On March 3, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted another round of invitations under the Express Entry system, issuing 725 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
This draw marks the first of the month and continues a trend of focusing on PNP and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates in 2025.
Key Details of the Draw
- Number of ITAs Issued: 725
- Minimum CRS Score Required: 667
- Eligibility Criteria: Candidates needed to have created an Express Entry profile before 6:25 pm Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on June 5, 2024.
The March 3 draw follows a series of recent Express Entry draws, including a French-language proficiency draw on February 19, which issued 6,500 ITAs, and two previous PNP draws on February 17 and February 4, issuing 646 and 455 ITAs, respectively.
This consistent focus on PNP candidates highlights the importance of provincial nominations in Canada’s immigration strategy, as provinces and territories seek to address specific labor market needs.
Recent Changes to Express Entry
In recent weeks, IRCC has announced significant changes to the Express Entry system. On February 27, 2025, a new education category was introduced to help tackle labor shortages in the education sector.
Additionally, there have been adjustments to existing categories, with healthcare and social services, STEM, trade occupations, and agriculture and agri-food sectors seeing changes in the number of occupations included.
The transport category has been removed from category-based draws, reflecting a shift towards prioritizing industries with acute labor shortages.
Impact on Applicants
For potential immigrants, these developments underscore the importance of aligning their skills and experience with Canada’s economic priorities.
Candidates with Canadian work experience, particularly those in sectors like healthcare and education, are likely to benefit from these changes.
Furthermore, French-speaking candidates continue to have an advantage, as Francophone immigration remains a priority for Canada.
As Canada aims to welcome 395,000 newcomers in 2025, the Express Entry system will continue to play a crucial role in meeting these targets.
Applicants should remain vigilant about upcoming draws and adapt their strategies to maximize their chances of receiving an ITA.
This includes improving language skills, gaining Canadian work experience, and exploring opportunities through provincial nominations.
The latest PNP draw reflects Canada’s ongoing efforts to streamline its immigration process and address specific labor market needs.
As the Express Entry system evolves, it is essential for potential applicants to stay informed about these changes and adjust their strategies accordingly.
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