Breaking News: IRCC Invites 6,500 Candidates in First 2025 Category-Based Draw

In a recent move, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited 6,500 candidates to apply for permanent residence through its Express Entry system. This was a category-based draw focusing on French proficiency.

Key Details of the Draw:

• Number of Invitations (ITAs): 6,500
• Category: French Language Proficiency
• Minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score: 428
• Eligibility Cut-Off: Candidates must have submitted their Express Entry profile before 4:41 pm UTC on February 10, 2025.

This draw marks the fourth of February 2025, following two Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws and one Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw earlier in the month. To date, IRCC has issued 11,601 ITAs in February alone.

Trends in 2025 Draws:

• Early 2025 draws have primarily targeted CEC and PNP candidates.
• This approach helps IRCC meet its landing targets set in the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan.
• For 2025, the plan allocates 82,890 total admissions under the “In-Canada Focus” category, which includes CEC and PNP candidates.

What Is a Landing? While ITAs allow candidates to submit a permanent residence application, a “landing” refers to when a newcomer physically arrives in Canada after their permanent residence application is approved. This final step marks their official status as a permanent resident.

Improving Your CRS Score Candidates can improve their CRS score—and increase their chances of receiving an ITA—through various strategies:

1. Provincial Nomination: Adding 600 CRS points through an enhanced nomination from a PNP.
2. Language Skills: Higher language test scores can add substantial points. For instance, combining strong language scores with education can yield up to 310 points.
3. Principal Applicant Switch: If a spouse or partner has a higher CRS score, switching their role to principal applicant might improve overall chances.
4. Education Credentials: Gaining another educational qualification or getting an Education Credential Assessment (ECA) can significantly boost CRS points.
5. Work Experience: Documenting additional skilled work experience can add more points, improving a candidate’s overall score.