March 6, 2025—In a significant development for Express Entry candidates, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 4,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in the latest draw focused on French-language proficiency. This draw recorded a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score of 410, marking the lowest CRS threshold since August 2024.
The draw was held on March 6, 2025, and candidates were required to have created an Express Entry profile before 7:47 AM UTC on February 11, 2025 to be eligible. This is the second Express Entry draw of the month, following a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw on March 3, which invited 725 candidates with a CRS cut-off of 667.
Express Entry Draw Trends in 2025
The latest draw highlights Canada’s commitment to attracting skilled French-speaking immigrants, aligning with its broader immigration goals. Here’s a summary of Express Entry draws held so far in 2025:
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | CRS Cut-off Score |
| March 6 | French-Language Proficiency | 4,500 | 410 |
| March 3 | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 725 | 667 |
| 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 |
This year, IRCC has prioritised Express Entry draws for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates, aligning with its strategy to facilitate the transition of temporary residents to permanent residency.
In addition to these, two category-based Express Entry draws have been conducted for French-speaking candidates, reflecting Canada’s long-term goal of boosting Francophone immigration outside Quebec.
Changes in Express Entry and New Priority Categories for 2025
IRCC has introduced four priority categories for Express Entry draws in 2025, reflecting evolving labor market demands. These categories are:
🔹 French-Language Proficiency – A continued effort to increase Francophone immigration across Canada.
🔹 Healthcare and Social Services Occupations – Addressing labor shortages in critical healthcare fields.
🔹 Trade Occupations – Supporting economic growth by attracting skilled trade workers.
🔹 Education Occupations – A new category introduced this year to encourage qualified professionals in the education sector to apply for permanent residency.
These category-based draws allow candidates in specific occupations to receive ITAs even with lower CRS scores, making them a valuable pathway for skilled workers looking to settle in Canada.
At SWEC Visa, we help skilled professionals navigate these evolving immigration policies to maximize their chances of securing an ITA. Our experts provide end-to-end guidance on optimizing Express Entry profiles and preparing strong applications.
Upcoming Changes to CRS Points for Job Offers
One of the most significant upcoming changes to the Express Entry system is the removal of CRS points for job offers of arranged employment.
Currently, candidates with valid job offers receive an additional 50 or 200 CRS points, depending on the job’s classification under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. However, IRCC has announced plans to eliminate these extra points in the spring of 2025.
How Will This Affect Express Entry Candidates?
🚨 Who will be impacted?
✅ Candidates relying on CRS points from an arranged employment offer.
✅ Those whose CRS scores depend significantly on employer-backed job offers.
🚀 Who will not be affected?
✅ Candidates with CRS points from work experience in Canada or abroad.
✅ Applicants meeting eligibility criteria through other Express Entry factors like language skills, education, and adaptability.
What Qualifies as a Valid Job Offer Under Express Entry?
To receive CRS points under the current system, a job offer must be:
✔ Full-time and non-seasonal
✔ At least one year in duration
✔ For a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation under NOC
✔ Recent (issued within the last year)
✔ From an employer that is not an embassy, consulate, or high commission
✔ Supported by a valid Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), unless exempt
Once these CRS points are removed, candidates who previously relied on them will need to reassess their Express Entry strategy. SWEC Visa can help applicants explore alternative ways to boost CRS scores and secure an ITA through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), education credentials, or language improvements.
Conclusion: What This Means for Express Entry Applicants
The latest Express Entry draw, with its historically low CRS cut-off of 410, signals an encouraging trend for skilled French-speaking candidates. Additionally, the priority categories for 2025 offer new opportunities for professionals in healthcare, trades, and education to qualify for Canadian permanent residency.
However, upcoming changes to CRS points for job offers mean candidates should proactively optimize their Express Entry profiles.
If you’re planning to apply for Express Entry, now is the time to act! SWEC Visa’s team of immigration experts can help you assess your eligibility, improve your CRS score, and successfully secure an Invitation to Apply.Start your Express Entry journey today with SWEC Visa and take advantage of Canada’s evolving immigration landscape!
