Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted its second Express Entry draw of the week, issuing 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates. This move reflects Canada’s continued emphasis on attracting skilled workers with Canadian work experience as part of its 2025 immigration goals.
To receive an invitation in this draw, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 521. Additionally, their Express Entry profile had to be submitted on or before November 14, 2024, at 2:52:14 a.m. UTC. The high CRS cut-off highlights the ongoing competitiveness within the Express Entry system, even for in-Canada candidates with valuable work experience.
This February 5 draw came just one day after a separate Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw held on February 4, which offered 455 invitations to candidates nominated by Canadian provinces. January also saw IRCC issue 5,821 ITAs across various categories, indicating a strong start to the year for both CEC and PNP candidates.
According to Maple News, the first few months of 2025 have already featured a diverse mix of targeted draws, with invitations extended to healthcare workers, French-speaking candidates, and those nominated through provincial programs. So far this year, draw sizes and CRS cut-offs have varied, reflecting Canada’s strategy of using category-based selection to address specific labour market needs.
The priority categories under the 2025 Immigration Levels Plan emphasize two major streams: candidates currently living in Canada, including CEC and PNP applicants, and federal category-based selections, which target professionals in healthcare, skilled trades, and individuals with strong French-language abilities.
The federal government’s goal for 2025 is to admit over 124,000 new permanent residents through these Express Entry categories, with a focus on facilitating the transition of temporary residents into permanent status and addressing national skill shortages.
Recent draw data suggests that IRCC is on track to meet these objectives, with notable draw dates including January 23 (4,000 ITAs, CRS 527) and earlier CEC-only rounds. As Express Entry continues to evolve under new ministerial leadership and refined selection priorities, candidates are encouraged to maintain strong CRS profiles and monitor for future opportunities.
Maple News will continue to provide timely and accurate updates on Canada’s immigration system, Express Entry trends, and what applicants can do to maximize their chances of receiving an invitation.