Last Updated on March 12, 2025
Canada’s Express Entry system continues to prioritize Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates, with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducting its latest draw on February 17, 2025. A total of 646 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 750. This marks the third Express Entry draw of February 2025, reinforcing IRCC’s focus on candidates who have secured provincial nominations. The previous draws this month included a PNP-focused draw on February 4 and a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw on February 5, inviting 455 and 4,000 candidates, respectively.
Shifting Patterns in Express Entry Draws for 2025
As of 2025, IRCC has adjusted its approach, concentrating on candidates from the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Notably, category-based selection draws—including those for French-speaking candidates, healthcare professionals, and skilled trades workers—have not yet been conducted this year. Despite this, IRCC has allocated 41,700 permanent resident spots for these priority groups under the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, suggesting that category-based draws may resume in the coming months.
Summary of Express Entry Draws in 2025
Below is a recap of all Express Entry draws conducted so far this year:
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | CRS Cut-off Score |
| 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 |
Why Express Entry Candidates Should Enter the Pool Even with a Low CRS Score
Many prospective applicants hesitate to submit their Express Entry profiles due to lower CRS scores, but this can be a missed opportunity. Here’s why entering the pool remains a strategic decision:
1. CRS Score Fluctuations Can Work in Your Favor
The minimum CRS cut-off varies from draw to draw, and IRCC has historically lowered score requirements when larger invitation rounds are conducted. Candidates already in the pool stand to benefit when these changes occur.
2. The Tie-Break Rule Rewards Early Applicants
Each draw applies a tie-break rule, prioritizing candidates who have created their Express Entry profiles earlier if multiple applicants have the same CRS score. This gives early applicants a competitive advantage.
3. Multiple Ways to Improve Your CRS Score
Once in the Express Entry pool, candidates can actively work on boosting their CRS scores by:
- Improving language test scores (IELTS/CELPIP)
- Gaining additional work experience
- Completing higher education credentials
- Securing a provincial nomination (PNP), which provides an additional 600 CRS points
4. Being in the Pool Increases Provincial Nomination Opportunities:
Several Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) use the Express Entry pool to identify candidates for provincial nominations. Without a profile in the pool, candidates miss out on direct invitations from provinces, reducing their chances of securing Canadian permanent residence.
What to Expect from Express Entry in the Coming Months
With a strong immigration target for 2025, IRCC is expected to maintain frequent PNP and CEC-focused draws while reintroducing category-based selections. Candidates in sectors such as healthcare, STEM, and trades should monitor upcoming draws closely, as these categories have designated allocations under Canada’s multi-year immigration plan. For those considering Canada’s Express Entry system, taking proactive steps—such as entering the pool early, improving CRS scores, and exploring provincial nominations—can significantly enhance the chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Looking for expert guidance on Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs? Growing Globe Immigration provides tailored immigration solutions to help candidates navigate Canada’s complex immigration pathways. Connect with our team today!
