Canada expands express entry immigration opportunities

By Evi Abinama

Canada has increased efforts to attract skilled immigrants by issuing over 8,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) revealed that the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently conducted two Express Entry draws focused on French-speaking candidates and provincial nominees.

Express Entry is a points-based immigration system that selects skilled workers for permanent residency based on specific eligibility criteria.

Candidates are assessed using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which awards points based on education, work experience, language proficiency, and other factors.

Since its introduction in 2015, Express Entry has been Canada’s main system for managing economic immigration programs.

It includes the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

The system also integrates with the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), allowing provinces to nominate candidates for permanent residency.

Provincial nominations provide a significant advantage by adding 600 CRS points, improving a candidate’s chances of receiving an ITA.

IRCC regularly holds Express Entry draws, issuing ITAs to candidates who meet the required CRS score thresholds.

On March 21st, 2025, IRCC conducted a draw targeting French-speaking candidates, issuing 7,500 ITAs.

The minimum CRS score required for this draw was 379, allowing many French-speaking applicants to qualify.

The tie-breaking rule for this round was set for March 6th, 2025, prioritizing profiles submitted before this date.

This draw reflects Canada’s commitment to increasing Francophone immigration outside Quebec to support linguistic diversity.

French-speaking immigrants are encouraged to settle in provinces where their language skills are in high demand.

The federal government has introduced various initiatives to support French-speaking newcomers in Canada.

In another draw on March 17th, 2025, IRCC issued 536 ITAs to candidates with provincial nominations.

Candidates in this draw required a minimum CRS score of 736 to be eligible for selection.

The tie-breaking rule for this draw was set for March 12th, 2025, giving priority to earlier applicants.

Provincial nominations provide a significant advantage by boosting a candidate’s CRS score, improving their chances of receiving an ITA.

Express Entry’s CRS score distribution shows that many candidates have scores between 451 and 500.

Experts predict that CRS scores for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) may drop below 500 by summer 2025.

There is speculation that the CRS cutoff may fall to around 490 by late spring 2025.

This would create more opportunities for candidates already in Canada, such as international students and temporary workers.

Candidates who were not selected in recent draws can improve their CRS scores in several ways.

Improving language test scores can add 20-30 CRS points, increasing a candidate’s overall ranking.

Gaining Canadian work experience through temporary permits or post-graduation work can also improve CRS scores.

Applying for a provincial nomination remains one of the best ways to secure an ITA.

Updating Express Entry profiles regularly ensures candidates do not lose points due to outdated information.

The following is a summary of all Express Entry draws held in 2025:

March 21st, 2025: French language proficiency draw – 7,500 ITAs, CRS 379.

March 17th, 2025: Provincial Nominee Program – 536 ITAs, CRS 736.

March 6th, 2025: French language proficiency draw – 4,500 ITAs, CRS 410.

March 3rd, 2025: Provincial Nominee Program – 725 ITAs, CRS 667.

February 19th, 2025: French language proficiency draw – 6,500 ITAs, CRS 428.

February 17th, 2025: Provincial Nominee Program – 646 ITAs, CRS 750.

Canada continues to issue a high number of ITAs, providing more opportunities for skilled workers.

The focus on French-speaking candidates aligns with Canada’s goal of increasing Francophone immigration.

Provincial nominee programs remain a strong pathway for candidates seeking permanent residency.

With more Express Entry draws expected, candidates should focus on improving their CRS scores.

Canada’s commitment to skilled immigration ensures that Express Entry remains a key pathway for permanent residency.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook