Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has sent more Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates in the Express Entry pool.
In this round, IRCC issued 455 ITAs to candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). These candidates needed a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 802 or higher. To be eligible, they must have submitted their Express Entry profile before 7:39 PM UTC on December 7, 2024.
Summary of Express Entry Draws in 2025
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Cut-off CRS Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Since July 2024, IRCC has been focusing on inviting candidates for PNP, Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and category-based draws. This is part of their plan to meet Canada’s economic and population growth goals by welcoming more skilled immigrants.
In 2025, priority categories for Express Entry include:
- Healthcare workers
- Trades (skilled labor jobs)
- French speakers
How Does Express Entry Work?
Express Entry is Canada’s online system to manage applications for three major immigration programs:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – For people who have work experience in Canada.
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) – For skilled workers with foreign work experience.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) – For qualified tradespeople.
Candidates who meet the requirements for one of these programs can create an online profile and join the Express Entry pool.
How are candidates selected?
Each candidate gets a CRS score based on things like their age, education, work experience, and language skills. Those with the highest CRS scores receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence (PR).
What Happens After You Get an ITA?
Once you get an ITA, you have 60 days to submit your complete application for permanent residence. You will need to provide documents like:
- Police clearance certificates
- Proof of funds (depending on your situation)
- Medical exams (if required)
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Check your eligibility for Express Entry.
You must meet the basic requirements of one of the three Express Entry programs.
Step 2: Take your language test and gather documents.
You will need test results for English or French and an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) (if required).
Step 3: Submit your profile on the IRCC website.
Once submitted, you’ll receive a CRS score.
Step 4: Wait for IRCC to hold a draw.
If your score meets the cut-off, you will receive an ITA.
Step 5: Apply for permanent residence.
Submit your application within 60 days of getting your ITA. Include all documents and pay the required fees.
Step 6: Give your biometrics (fingerprints) if requested.
Step 7: Wait for a final decision from IRCC.
If your application is approved, you will get a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
Step 8: Land in Canada and become a permanent resident.
Once you arrive in Canada and sign your COPR, you officially become a permanent resident.
If you have a criminal record, it’s always best to prepare early. Understanding your options and applying for the right solution can help you avoid being refused at the border.
Need Help?
Need help? Contact us at Ask Kubeir for expert advice on how to overcome criminal inadmissibility and travel to Canada without worry.
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Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and not legal advice. Always consult experts like us or the official IRCC website for up-to-date details.