Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently issued invitations to 7,500 Express Entry candidates in a special draw targeting French-speaking applicants. This marks the second draw within the same week, showcasing IRCC’s ongoing focus on selecting candidates with specific language skills to help meet Canada’s immigration goals.
In this latest draw, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 379. To qualify, they also had to submit their Express Entry profile before 2:53 a.m. Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on March 6, 2025. This draw recorded the lowest CRS cut-off score since February 2024, making it a significant milestone for French-speaking immigration hopefuls.
Summary of Recent Express Entry Draws
Here is a quick summary of Express Entry draws held in 2025 so far:
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs Issued | CRS Cut-Off Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 21, 2025 | French Language Proficiency | 7,500 | 379 |
| March 17, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 536 | 736 |
| March 6, 2025 | French Language Proficiency | 4,500 | 410 |
| March 3, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 725 | 667 |
| February 19, 2025 | French Language Proficiency | 6,500 | 428 |
| February 5, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 4,000 | 521 |
| January 23, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 4,000 | 527 |
| January 8, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 1,350 | 542 |
What Makes This Draw Important?
This recent draw is the second one in March targeting French speakers, reflecting Canada’s commitment to encouraging bilingual newcomers who can contribute to communities outside Quebec. In 2025, IRCC has issued a total of 30,683 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) across various immigration streams, including French language draws, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws, and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws.
How the Tie-Breaking Rule Works in Express Entry
IRCC uses a tie-breaking rule to ensure fairness in Express Entry draws. If multiple candidates meet the CRS cut-off score, only those who created their profiles before a specific date and time (based on UTC) will be invited. In this draw, the tie-breaking rule applied to profiles created before March 6, 2025, at 2:53 a.m. UTC.
This tie-breaking mechanism is crucial because it affects candidates who are on the CRS cut-off score threshold. If you meet the minimum CRS score but don’t receive an ITA, it could be due to the timing of your profile submission.
What Happens After an ITA?
Candidates who receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) can begin the process of applying for Canadian permanent residence. It’s important to submit a complete and accurate application within the deadline specified in the ITA. Missing documents or incorrect information could delay or jeopardize the approval process.
If you didn’t receive an ITA, don’t lose hope. There are ways to improve your CRS score and increase your chances of being invited in a future draw. Consider strategies like:
- Improving your language test scores (e.g., IELTS, CELPIP, TEF).
- Obtaining a provincial nomination through a PNP.
- Gaining additional Canadian work experience.
- Pursuing higher education or certifications.
Express Entry Profile Expiry and Renewal
An Express Entry profile is valid for up to one year. After this period, it will expire, and you will need to create a new profile if you want to stay in the Express Entry pool. IRCC recommends saving your information before your profile expires, so you can easily resubmit it.
Remember, the date you submit your profile can impact your chances due to the tie-breaking rule. Submitting your profile early can improve your likelihood of receiving an ITA in draws with lower CRS cut-offs.
IRCC’s Focus on In-Canada Candidates
IRCC has reaffirmed its focus on inviting candidates who are already living in Canada. This approach aligns with the trend observed in Express Entry draws since mid-2024 and aims to facilitate the transition of temporary residents, such as international students and skilled workers, to permanent residency.
While Canada’s new Immigration Minister, Rachel Bendayan, has not yet received a formal Mandate Letter from Prime Minister Mark Carney, she is expected to continue prioritizing in-Canada candidates and French-speaking immigrants. These policies support Canada’s long-term goals of addressing labor shortages and promoting bilingualism.
Contact us for Canadian Immigration Consultation to schedule a consultation with immigration experts who can guide you through the Express Entry process and help improve your chances of receiving an ITA.
