The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has invited 10,276 candidates through the Express Entry draws in 2025, and each draw has revealed trends that candidates need to pay close attention to.
So far, there have been five draws; two Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws and three Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws. While CEC draws are showing a steady decrease in CRS scores, PNP draws are heading in the opposite direction with higher CRS cutoffs.
Here’s a breakdown of the recent draws:
Trends We’re Seeing
Decreasing CRS Scores for CEC Draws: Over the last few weeks, CEC draws have shown a notable decrease in CRS cutoffs—from 542 on January 8 to 521 on February 5. This is encouraging for candidates with Canadian work experience.
Higher CRS Scores for PNP Draws: In contrast, PNP draws have required increasingly higher CRS scores, peaking at 802 on February 4. This reflects growing competition among provincial nominees.
Currently, there are over 23,000 candidates in the CRS score range of 501–600. If IRCC continues to hold 4,000 CEC draws every two weeks for the next three months, the CRS cutoff could drop into the 490–500 range, giving more candidates a chance at receiving an ITA.
What Should You Do If You Receive an ITA?
It’s one thing to receive an ITA; it’s another to package a strong and convincing application. The documents you submit play a crucial role in determining the outcome of your application.
In this article, we’ll discuss common mistakes to avoid when submitting your Express Entry application, ensuring that you increase your chances of a successful Post-ITA Permanent Residence application.
Incorrect NOC Code Selection
The National Occupational Classification (NOC) code you select should accurately match your job duties and responsibilities, not just your job title. It is essential to understand that IRCC assesses your application based on the job duties and requirements listed under the NOC code, so ensure your work experience aligns with the right code. Selecting an incorrect NOC code can result in delays or refusal of your application.
Inconsistent Information Across Applications
IRCC keeps records of all your previous applications, therefore, consistency is crucial as discrepancies between your current and previous applications can raise red flags, leading to delays or even accusations of misrepresentation. Be sure to cross-check your personal details, employment history, and education credentials to ensure they align with your past applications, including any previous refusals. This can help avoid unnecessary delays and ensure a smoother immigration process.
Failure to Disclose a Previous Refusal
If you have been refused for a Canadian visa or immigration application in the past, it is essential to disclose this information. IRCC has access to records of previous applications, and failure to disclose refusals can result in your application being rejected or even a five-year ban for misrepresentation. Transparency is critical to avoid these consequences.
Submitting Incomplete or Incorrect Employment Reference Letters
Your employment reference letters must be comprehensive and on official company letterhead. The letter should include the following details:
Job title
Employment dates (start and end dates)
Salary and benefits received
A detailed job description matching the NOC code
Without these details, your application could be deemed incomplete or inaccurate, resulting in a delay or rejection.
Insufficient Proof of Funds (POF)
If you are applying under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), you must provide proof of sufficient funds ( unless you have a valid job offer) to support yourself and your family members upon arrival in Canada. The funds should be liquid (not tied up in assets) and readily available to meet your family’s needs. Ensure that the bank statements or financial documents you provide are up to date and clearly demonstrate the required funds.
Incorrect or Expired Police Clearance Certificates
As part of the application process, you must submit police clearance certificates for yourself and any family members aged 18 or older from every country you’ve lived in for six months or more in the past 10 years. Ensure that these certificates are up to date and issued by the relevant authorities. Submitting outdated or incorrect certificates could cause delays or refusal of your application.
Failure to Complete an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
If you are applying under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or seeking CRS points for your foreign education, you must provide an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). This assessment verifies that your foreign education is equivalent to a Canadian standard. Ensure that your ECA is from an approved organization and matches the details of your education in your Express Entry profile.
What Next?
Whether you are just starting the process of creating an Express Entry profile or you’ve already received your ITA, attention to detail is critical to ensure the success of your application.
If you need assistance with your Express Entry profile or post-ITA application, our team is here to help with two specialized services:
Application Review Service: Get a thorough review from our licensed consultants to ensure your application meets all requirements before submission.
Full Application Support: Let us handle your entire PR application process from start to finish for a seamless experience.
Contact us or email ask@infoplacecanada.ca, and let’s ensure your application is completed accurately and efficiently.
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