Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in its latest Express Entry draw, marking another significant step in Canada’s ongoing efforts to attract skilled talent and support economic growth.
Details of the Draw
This draw specifically targeted candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), a key category within the Express Entry system designed for individuals with recent work experience in Canada. The draw details are as follows:
- – Total ITAs Issued: 4,000
- – Minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score: 521
- – Profile Creation Cut-Off: Candidates needed to have created their Express Entry profile on or before 2:52:14 AM (UTC) on November 14, 2024
Express Entry draws in 2025
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Cut-off CRS score |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 5 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 521 |
| February 4 | Provincial Nominee Program | 455 | 802 |
| January 23 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 527 |
| January 8 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,350 | 542 |
| January 7 | Provincial Nominee Program | 471 | 793 |
Express Entry vs. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
While both Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are key pathways for economic immigration to Canada, they differ in several critical ways:
Express Entry: A federal system managing applications for permanent residence. Candidates are ranked based on CRS scores considering factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. High-ranking candidates receive ITAs in regular draws. It contains three streams:
- – The Canadian Experience Class (CEC);
- – The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP); and
- – The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): These programs allow provinces and territories to nominate individuals who meet specific local labor market needs. PNPs can be aligned with Express Entry (enhanced nominations) or operate independently (base nominations). A provincial nomination significantly boosts a candidate’s CRS score by 600 points, virtually guaranteeing an ITA.
