IRCC Issues 6500 Invitations In First-Ever Category-Based Draw

IRCC issues 6500 invitations in first-ever category-based draw of 2025. A 428 CRS score and an Express Entry profile were required. 

Moreover, they have to make an Express Entry candidate profile before 4:41 pm Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) on February 10, 2025. 

The most recent draw is the fourth of the month. It follows two Provincial Nominee Program draws and a Canadian Experience Class earlier in February. The immigration department has issued a total of 11,601 ITAs in February alone. 

Draws in 2025 thus far have predominantly focused on CEC and PNP candidates as IRCC looks to meet its landings target for 2025-2026. In particular, immigrant landings of both CEC and PNP candidates are facilitated under the ‘In-Canada Focus’ category, detailed in the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan. In 2025 this group is allocated a total of 82,890 admissions in total. 

Note that landings or admissions are distinct from invitations issued through the Express Entry system. A landing occurs when a newcomer arrives in Canada for the first time after applying and being approved for permanent residence and receiving their confirmation of permanent residence document. An ITA, on the other hand, allows a candidate in the Express Entry system to submit an application for PR to IRCC. 

Summary Of Express Entry Draws In 2025

IRCC invites 6500 candidates in first category-based draw of 2025. Below is the summary of all Express Entry draws in 2025. 

How Can One Improve Their CRS Score? 

Express Entry candidates have a number of avenues to improve their CRS scores and therefore increase their chances of obtaining an ITA. These include: 

1. Obtaining A Provincial Nomination 

A provincial nomination can add an additional 600 CRS points to a candidate’s profile, all but guaranteeing them an ITA in the forthcoming eligible draw. Receiving a provincial nomination is done through a process called ‘enhanced nomination,’ wherein candidates in an Express Entry-aligned PNP stream might have their PR application processed through the federal immigration system. 

2. Improving Language Scores

Language is a substantial scoring factor under the CRS, which can add as many as 310 CRS points to a candidate’s profile when combined with other factors like education. Candidates with a spouse/ partner can add up to an extra 320 CRS points through a combination of their language scores and other scoring factors. 

3. Making An Eligible Spouse/ Partner The Principal Candidate 

In certain cases, a candidate’s accompanying spouse/ partner might have a higher CRS score than the principal candidate. In these instances, the couple might wish to switch their profiles so that the accompanying spouse/ partner becomes the principal candidate or even submit two different candidate profiles so that every person might serve as the principal candidate. 

4. Gaining An Additional Education Credential

Education within the CRS can account for up to 200 points for candidates who completed their education outside of Canada and up to 250 points for candidates who have a minimum of one post-secondary credential from a Canadian school. Candidates in the Express Entry pool who completed their education outside of Canada might also wish to obtain an Education Credential Assessment (ECA) to obtain points on a degree or education credential already awarded. 

5. Work Experience

Additional Canadian and/ or foreign work experience can contribute a considerable number of CRS points to a candidate’s profile. In addition to receiving more eligible, skilled work experience, candidates in the Express Entry pool might also be able to increase their CRS scores by better documenting their current work experience.   

CWRVisa, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at CWRVisa.ca.