4,500 Express Entry Invitations Issued with the Lowest CRS Score Since August 2024
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 4,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates in the Express Entry system, marking a significant development for potential immigrants. This latest draw is particularly noteworthy as it comes with the lowest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score since August 2024, reflecting the ongoing trends in Canada’s immigration policies.
The 4,500 ITAs were issued to candidates with a French-language proficiency, a group that continues to benefit from Canada’s focus on bilingualism. To be eligible for this draw, candidates were required to meet a minimum CRS score of 410 and must have created their Express Entry profiles before 7:47 AM Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on February 11, 2025.
Summary of Express Entry Draws for 2025
Here’s a quick look at the Express Entry draws conducted in 2025, showcasing the distribution of ITAs and the CRS scores involved:
| Date | Draw Type | ITAs Issued | CRS Cut-off Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 6 | French language proficiency | 4,500 | 410 |
| March 3 | Provincial Nominee Program | 725 | 667 |
| February 19 | French language proficiency | 6,500 | 428 |
| 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 |
This recent draw on March 6 follows a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw held on March 3. Express Entry draws in 2025 have primarily focused on candidates within the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and PNP streams, as the Canadian government continues to prioritize applicants already residing in Canada. The latest data shows that out of the seven draws in 2025 so far, four were PNP-related, and three were focused on Canadian Experience Class applicants.
Notably, this is the second Express Entry draw this year focusing on candidates with advanced French language skills. A previous draw held on February 19 invited 6,500 candidates under the French-language proficiency category, with a slightly higher CRS cut-off score of 428.
2025 Priority Categories Announced by IRCC
In line with its ongoing focus on high-demand sectors, IRCC recently unveiled the priority categories for 2025, designed to target occupations that are critical to Canada’s economic growth and societal well-being. These categories include:
- French-language proficiency
- Healthcare and social services occupations
- Trade occupations
- Education occupations
How the Removal of CRS Points for Job Offers May Impact Applicants
A significant change is on the horizon for Express Entry candidates. The IRCC has announced that it plans to remove the CRS points awarded for job offers under the Express Entry system in the spring of 2025. This change could have a significant impact, especially for candidates who currently benefit from additional CRS points for having a valid job offer. Depending on the nature of their job offer, candidates could see their CRS score drop by as much as 50 to 200 points.
This upcoming change primarily affects candidates with job offers that meet the Express Entry criteria for a valid arranged employment offer. For candidates working in Canada, it’s important to note that holding a work permit or job does not automatically translate to a valid Express Entry job offer. To qualify for points under the Express Entry system, the job offer must:
- Be full-time and non-seasonal
- Last at least one year
- Be in a skilled occupation under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER levels 0, 1, 2, or 3
- Be issued within the past year
- Be from an employer who is not an embassy, consulate, or high commission
Additionally, valid job offers often require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), demonstrating that no Canadian worker was available to fill the role.
For candidates who are impacted by this change, the good news is that CRS points derived from work experience—whether foreign or Canadian—will not be affected by the removal of job offer points.
Conclusion
Canada’s Express Entry system continues to evolve with a growing emphasis on skilled workers, bilingual candidates, and in-demand sectors. As the country remains focused on boosting its workforce in healthcare, trade, and education, these draws and policy changes present both opportunities and challenges for prospective immigrants. If you’re a candidate in the Express Entry pool, it’s crucial to stay informed about these changes and understand how they might affect your application moving forward.
For more details on eligibility and the requirements for a valid job offer under Express Entry, make sure to check out IRCC’s dedicated webpages.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
