Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted its third Express Entry draw of March 2025, issuing 536 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This draw targeted individuals who had secured a provincial nomination, which automatically boosts their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score by 600 points.
In order to receive an invitation in this round, candidates needed a minimum CRS score of 736. To be eligible, their Express Entry profiles had to be submitted before 2:02 p.m. UTC on March 12, 2025. This draw aligns with Canada’s broader goal of attracting skilled immigrants through regional partnerships that meet labour shortages across provinces.
The latest draw follows two earlier Express Entry rounds conducted this month. On March 6, IRCC held a category-based selection for French-speaking candidates, while another PNP-specific draw was held on March 3. These recent selections reflect IRCC’s consistent strategy of balancing general and category-based draws as the Canadian immigration landscape continues to evolve.
The year 2025 has seen active Express Entry activity across multiple categories including Canadian Experience Class (CEC), French-language proficiency, and healthcare occupations. Larger draws have also been more common. For example, the February 5 CEC draw invited 4,000 candidates, and the March 6 French-language round issued 4,500 ITAs with a relatively low CRS cutoff of 410.
IRCC announced updates to its express entry categories for 2025 on February 27, introducing new priority streams such as Education, Healthcare, STEM, Trades, Transport, and French-language proficiency. These targeted draws aim to address Canada’s most pressing labour force needs while enhancing the immigration system’s responsiveness.
The dynamic distribution of ITAs among different programs suggests a strategic push toward meeting labor market goals by encouraging candidates who align with regional and national priorities. Provincial nominations remain a key pathway for skilled workers seeking permanent residence, especially those whose qualifications match the economic needs of specific provinces.
Canada’s Express Entry system continues to be one of the most efficient immigration routes for skilled professionals. With increased focus on category-based selection and regional alignment, candidates who are strategic in their applications, particularly those with provincial nominations or in-demand skills, stand a better chance of receiving an invitation to apply.
As Maple News has previously reported, staying informed about eligibility criteria, CRS trends, and upcoming category priorities is essential for prospective immigrants navigating Canada’s competitive application environment.