What We Can Learn from Express Entry Draws in 2025 (So Far)

As we pass the halfway mark of 2025, Canada’s Express Entry system is undergoing noticeable changes that signal a broader policy shift. While the Express Entry system remains one of Canada’s primary pathways for economic immigration, recent data reveals an evolving strategy focused on labour market alignment, category-based selection, and moderated growth.

From January 1 to July 24, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted 27 Express Entry draws. While this is consistent with the same number of draws held by mid-2024 and slightly higher than 22 draws by this time in 2023, the composition and intent of those draws have significantly evolved.

In this comprehensive report, we explore:

• The types of Express Entry draws held in 2025 (so far), compared to previous years

• Total Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued and what this means for future applicants

• CRS cut-off score trends across different categories

• Shifts in category-based selection under IRCC’s evolving priorities

• Forecasts for the remainder of 2025

 How Many Express Entry Draws Were Held So Far?

As of July 24, 2025, there have been 27 Express Entry draws-a pace consistent with both 2024 and 2023. However, there has been a significant increase in draws under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which suggests stronger collaboration between federal and provincial governments in matching immigration intake to regional economic needs.

March and June of 2025 were especially active months, with 4 or more draws held each, reflecting IRCC’s commitment to ensuring a dynamic and responsive selection process.

 How Many ITAs Have Been Issued?

Between January 1 and July 24, 2025, IRCC issued 49,403 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) across all Express Entry draw types. This represents a notable decline compared to previous years.

The decreased number of ITAs aligns with Canada’s revised immigration levels plan, which emphasizes housing and healthcare infrastructure stabilization before increasing intake. The lower issuance also reflects more targeted draw strategies focused on specific labour market needs.

 Which Draw Types Dominated in 2025?

The 27 draws held in 2025 were not evenly distributed across all program types. The majority of ITAs were concentrated in Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and French-language proficiency categories, reflecting IRCC’s focus on faster integration and community resilience.

Key Takeaways:

• CEC and French draws together accounted for 75.5% of all ITAs issued in 2025.

• Despite PNP draws being the most frequent, their average size was much smaller—about 500 ITAs per draw.

• Category-based draws such as Healthcare and Education remained less frequent but strategically important.

This data signals a departure from broad, all-program draws toward precision-based selection. It also suggests IRCC’s efforts to match immigration with real-time labour shortages in healthcare, education, and other essential sectors.

 CRS Score Trends in 2025

CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) cut-off scores are a key determinant for Express Entry success. In 2025, we see a wide variation in cut-off scores across draw types.

CRS Trend Insights:

• CEC cut-offs began high in early 2025 but started trending downward from May onwards as draw frequency increased.

• French draws had the lowest CRS scores, thanks to high-volume rounds. However, following a long pause, future French draws may return with higher cut-offs.

• Category-based draws like Healthcare and Education maintained mid-to-high CRS ranges, reflecting their selectivity despite smaller draw sizes.

These trends underscore the importance of language proficiency, Canadian work experience, and target occupation for enhancing Express Entry competitiveness.

What Can We Expect for the Rest of 2025?

1. Continued Focus on Program Priorities

As per a February 2025 IRCC update, the following priorities will shape Express Entry moving forward:

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC) applicants

• French-speaking candidates

• Candidates in:

  • Healthcare and social services

  • Education

  • Trades (Note: Despite being a priority category, no trade-specific draws have occurred in 2025 yet)

 2. Watch for Trades Draws

Although Trades were added as a priority category, no Express Entry trades-specific draw has taken place so far in 2025. However, the expansion of this category to include construction workers and apprentices indicates that IRCC may launch trades draws in the second half of the year.

This coincides with:

• A new construction regularization policy

• An apprenticeship pathway announced earlier this year

• Canada’s urgent need for skilled trades workers to meet infrastructure goals

3. ITA Volume May Rise Post-July

A 2024 IRCC memo clarified that most ITAs issued between July and December would count toward the following year’s (2025) PR admissions targets.

In 2024, July alone featured 9 draws and 25,125 ITAs-one of the busiest months ever.

If the same pattern holds, we may see:

• Increased draw sizes

• More category-based selections

• A surge in CEC and French-language invitations

️ 4. Major Category Updates Introduced in 2025

The Express Entry category structure was revised significantly in 2025:

Though STEM and Agriculture categories remain active, they are not priorities in 2025.

This focus on education and trades, while reducing emphasis on STEM, reflects a policy shift toward social infrastructure needs (e.g., schools, healthcare, and housing construction).

How to Boost Your Express Entry Profile in 2025

Given these trends, candidates should consider:

✅ 1. Improving French Language Proficiency

• Even basic French skills (CLB 7) can open eligibility for French draws.

• French draws have lower CRS cut-offs and are issued in large volumes.

✅ 2. Gaining Canadian Work Experience

• CEC candidates have had steady success in 2025.

• Work permits like PGWP or employer-specific permits can lead to eligibility under CEC.

✅ 3. Targeting In-Demand Occupations

• Applicants with experience in Education, Healthcare, or Trades stand a better chance.

• Ensure your NOC code aligns with eligible roles under the current Express Entry category structure.

✅ 4. Maximizing CRS Points

• Language tests (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF)

• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

• Sibling in Canada, job offer, or provincial nomination

• Partner’s qualifications

✅ 5. Exploring Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

• Despite small draw sizes, PNP nomination adds 600 points to your CRS—virtually guaranteeing an ITA.

• Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Alberta continue to actively select candidates through their PNP streams.

Need Help Navigating Your Express Entry Journey?

The 2025 Express Entry landscape is evolving rapidly, with new rules, shifting categories, and policy-driven priorities. Whether you’re applying for the first time or reevaluating your strategy, expert guidance can make all the difference.

Let our team help assess your competitiveness and chart your optimal path to Canadian permanent residence.

Visit Us:
Saskatoon: 535 20th St W, Unit-C, Saskatoon, SK S7M 0X6
Regina: Unit 170 – 2410 Dewdney Ave, Regina, SK S4R 1H6
Dhaka: Apt-2D, H-396, R-6 Avenue 3, Mirpur DOHS, Dhaka 1216

Website: www.guidemeimmigration.com
Email: info@guidemeimmigration.com
Phone: +1 (306) 700 7440

Explore digital support services at: go-get.ca