IRCC Issues Invitations to 6,500 Express Entry Candidates in French Category-Based Draw of 2025

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted its latest round of invitations to apply (ITAs) via the Express Entry system, focusing on candidates with French language proficiency. A total of 6,500 invitations were distributed to applicants who had achieved a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 428 and had submitted their Express Entry profiles before 4:41 pm UTC on February 10, 2025.

This draw marks the fourth ITA event by IRCC this February, following two rounds targeting Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates and one for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates. The month of February alone has seen a total of 11,601 ITAs issued, as IRCC works towards its immigration goals laid out in the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan. This plan places special emphasis on categories such as CEC and PNP, aiming for an “In-Canada Focus” that allocates 82,890 landings for these groups in 2025.

It’s crucial to distinguish between ITAs and landings. An ITA allows a candidate from the Express Entry pool to submit their application for permanent residency; a landing occurs when they arrive in Canada for the first time on a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).

To enhance their chances of receiving an ITA, Express Entry candidates can take several measures to boost their CRS scores. Options include securing a provincial nomination, which instantly adds 600 CRS points, or improving language scores, potentially bringing up to 310 points when combined with other factors. Candidates also have the option to leverage their spouse or partner’s qualifications, pursue additional educational credentials, or accumulate further work experience to uplift their scores.

Conclusion: Understanding these strategies is vital for candidates aspiring to make Canada their new home. As IRCC continues to execute its immigration strategies through various targeted draws, it’s important for aspiring immigrants to remain updated and prepare their profiles accordingly. For more personalized guidance on navigating the Canadian immigration landscape, consider connecting with Canadian immigration consultants who can provide tailored advice and assistance.

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