In a continued effort to welcome skilled immigrants, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 646 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through a targeted Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw under the Express Entry system. To be considered in this draw, candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 750 and must have created their Express Entry profile before 5:41 p.m. (UTC) on July 23, 2024.
Third Express Entry Draw of the Month
The February 17, 2025, Express Entry draw marks the third of the month, following:
- February 4, 2025: PNP Draw – 455 ITAs issued (CRS: 802)
- February 5, 2025: Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Draw – 4,000 ITAs issued (CRS: 521)
IRCC has maintained a clear focus on PNP and CEC candidates since the beginning of 2025. Notably, category-based draws for French speakers, healthcare workers, and tradespeople—which were key priorities in 2024—have not yet been conducted this year.
Express Entry Draw Trends in 2025
Since January, IRCC has been prioritizing PNP and CEC candidates in Express Entry draws. Larger selections for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) applicants have resumed, aligning with previous draw patterns from 2024.
Here’s a summary of Express Entry draws in 2025 so far
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | CRS Score |
| Feb 17, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 646 | 750 |
| Feb 5, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 521 |
| Feb 4, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 455 | 802 |
| Jan 23, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 527 |
| Jan 8, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,350 | 542 |
| Jan 7, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 471 | 793 |
In addition, 41,700 permanent resident landings have been allocated to category-based Express Entry candidates through IRCC’s 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, further emphasizing the importance of targeted immigration programs.
Should Candidates with a Low CRS Score Enter the Express Entry Pool?
Many applicants hesitate to submit their Express Entry profile due to a low CRS score. However, immigration experts strongly recommend entering the pool if eligible. Here’s why:
- CRS Score Trends Are Unpredictable: What seems like a low CRS score today could be sufficient in future draws.
- Tie-Breaking Rule Advantage: Candidates must have their profile created before the cut-off date to be considered in a draw. Entering early improves the chances of receiving an ITA.
- CRS Score Can Improve Over Time: While in the pool, candidates can boost their score by improving language proficiency, gaining more work experience, or obtaining additional education credentials.
- Eligibility for Other Programs: Having an active Express Entry profile increases access to enhanced Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams and other immigration pathways, significantly improving an applicant’s chances of receiving an invitation.
Conclusion: A Promising Outlook for Express Entry Applicants
The latest Express Entry draw demonstrates IRCC’s commitment to economic immigration, particularly through PNP and CEC draws. While category-based selections have yet to resume in 2025, Express Entry candidates should stay proactive by keeping their profiles updated and exploring potential PNP nominations.
For more updates on Canadian immigration, stay connected with The Canada Time—your trusted source for the latest IRCC news and updates.
