Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted its second Express Entry draw for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates in 2025. The draw, held on February 4, 2025, resulted in the issuance of 455 Invitations to Apply (ITAs). Candidates were required to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 802 and must have submitted their Express Entry profile before 7:39 PM UTC on December 7, 2024.
This draw is the fourth Express Entry draw of the year, following two Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws and a PNP-focused draw earlier in January. IRCC continues to emphasize candidates with provincial nominations and Canadian work experience, aligning with the federal government’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2025.
Summary of Express Entry Draws in 2025
Since the start of 2025, IRCC has issued 6,276 ITAs through the Express Entry system. Below is an overview of the draws conducted so far:
Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Cut-off CRS Score |
February 4 | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 455 | 802 |
January 23 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 4,000 | 527 |
January 8 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 1,350 | 542 |
January 7 | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 471 | 793 |
Since July 2024, IRCC has shifted its focus toward candidates in PNP, CEC, and category-based selection draws rather than general draws. This strategy prioritizes candidates already in Canada and those with in-demand skills, supporting the country’s economic growth and labor market needs.
Key Express Entry Priorities for 2025
IRCC continues to emphasize targeted immigration draws that align with Canada’s labor market needs and economic development goals. Under the category-based selection draws introduced in 2023, priority is given to candidates with experience in in-demand sectors such as:
- Healthcare professions (e.g., nurses, doctors, paramedics)
- Skilled trades (e.g., electricians, welders, plumbers)
- STEM occupations (e.g., engineers, software developers, data analysts)
- French-language proficiency (to support francophone immigration outside Quebec)
By prioritizing these occupational categories, Canada aims to address ongoing labor shortages while ensuring that newcomers integrate effectively into the workforce.
Understanding the Express Entry System
Express Entry is Canada’s main system for processing economic immigration applications, designed to assess and select skilled workers for permanent residency efficiently. It oversees three major federal programs:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – For candidates with recent Canadian work experience.
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) – For skilled workers with international work experience.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) – For candidates with experience in skilled trades.
The selection process operates in two key phases:
- Submitting an Express Entry Profile: Candidates enter the Express Entry pool and receive a CRS score based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
- Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA): IRCC conducts periodic draws, selecting top-ranked candidates to apply for permanent residence (PR).
Once an ITA is received, candidates have 60 days to submit a complete PR application. This includes police clearance certificates, proof of funds, medical exams, and other required documents. IRCC strives to process permanent residency applications within a six-month timeframe.
What This Means for Express Entry Candidates
The latest Express Entry trends indicate that PNP candidates continue to receive strong preference in IRCC’s selection process. Applicants looking to enhance their chances of receiving an ITA should explore provincial nomination options and ensure their profiles remain competitive by improving their CRS scores through language proficiency, education credentials, and Canadian work experience.
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