IRCC Selects 7,500 Candidates in Latest Express Entry Draw
Canada’s Express Entry System Sees Increased Invitations for French-Speaking Candidates
In a recent move aimed at bolstering its immigration strategy, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 7,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through the Express Entry system, specifically targeting candidates with French language proficiency. This draw, held on March 21, 2025, marks a significant moment as it features the lowest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score—379—seen since February 29, 2024.
Key Highlights from the Latest Draw
- Number of ITAs Issued: 7,500
- Minimum CRS Score: 379
- Eligibility Cut-off Date: Candidates needed to create their Express Entry profiles before 2:53 am UTC on March 6, 2025.
This recent draw continues a pattern of prioritizing French-speaking immigrants, reflecting Canada’s commitment to enhancing its bilingual workforce. It is the fourth draw of March, with previous draws focusing on the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and other categories.
A Closer Look at Trends
In total, the IRCC has issued 30,683 ITAs in 2025, showcasing a robust immigration policy that leans toward welcoming in-Canada candidates, a strategy that has been in place since mid-2024. The latest data indicates a shift towards inclusivity, especially for French-speaking candidates, aligning with Canada’s broader diversity goals.
The details of the draws this year reveal a mix of strategies, with the IRCC conducting draws across various immigration streams, including:
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Notable draws on March 17 (536 ITAs, CRS 736) and earlier in the month.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): The last draw was on February 5, inviting 4,000 candidates with a higher CRS score (521).
Implications for Future Candidates
Candidates should be aware that Express Entry profiles have a validity of one year. After this period, profiles expire, necessitating a new submission for those wishing to remain in the pool. IRCC encourages candidates to retain previous information to streamline the process.
Moreover, the tie-breaking rule remains critical; candidates must submit their profiles before the specified cut-off time to qualify for the latest draws. This rule could affect candidates who meet the CRS threshold but fail to secure an ITA due to timing issues.
Conclusion
As Canada continues to refine its immigration policies under the new leadership of Immigration Minister Rachel Bendayan, the focus on French-speaking candidates may signal a strategic pivot towards enhancing bilingual services and workforce capabilities. For prospective immigrants, staying informed about CRS scores, draw dates, and eligibility criteria will be essential to navigating this evolving landscape effectively. The IRCC’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity remains a cornerstone of its immigration policy, promising exciting opportunities for skilled candidates from around the globe.
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