Express Entry Trends 2025 Update
Canada’s Express Entry system—central to the country’s economic immigration—has undergone significant changes.
For the first time since the program’s inception in 2015, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has suspended all-program draws. Instead, it has shifted to a more selective, targeted approach, reflecting new national priorities. Although Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws initially replaced all-program draws, they too have been paused since February 5.
This change aligns with a new immigration strategy that focuses on labour market needs, housing pressures, and smoother economic integration for newcomers.
What Is Express Entry?
Express Entry is Canada’s main system for managing permanent residency applications under three federal programs:
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) – for skilled workers with foreign experience.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – for those with Canadian work experience.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) – for trades professionals.
Candidates are ranked through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) based on factors like age, education, experience, and language skills. Those with the highest scores receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence.
Historically, draws invited top-ranked candidates across all programs. But 2025 has seen a sharp pivot toward highly focused, category-based draws.
Major Changes to Express Entry in 2025
As of May 7, 2025, there have been no all-program draws. Instead, IRCC has focused on:
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws – for candidates nominated by provinces.
Occupation-based draws – targeting fields such as healthcare, education, and trades.
French-language draws – prioritizing bilingual applicants.
While the year started with momentum for CEC candidates, those draws have paused, leaving many temporary residents in limbo.
This approach is part of Canada’s strategy to attract immigrants who meet immediate economic needs and contribute to French-speaking communities.
By the Numbers: 2025 Express Entry Stats (Jan 1 – May 2)
Total draws: 15
Total ITAs issued: 33,404
Breakdown by category:
French language draws: 3 draws, 18,500 ITAs
CEC draws: 3 draws, 9,350 ITAs
PNP draws: 5 draws, 3,632 ITAs
Occupation-specific draws: 2 draws, 1,500 ITAs (healthcare, education)
Highlights:
Largest draw: March 21 – 7,500 French-speaking applicants invited with a CRS cut-off of 379.
PNP draws had high cut-offs (often over 700) due to the 600-point nomination bonus.
Occupation-based draws remain small, despite targeting high-need sectors like healthcare.
More category-based draws are expected to roll out later this year.
Why Has Canada Paused All-Program Draws?
- Lower Immigration Targets
Canada reduced its 2025 immigration target from 485,000 to 395,000, a rare move. This decision responds to:
- Housing shortages in cities like Toronto and Vancouver
- Strained healthcare systems
- The need for faster economic integration
- Targeted Immigration Strategy
Introduced in 2023, category-based selection allows IRCC to focus on:
- In-demand occupations
- French-speaking candidates
- Applicants with Canadian experience
- Provincial nominees vetted by provinces
This helps manage application backlogs while ensuring newcomers can integrate and contribute effectively.
- Economic and Political Considerations
Immigration has become a more sensitive topic. Rising living costs and infrastructure concerns have prompted calls for more controlled immigration. Targeted draws help strike a balance between welcoming newcomers and addressing local challenges.
A Timeline: Express Entry’s Evolution (2015–2025)
2015: Launched with all-program draws using CRS scoring
2016–2019: Stable draws, attracting global talent in high-demand fields
2020–2021: COVID-19 shifted focus to CEC and PNP; record-breaking CEC draw in Feb 2021 (27,332 ITAs at CRS 75)
2022–2023: Resumption of all-program draws; launch of category-based draws
2024: Only six all-program draws
2025: No all-program draws to date—marking a fundamental shift
What This Means for You as an Applicant
High CRS Scores Alone Aren’t Enough
Applicants scoring between 450–500 without a job offer, provincial nomination, Canadian experience, or French skills may not receive ITAs under the current system. Instead, they should:
- Pursue provincial nominations (adds 600 CRS points)
- Learn French to qualify for language-specific draws
- Gain Canadian work experience to become CEC-eligible
- Target in-demand sectors like healthcare, trades, and education
French Speakers Have an Edge
With 18,500 ITAs in just three French-language draws, bilingual candidates benefit from lower CRS cut-offs and strong demand.
PNP Applicants Still Stand Out
While provincial nominations are highly effective, federal quotas for PNPs have been reduced, and major programs like Ontario PNP and BC PNP appear to be paused or slower in 2025.
CEC Applicants in Limbo
CEC draws were promising early in the year, issuing 9,350 ITAs. But since February 5, there’s been a pause, leaving many candidates waiting.
Occupation-Based Draws Offer New Pathways
Sectors like healthcare and education are now prioritized. However, these draws remain small and competitive.
What’s Next for Express Entry in 2025?
While IRCC hasn’t officially ruled out all-program draws, current trends suggest continued focus on category-based selections.
With 852,700 permanent residency applications already in processing, IRCC likely won’t need to issue many new ITAs to meet its targets.
The immigration system will likely continue emphasizing:
- Labour market needs
- Francophone immigration
- Regional priorities via PNP
- Applicants with proven integration potential (e.g., Canadian work experience)
Express Entry has entered a new chapter in 2025. Though it’s now more difficult for general skilled workers without ties to Canada, the system presents new opportunities for those who align with Canada’s current needs.
To improve your chances:
- Target provinces actively nominating applicants
- Gain experience in high-demand sectors
- Learn or improve your French
- Consider studying or working in Canada to build eligibility
Adaptability and strategy are key to success.
Interested in immigrating? Get started by connecting with a licensed consultant and mapping out the best path for your profile.