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Express Entry in 2025 A Complete Review of Invitations and Key Changes
Canada’s Express Entry system underwent significant changes in 2025, marking one of the most transformative years since its launch. Adjustments to CRS scoring, the expansion and removal of categories, and a continued shift toward targeted draws had a direct impact on who received Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence.
As 2025 comes to a close, this report reviews how Express Entry draws were conducted throughout the year, which candidates were prioritised, how invitations were distributed, and the key policy changes introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Express Entry Draws and ITAs Issued in 2025
In 2025, IRCC issued a total of 113,998 ITAs across 58 Express Entry draws, representing an increase of 15,195 invitations compared to 2024, which saw 52 draws.
Category-based selection dominated the system, accounting for approximately 59% of all invitations issued. The remaining ITAs were distributed through Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws.
During the first four months of the year, IRCC focused primarily on CEC, PNP, and French-language proficiency draws. From mid-year onward, the department expanded selection to include additional category-based rounds, with healthcare and social services appearing most frequently.
Category-Based Selection Trends
French-language proficiency draws, though limited in number, resulted in the largest share of invitations overall. Each draw issued between 2,500 and 7,500 ITAs, reflecting the federal government’s ongoing objective to increase Francophone immigration outside Quebec.
Healthcare and social services remained a priority sector, with targeted draws aimed at addressing labour shortages nationwide. Trades and education categories were also included but featured fewer rounds.
No general Express Entry draws were held in 2025. The last all-program draw took place on April 23, 2024, confirming IRCC’s continued shift toward targeted selection.
Monthly Distribution of Invitations
ITA issuance varied considerably by month in 2025. While most months recorded relatively modest numbers, IRCC significantly increased invitations during the final quarter of the year.
- December recorded the highest number of ITAs, accounting for approximately 17% of all invitations issued in 2025
- April recorded the lowest, with just over 1% of total invitations
This late-year increase suggests IRCC intensified draw activity to align with annual admissions targets.
CRS Cut-Off Scores Across Draw Types
CRS cut-off scores in 2025 differed widely by draw category:
- French-language draws recorded the lowest cut-offs, falling into the high 300s
- CEC draws remained competitive, generally exceeding 515 points
- PNP draws recorded the highest scores, driven by provincial nomination points
Category-based selection continued to provide opportunities for candidates with lower CRS scores who met specific occupational or language requirements.
A notable trend was observed in CEC draws between August and November, where CRS cut-offs remained nearly unchanged across several consecutive rounds, even following the removal of job offer points earlier in the year.
Key Express Entry Policy Changes in 2025
Increased PR Admissions Targets
Under the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada increased Express Entry-related permanent residence admissions, with a strong emphasis on candidates already residing in Canada. Approximately two-thirds of admissions were allocated to the In-Canada Focus, primarily benefiting CEC and Express Entry-aligned PNP candidates.
Restructuring of Express Entry Categories
In February 2025, IRCC overhauled Express Entry categories. Transportation was removed, Education was introduced, and several occupations were added or removed across existing categories. Healthcare was expanded to include select social services occupations.
The priority categories for 2025 were:
- French-language proficiency
- Healthcare and social services
- Trades
- Education
Introduction of a Physician Category
In December, IRCC announced a new category for physicians with Canadian work experience, scheduled to begin draws in early 2026. Additional measures were also introduced to facilitate permanent residence pathways and faster work permit processing for doctors.
Removal of CRS Points for Job Offers
From March 25, 2025, IRCC removed CRS points for arranged employment, reducing scores by 50 or 200 points for affected candidates. The change applied to all profiles in the Express Entry pool that had not yet received an ITA.
Mandatory Upfront Medical Exams
From August 21, 2025, Express Entry candidates were required to complete immigration medical examinations prior to submitting their PR applications, unless exempt.
Outlook for Express Entry Beyond 2025
Express Entry in 2025 highlighted a clear move toward targeted immigration selection, prioritising candidates with Canadian work experience, French-language proficiency, and skills in high-demand sectors.
With further adjustments expected in 2026, Express Entry candidates will need to closely monitor policy updates, draw trends, and evolving eligibility criteria.