Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted its first Express Entry draw of April 2025, marking a significant development following recent changes to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
In this round, IRCC issued 825 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates who were nominated through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This draw stands out as it follows the notable removal of CRS points previously awarded for arranged employment — a change that may shift the profile of candidates invited through future draws.
To be eligible for the April 14 draw, candidates were required to meet the following conditions:
A minimum CRS score of 764
A valid Express Entry profile created before 6:35 PM (UTC) on August 17, 2024
In the most recent Express Entry draw held on April 14, 2025, under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) established two key eligibility criteria for candidates. Firstly, applicants were required to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 764 to be considered. Secondly, candidates must have submitted a valid Express Entry profile before 6:35 PM (UTC) on August 17, 2024. Only those who met both of these conditions were issued Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in this draw.
This high cut-off score reflects the added 600 points typically granted to candidates with a provincial nomination.
So far in 2025, IRCC has held multiple draws under various categories, including PNP, French-language proficiency, and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Here’s a summary of the draws to date:
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Cut-off CRS Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 14 | Provincial Nominee Program | 825 | 764 |
| March 21 | French Language Proficiency | 7,500 | 379 |
| March 17 | Provincial Nominee Program | 536 | 736 |
| March 6 | French Language Proficiency | 4,500 | 410 |
| March 3 | Provincial Nominee Program | 725 | 667 |
| February 19 | French Language Proficiency | 6,500 | 428 |
| February 17 | Provincial Nominee Program | 646 | 750 |
| 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 |
As of this most recent draw, a total of 31,508 ITAs have been issued under the Express Entry system in 2025.
According to the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada aims to welcome 124,680 new permanent residents through Express Entry this year alone. It’s important to note that this target is based on actual landings (when newcomers officially become permanent residents), not ITAs.
Why the difference? Not every ITA leads to a successful landing. Some ITAs may be returned, withdrawn, or rejected due to ineligibility, missing documents, or failure to meet timelines.
Receiving an ITA is a key milestone, but it’s just the beginning. If you’ve received one, here’s what to expect:
Once an ITA is issued, candidates have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence to IRCC. Missing the deadline without declining the invitation results in automatic removal from the Express Entry pool.
Applicants will need to prepare and submit:
Valid Passport or Travel Documents
A valid passport or travel document is essential for the immigration process. This document must be current and in good condition, with a sufficient number of pages for entry and exit stamps. If the applicant is traveling from a country without a passport, alternative travel documents may be required.
Birth Certificate
A birth certificate serves as proof of your identity, date of birth, and place of birth. It is one of the most important documents for verifying your eligibility for immigration. If you cannot provide a birth certificate, a substitute document like an affidavit of birth may be accepted.
Proof of Work Experience (e.g., Reference Letters, Pay Stubs)
Providing evidence of work experience is crucial for many immigration programs. Reference letters from previous employers detailing your job roles, responsibilities, and duration of employment are often required. Additionally, pay stubs or tax records can help establish the credibility of your work history.
Police Clearance Certificates
A police clearance certificate is an official document issued by the police or a government agency that shows the applicant has no criminal record. It is required to ensure that the applicant does not pose a security threat to the country they are immigrating to.
Immigration Medical Exam Results
Immigration medical exams are necessary to assess the health of the applicant and ensure they do not have any contagious diseases that could pose a public health risk. These exams typically involve a physical examination, chest X-rays, and blood tests.
Proof of Settlement Funds
Applicants must demonstrate they have sufficient funds to support themselves and their family upon arrival. Proof of settlement funds may include bank statements, investment records, or a letter from a financial institution confirming the available funds.
Photographs of the Applicant and Accompanying Family Members
Photographs are required to verify the identity of the applicant and any accompanying family members. These photos must meet specific requirements regarding size, background, and clarity. They are used for official immigration documentation.
Ensuring accuracy and completeness in your application is crucial to avoid processing delays or refusal.
This was the first Express Entry draw following the removal of CRS points for arranged employment. Previously, a job offer supported by a valid LMIA could boost a candidate’s score by up to 200 points. The change is expected to have a long-term impact on the profiles of candidates receiving ITAs, making other factors—like education, language skills, and provincial nominations—more important than ever.
The Express Entry system continues to play a central role in Canada’s immigration strategy, especially with its ambitious targets for 2025. If you’re a potential immigrant or employer navigating the Express Entry process, staying up to date on draw trends, policy updates, and eligibility changes is essential.
At The World Wide Advisors, we’re here to support your journey every step of the way—from profile creation to successful PR landing.
Need help with your Express Entry application or ITA process? Contact us today to speak with one of our immigration experts.
