Canada’s Express Entry system is off to an active yet selective start in 2025, with immigration draws becoming increasingly targeted and competitive. As the year unfolds, new trends are emerging that could influence how—and when—candidates are invited to apply for permanent residency.
From tightened Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) thresholds to a rising focus on French-language speakers, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is clearly adjusting its priorities in a changing demographic and economic landscape.
Fewer, More Focused Draws Mark 2025 So Far
By the end of April, IRCC had invited nearly 32,000 candidates to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry. However, this figure doesn’t tell the full story. Rather than holding general draws across all programs, IRCC has been highly selective.
A look at recent activity shows a strong emphasis on PNP draws and category-based selection, with higher-than-usual Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off scores, particularly for provincially nominated applicants.
Recent Highlights:
- May 1: 1,000 ITAs in an Education category draw (CRS: 479)
- April 28 & 14: PNP draws with CRS scores of 727 and 764
- March 21: A major draw for French-language proficiency (7,500 ITAs at CRS 379)
- No Canadian Experience Class draws since early February
What’s Behind the High CRS Scores?
PNP draws often feature elevated CRS cut-offs because candidates who receive a provincial nomination are awarded 600 extra points, placing them well above the average applicant. These draws serve to align federal immigration goals with local labor market needs—especially in smaller provinces or rural areas facing talent shortages.
Meanwhile, other pathways like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)—once a staple of the Express Entry stream—have not seen activity since February. For many international students and workers already in Canada, this pause creates a period of uncertainty.
French-Speaking Candidates in High Demand
Another clear trend: French-speaking applicants outside Quebec are getting noticed. IRCC conducted multiple draws in early 2025, focusing on Francophone candidates, with high numbers of invitations and relatively lower CRS scores.
This approach contributes to Ottawa’s commitment to enhance Francophone minority communities throughout Canada and decrease the decline of the linguistic populations especially in places like Ontario, Manitoba, and New Brunswick.
New Category: Education Sector
The first week of May brought something new: a draw focused on educational occupations, suggesting that IRCC is expanding the scope of category-based selection introduced in 2023. While details remain limited, this move signals more precise in how the department fills key labor gaps.
What About Family Inclusion?
One of the less discussed benefits of Express Entry is it’s not only for individuals. If you get an invitation and then apply for PR, your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children can be included on the same application.
You will be able to sponsor other family members, such as parents and grandparents, after you receive permanent residency, either through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) or by getting them a Super Visa for extended visits.
Looking Ahead: More Changes to Come?
The current Immigration Levels Plan aims to admit 395,000 new permanent residents in 2025, with over half coming through economic immigration. Yet based on draw patterns so far, IRCC seems to be emphasizing precision over volume—choosing applicants who fit specific labor needs and language goals.
Even so, it is possible we could see a stronger push for certain categories, such as skilled trades, and STEM, and healthcare spaces, especially if the shortages worsen in these sectors. If you are contemplating Express Entry this year, be adaptable and strategic. Continuously update your profile, watch categories that are trendy, consider increasing your chance through provincial nominations or a language test.
In 2025, being selected isn’t just about a high CRS score, it’s aligning within Canada’s evolving immigration priorities to stay ahead.