Canada’s immigration landscape continues to evolve, with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) ramping up efforts to welcome skilled professionals and address labor market needs. This year marks a significant shift in Canada’s Express Entry system, one of the country’s most prominent immigration pathways. Here’s what you need to know about the recent updates and trends shaping the Express Entry system in 2025.
A Busy Start to the Year: January Draws
The year began with two Express Entry draws in the first week of January:
- January 7, 2025: A Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw invited 471 candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 793.
- January 8, 2025: A Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw issued 1,350 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates with a minimum CRS score of 542.
These early draws signal IRCC’s commitment to processing high-demand candidates quickly, particularly those with prior Canadian work experience or provincial nominations.
Patterns in Express Entry Draws
A glance at the 2025 trends shows some interesting shifts:
- Fewer ITAs in December 2024: The holiday season saw a slowdown, with just 2,561 ITAs issued compared to more than 5,000 ITAs across six draws in both October and November.
- New Priority Categories: For 2025, IRCC is focusing on healthcare occupations, skilled trades, and French-language proficiency as priority groups for category-based selection.
Despite these changes, IRCC continues to prioritize the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), enhanced PNP candidates, and Federal Economic Priorities, reflecting the government’s dedication to supporting Canada’s economic and demographic goals.
Canada’s Immigration Goals for 2025
The Express Entry system remains central to Canada’s ambitious immigration targets. According to the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, IRCC aims to welcome 124,590 new immigrants through Express Entry programs this year alone.
Key features of this year’s strategy include:
- In-Canada Focus: Emphasis on candidates already living and working in Canada through CEC and PNP pathways.
- Category-Based Selections: Continuing to invite candidates based on specific professional skills or language abilities.
- Diversified Occupation Priorities: While healthcare and trades are the top priorities, IRCC has not ruled out draws for other occupational categories.
What is Express Entry?
If you’re unfamiliar with the system, here’s a quick breakdown:
The Express Entry system manages applications for three key economic immigration programs:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Additionally, candidates with provincial nominations from enhanced PNPs can apply through Express Entry, further boosting their CRS scores.
Here’s how it works:
- Candidates submit their profiles and are ranked based on their CRS scores.
- High-ranking candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence during IRCC draws.
- Once invited, candidates have 60 days to submit their applications.
Successful applicants are granted permanent resident (PR) status, giving them the freedom to live and work in Canada indefinitely.
Why Choose Express Entry?
For aspiring immigrants, Express Entry offers a fast and streamlined pathway to Canada. With the introduction of category-based selections and more tailored immigration streams, the system is now more responsive to the country’s labor market needs while remaining competitive for candidates worldwide.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
If you’re considering making Canada your home, now is the perfect time to explore your eligibility for the Express Entry system. With new priority categories and increased ITAs, you might be closer to achieving Canadian PR than you think!
Take the first step with a Free Express Entry Assessment today and discover how you can secure your place in Canada’s future.
