Ottawa, Canada – February 19, 2025: The Canadian government has issued 6,500 invitations to foreign nationals under the Express Entry system, prioritizing French language proficiency. This marks the first such draw in 2025 conducted by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Express Entry Draw Details
The latest Express Entry draw, number 337, took place on February 19, 2025, at 16:18:12 UTC. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required for this round was 428. A tie-breaking rule was applied for candidates who had the same CRS score, favoring those who submitted their profiles before February 10, 2025, at 16:41:38 UTC.
This draw follows a previous French language proficiency-specific selection held on December 3, 2024, where 800 invitations were issued, with a CRS cut-off score of 466.
Eligibility and Selection Process
To qualify for the Express Entry system, applicants must prove their proficiency in English or French by completing an approved language test. The IRCC assesses language skills using the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) for English and the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) for French.
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) evaluates candidates based on factors such as:
- Language proficiency
- Education
- Work experience
- Other adaptability factors
IRCC conducts bi-weekly selection rounds for Express Entry applicants, issuing invitations for programs such as:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Canadian Experience Class
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Update
In addition to Express Entry, Canada also issued 646 invitations under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) on February 17, 2025. The CRS score for the lowest-ranked candidate in this selection was 750. The PNP allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals for permanent residency based on specific local labor market needs.
CRS Score Distribution as of February 16, 2025
The number of candidates in the Express Entry pool fluctuates as new applications are submitted and existing profiles expire. The most recent CRS score distribution reflects the standing of applicants just days before the latest draw.
Looking Ahead
As Canada continues to prioritize skilled immigration, particularly for French-speaking candidates, future draws are expected to maintain a strong focus on language proficiency and labor market demands. Prospective applicants are encouraged to keep their Express Entry profiles updated and monitor IRCC announcements for upcoming invitations.
For more details on Express Entry and the latest draw results, visit the official IRCC website.