IRCC invites 6500 applicants in the first category-based draw of 2025. Applicants needed a CRS score of 428 to be considered. 

Moreover, they have to create an Express Entry applicant profile before 4:41 pm Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) on February 10, 2025. 

The recent draw is the fourth of the month and follows two Provincial Nominee Program draws and a Canadian Experience Class earlier in February. IRCC has issued a total of 11,601 ITAs in February alone. 

Draws in 2025 thus far have predominantly focused on CEC and PNP applicants as IRCC looks to meet its landings target for 2025-2026. In particular, immigrant landings of both CEC and PNP applicants are facilitated under the ‘In-Canada Focus’ category, detailed in the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan. In 2025 this group had 82,890 admissions in total. 

Note that landings or admissions are distinct from invitations issued through the Express Entry system. A landing takes place when a newcomer arrives in Canada for the first time after applying and being approved for permanent residence and obtaining their confirmation of permanent residence document. An ITA, on the other hand, allows an applicant in the Express Entry system to submit an application for PR to IRCC. 

Summary Of Express Entry Draws In 2025

IRCC invites 6500 applicants in the first category-based draw of 2025. Below is the summary of all Express Entry draws in 2025. 

How Can One Improve Their CRS Score? 

Express Entry applicants have numerous avenues to improve their CRS scores and therefore increase their chances of receiving an ITA. These include: 

1. Obtaining A Provincial Nomination 

A provincial nomination can add an additional 600 CRS points to an applicant’s profile, all but guaranteeing them an ITA in the next eligible draw. Applicants obtain a provincial nomination through an ‘enhanced nomination’ process, allowing those in an Express Entry-aligned PNP stream to have their PR applications processed through the federal immigration system.

2. Improving Language Scores

Language is a substantial scoring factor under the CRS, which can add as many as 310 CRS points to an applicant’s profile when combined with other factors like education. Applicants with a spouse/ partner can add up to an extra 320 CRS points through a combination of their language scores and other scoring factors. 

3. Making An Eligible Spouse/ Partner The Principal Applicant 

In certain cases, an applicant’s accompanying spouse/ partner might have a higher CRS score than the principal applicant. In these instances, the couple might wish to switch their profiles so that the accompanying spouse/ partner becomes the principal applicant or even submit two different applicant profiles so that every person might serve as the principal applicant. 

4. Gaining An Additional Education Credential

Education within the CRS can account for up to 200 points for applicants who completed their education outside of Canada and up to 250 points for applicants who have a minimum of one post-secondary credential from a Canadian school. Applicants in the Express Entry pool who completed their education outside of Canada might also wish to obtain an Education Credential Assessment (ECA) to obtain points on a degree or education credential already awarded. 

5. Work Experience

Additional Canadian and/ or foreign work experience can contribute a considerable number of CRS points to an applicant’s profile. In addition to obtaining more eligible, skilled work experience, applicants in the Express Entry pool might also be able to increase their CRS scores by better documenting their current work experience.   

If you seek information on how to begin your Canada immigration application process, you can talk to our NavaImmigration experts at 1800-918-8490, or you can drop us an email at [email protected].