On February 19, 2025, the IRCC issued 6,500 invitations through the Express Entry system for candidates in the French language proficiency category. To participate in this draw, candidates needed to meet the minimum CRS score of 428 and have created an Express Entry profile by 4:41 PM on February 10, 2025 (UTC).

This is the fourth draw by IRCC this month, following two Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws and one Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw. By February, IRCC had already issued 11,601 invitations. Draws so far this year have mainly focused on CEC and PNP categories to support the Canadian immigration agency’s immigration landing (immigrant landings) targets for 2025-2026.

The 2025 immigration target plan clearly states that CEC and PNP candidates’ immigrant landings will reach 82,890 by 2025. It’s important to note that immigrant landings and ITAs are different concepts. Immigrant landings refer to candidates’ first entry into Canada after being confirmed as permanent residents (PR), while ITA is an invitation for candidates to submit their PR applications, meaning they have the opportunity to apply further through the immigration system.

How to Increase Your CRS Score?

Candidates can increase their CRS scores in the following ways to improve their chances of receiving an ITA:

1. Obtain a Provincial Nomination: Provincial nominations can add 600 points to a candidate’s CRS score, almost guaranteeing an ITA in the next draw. Provincial nominations are completed through the “Enhanced Nomination” process, and candidates who meet a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and are linked to Express Entry can process their PR application through the federal immigration system.
2. Improve Language Scores: Language proficiency is a key factor in the CRS score. By improving their language scores, candidates can add up to 310 points to their profile. Married candidates can also gain additional points through their spouse’s language score and other factors, potentially increasing their total score by up to 320 points.
3. Make Your Spouse or Partner the Main Applicant: In some cases, a candidate’s spouse or partner may have a higher CRS score than the main applicant. In such cases, the couple can choose to change their profile, making the spouse or partner the main applicant, or submit two separate profiles, allowing each person to potentially become the main applicant.
4. Increase Educational Qualifications: Education plays a significant role in the CRS score. If a candidate has a Canadian higher education certificate, they can earn up to 250 points; if they completed their education outside Canada, they can earn up to 200 points. Candidates with foreign education can also get their credentials assessed through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to receive a score for their degree or diploma.
5. Increase Work Experience: Both Canadian and foreign work experience can significantly increase a candidate’s CRS score. Candidates can raise their score by gaining more eligible work experience or by better documenting their current work experience.

2025 Express Entry Invitation Summary