IRCC Issues 6,500 ITAs in First French-Proficiency Category Draw of 2025
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has once again issued a significant number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency through the Express Entry system. On February 19, 2025, the department held its first category-based draw for the year, targeting candidates with French-language proficiency. In this draw, a total of 6,500 ITAs were issued.
Details of the Latest Draw
Candidates who were eligible to receive an ITA in this category-based draw needed to meet certain criteria. The primary requirement was a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 428. Additionally, candidates had to have created their Express Entry profiles before 4:41 pm UTC on February 10, 2025.
This particular draw marks the fourth Express Entry draw of the month. Earlier in February, IRCC had already conducted two draws targeting Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates and one focusing on the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). In total, IRCC has invited 11,601 candidates so far this month.
Focus on In-Canada Candidates for 2025-2026
The pattern of Express Entry draws in 2025 has largely focused on CEC and PNP candidates, as IRCC works to meet its ambitious landings target for the 2025-2026 period. The government’s 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan has allocated 82,890 admissions for immigrants who are already in Canada. These landings (distinct from the ITAs issued) help the Canadian government address labor shortages and support economic growth.
While an ITA is an invitation to submit an application for permanent residence (PR), landings refer to the final stage where the newcomer arrives in Canada and officially becomes a permanent resident after receiving their Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). ITAs and landings are separate processes, with ITAs being the initial step toward permanent residence.
Breakdown of Recent Express Entry Draws
Here’s a summary of the most recent Express Entry draws in 2025:
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Cut-off CRS Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 19 | French Language Proficiency | 6,500 | 428 |
| February 17 | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 646 | 750 |
| February 5 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 4,000 | 521 |
| February 4 | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 455 | 802 |
| January 23 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 4,000 | 527 |
| January 8 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 1,350 | 542 |
| January 7 | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 471 | 793 |
As the data reveals, the draws have been diverse, targeting different categories of candidates. Notably, the French language proficiency draw stands out, as it aims to enhance the diversity of language skills in Canada’s workforce.
How to Improve Your CRS Score for Future Draws
Candidates in the Express Entry pool always have the opportunity to increase their CRS scores and improve their chances of being invited in future draws. Here are some ways to boost your CRS score:
- Obtain a Provincial Nomination: One of the most effective ways to boost your CRS score by 600 points is through a provincial nomination. Provinces across Canada offer nominations through Express Entry-aligned Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), making this a valuable option for candidates seeking to improve their chances.
- Improve Language Proficiency: Language skills, especially in English or French, are a significant factor in the CRS. By improving your language test scores, you can add up to 310 CRS points to your profile. Candidates with spouses or partners can also combine their language scores, potentially adding up to 320 points.
- Switch Primary Applicant: In cases where a candidate’s spouse or partner has a higher CRS score, couples can consider switching the primary applicant. Alternatively, they may create two separate profiles where both individuals are considered as principal applicants.
- Further Education: Completing additional education or obtaining a higher credential can earn you up to 200 points for foreign education or 250 points for a Canadian post-secondary qualification. Candidates who completed education abroad may want to pursue an Education Credential Assessment (ECA) to get points for degrees already earned.
- Additional Work Experience: Gaining more skilled work experience, whether in Canada or abroad, can add considerable points to your CRS. Proper documentation of current work experience can also help increase your overall CRS score.
Looking Ahead: The 2025 Express Entry Draws
As the year progresses, IRCC is expected to continue holding Express Entry draws with a focus on in-Canada applicants, especially those under the PNP and CEC categories. Candidates who are eligible under these streams should keep an eye on upcoming draws and consider ways to enhance their profiles for a better chance of receiving an ITA.
With a strong emphasis on French-language proficiency and provincial nominations, 2025 looks to be an exciting year for Express Entry candidates aiming to make Canada their new home. For those looking to apply, staying proactive, improving language skills, and keeping up with the latest immigration policies will be key to success.
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