Last Updated On 30 March 2025, 1:58 PM EDT (Toronto Time)

On March 17 and 21, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced 2 new Express Entry draws, issuing a whopping 8,036 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates eager to call Canada home.

Whether you’re an applicant, an immigration consultant, or just curious about Canada’s welcoming borders, here’s everything you need to know about this game-changing update.

Details of the Express Entry draw today

IRCC targeted candidates in a French language proficiency draw, issuing 7,500 ITAs with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 379.

Date and time: March 21, 2025
CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 379
Number of invitations issued: 7,500
Rank needed: 7,500 or above
Tie-breaking rule: March 06, 2025 at 02:53:27 UTC

This draw comes hot on the heels of a busy March, with IRCC already issuing over 11,000 ITAs in the previous two French-focused draws in February.

Furthermore, the week began on March 17 with a PNP draw sending 536 ITAs to candidates with provincial nominations. Below are the full details:

Category: Provincial Nominee Program

Number of invitations issued: 536

Rank required to be invited to apply: 536 or above

Date and time of round: March 17, 2025, at 15:33:36 UTC

CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 736

Tie-breaking rule: March 12, 2025, at 14:02:14 UTC

Latest CRS Score Distribution In The Pool

CRS score range	Number of candidates
601-1200	693
501-600	25,522
451-500	70,055
491-500	13,711
481-490	13,343
471-480	16,033
461-470	14,032
451-460	12,936
401-450	61,487
441-450	12,314
431-440	13,018
421-430	11,619
411-420	11,919
401-410	12,617
351-400	51,802
301-350	21,303
0-300	6,047
Total	236,909

CRS Cutoff Predictions

Will the CRS score drop below 500 for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates? Analysts say yes—possibly by summer 2025—if the pool shifts toward lower-scoring in-Canada candidates.

An optimistic scenario suggests late spring could see cutoffs as low as 490, provided that IRCC conducts draws on a biweekly schedule for CEC candidates.

With fewer general draws, Provincial Nominee Programs and CEC will likely dominate.

A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, making it a golden ticket for many.

Check your eligibility for PNP streams aligned with Express Entry—it could be your fast track to an ITA.

In 2023, the IRCC introduced category-based selections, and they remain in place today. Expect more draws targeting:

French proficiency: Likely in April or May, given the pattern.
Healthcare and trades: Underutilized in 2024, these could spike in late 2025.

All The Express Entry Draws In 2025

Date	Round type	Invitations issued	CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited
March 6, 2025	French language proficiency (Version 1)	4,500	410
March 3, 2025	Provincial Nominee Program	725	667
February 19, 2025	French language proficiency (Version 1)	6,500	428
February 17, 2025	Provincial Nominee Program	646	750
February 5, 2025	Canadian Experience Class	4,000	521
February 4, 2025	Provincial Nominee Program	455	802
January 23, 2025	Canadian Experience Class	4,000	527
January 8, 2025	Canadian Experience Class	1,350	542
January 7, 2025	Provincial Nominee Program	471	793

How to Boost Your Express Entry Chances

Missed this draw? Don’t lose hope. Here’s how to get ready for the next one:

1. Improve Your Language Scores

A higher CLB level (like 9 or 10) can add 20-30 points to your CRS. Retake IELTS or TEF if your scores are older than two years.

2. Gain Canadian Experience

If you’re on a work permit, every year of skilled work boosts your score. Aim for at least one year to qualify for CEC.

3. Explore Provincial Nomination

Research provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, or Alberta—their PNP streams often target in-demand occupations.

4. Update Your Profile

Double-check your Express Entry profile for accuracy. Even small errors can cost you points—or an ITA.

This draw isn’t just about numbers—it’s about Canada’s future. By prioritizing in-Canada workers, IRCC is betting on people who’ve already planted roots.

It’s a story of resilience, ambition, and the Canadian dream, resonating with anyone who’s ever chased a better life.

The Express Entry draw on March 21 serves as a crucial reminder. Whether you’re celebrating an ITA or planning for the next round, it’s evident that Canada’s immigration landscape is intensifying.

For the latest updates, stay tuned to IRCC’s official channels or trusted immigration news sites.

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) licensed by CICC (formerly known as ICCRC) with member number R708618. He brings extensive knowledge of immigration law and new changes to rapidly evolving IRCC.