Express Entry: Canada Holds First Category-Based Draw of 2025

French proficiency candidates targeted in the latest round.

On February 19, 2025, the Canadian Government held another round of invitations under Express Entry, a system for accepting and processing Canadian permanent residence applications. A category-based selection, the latest Express Entry Draw #337 had 6,500 invitations to apply issued. The minimum ranking score required to be eligible was CRS 428.

Who was invited in the latest Express Entry draw on February 19, 2025?

To be invited in the latest round, an Express Entry candidate had to -

• Be eligible for the French language proficiency category,
• Have a ranking score of CRS 428 and above, and
• Have created their profile before February 10, 2025 at 16:41:38 UTC.

The latest draw is the fourth Express Entry draw to be held in February 2025, the seventh this year. Of the draws, a majority have been for the Canadian Experience Class program. With the latest round of invitations, a total of 11,601 ITAs have been issued in February 2025.

What is the eligibility criteria for French language proficiency category selection?

To be eligible, you must have a minimum score of 7 in all 4 abilities in a French language test result accepted by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). These abilities are assessed per the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) which translates to “Canadian Language Proficiency Levels”.

IRCC approved French language tests are -

• TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français
• TCF Canada: Test de connaissance du français

Additionally, you will have to meet the specific requirements based on the instructions for that particular EE draw.

In-Canada Focus

Under the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, the new In-Canada Focus category facilitates the Canadian immigration process for those applying under -

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

CEC and PNP have a combined allocation of 82,980 Canada PR visa spaces for 2025. There is a focus on CEC and PNP in the EE draws held so far this year. Canada is prioritizing meeting its specific PR admissions targets for 2025-2026.

Express Entry draws in 2025

7 draws held, with 17,422 ITAs issued -

• CEC: 9,350
• French proficiency: 6,500
• PNP: 1,572

Canada Express Entry Draws in 2025

The ideal Canada PR pathway for you depends on a thorough assessment of your profile to identify the option with the highest likelihood of visa approval. With expert guidance, you can strategically plan your application and apply with confidence.

Get started with a free consultation at Kansas Overseas today!

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