Express Entry
Latest Express Entry Draw #339: 4,500 Candidates Invited with Lowest CRS Score Since August 2024
The latest express entry draw #339 conducted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 4,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the French-language proficiency category. This draw, held on March 6, 2025, saw the lowest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score since August 2024 at just 410 points. Candidates who created their Express Entry profile before 7:47 AM UTC on February 11, 2025, were eligible for consideration.
Recent Express Entry Draw Trends
IRCC has conducted multiple Express Entry draws in 2025, primarily focusing on the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates. However, Express Entry draw #339 prioritized category-based selection, particularly for applicants with strong French language proficiency. Below is a summary of Express Entry draws held this year:
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Cut-off CRS Score |
| 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 |
New Priority Categories for Express Entry in 2025
IRCC recently announced new priority categories for Express Entry category-based selections in 2025. These categories align with labor market needs and focus on sectors experiencing skill shortages. The priority categories are:
- French-language proficiency
- Healthcare and social services occupations
- Trade occupations
- Education occupations
Applicants who qualify under these categories may receive ITAs even if their CRS score is lower than the general cut-off in other draws.
Impact of CRS Score Adjustments on Job Offers
One significant change expected in the Express Entry system this year is the removal of CRS points for arranged employment. IRCC has confirmed plans to eliminate these points, which could reduce scores by 50 to 200 points for some candidates.
Currently, a valid job offer under Express Entry must:
- Be full-time and non-seasonal
- Last at least one year
- Be for a skilled job under the NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 levels
- Be issued within the past year
- Come from an employer who is not an embassy, consulate, or high commission
Additionally, most job offers require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to be considered valid. While working in Canada on a work permit is beneficial, it does not necessarily meet the criteria for arranged employment under Express Entry.
What This Means for Express Entry Draw #339 Candidates
The March 6 draw highlights the ongoing preference for French-speaking candidates in category-based selections. With changes coming to CRS points for arranged employment, candidates should focus on maximizing their scores through other factors such as work experience, education, and language proficiency.
If you are interested in learning more about Express Entry draw #339 and your eligibility, contact an RCIC today for expert guidance on your immigration journey.
