants with French language proficiency and Canadian work experience, and has now included the education sector in its list of priority categories. These measures indicate Canada’s active adjustment of its immigration policies to better meet labor market demands.
03/24/2025
New Brunswick's First Provincial Nominee Draw in 2025 Focuses on Key Industries; Immigration Policy Adjustments Address Quota Reductions
Against the backdrop of substantial reductions in immigration quotas, New Brunswick conducted its first provincial nominee draw in March 2025, inviting candidates in specific high-demand occupations. This draw demonstrates the province's commitment to adjusting its immigration policies to more accurately meet labor market needs. In addition, a series of adjustments have been made to the provincial nominee program to address the new immigration situation.
03/24/2025
Canada Launches New Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot Program with First-Year Quota Set at 2,750
The Canadian government has announced the launch of a new Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot Program (HCWP), which aims to provide permanent residence to 2,750 home care workers, with priority given to applicants already in Canada. The program is designed to address the shortage of care workers in Canada and provide a pathway for temporary residents to obtain legal status.
03/16/2025
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