Canada’s First Express Entry Draw Under New Immigration Minister: What You Need to Know
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In a significant development for Canada’s immigration landscape, the first Express Entry draw under the newly appointed Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Lena Diab, was conducted on March 6, 2025. This draw invited 4,500 candidates with strong French language proficiency, marking one of the largest category-based draws for Francophones in recent history. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 410, the lowest recorded in 2025 so far .
Key Highlights of the March 6, 2025 Draw:
- Number of Invitations: 4,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued.
- CRS Cut-off: The minimum CRS score was 410.
- Tie-breaking Rule: Set for February 11, 2025, at 07:47:29 UTC.
- Total ITAs in 2025: With this draw, Canada has now issued 22,647 ITAs across nine Express Entry draws in 2025.canadaimmigration.news
Strategic Focus on French-Speaking Candidates
This draw aligns with Canada’s strategic focus on increasing the number of skilled French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec. The government aims to strengthen Francophone communities and address labor shortages in key sectors by prioritizing candidates with strong French language skills .
The inaugural Express Entry draw is held in Canada under the new Immigration Minister.
Implications for Future Draws
The introduction of category-based draws has diversified the selection process, allowing for targeted invitations based on specific skills and language abilities. This approach is expected to continue throughout the year, with more draws focusing on other in-d
Conclusion
The March 6, 2025 Express Entry draw under Minister Lena Diab’s leadership signifies a continued commitment to addressing Canada’s labor market needs through strategic immigration policies. By focusing on specific skill sets and language proficiencies, Canada aims to attract the talent necessary to support its economic growth and demographic objectives. Prospective immigrants should stay informed about future category-based draws and consider enhancing their qualifications to align with Canada’s evolving immigration priorities.
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