Canada’s Express Entry system has seen significant changes in 2025, with new draw patterns, shifting CRS scores, and updated immigration priorities.
Here’s a breakdown of key trends, draw types, and what to expect for the rest of the year.
2025 Express Entry Draws at a Glance
1. Number of Draws (Jan–July 2025)
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27 draws held as of July 24, 2025
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Similar pace to 2023 & 2024, but with more PNP-focused rounds
| Year | Draws (Jan–July) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 27 |
| 2024 | 27 |
| 2023 | 22 |
2. ITAs Issued (Lower Than Previous Years)
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49,403 ITAs issued in 2025 (vs. 62,615 in 2024)
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Reflects Canada’s reduced immigration targets to address housing pressures
| Year | ITAs Issued (Jan–July) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 49,403 |
| 2024 | 62,615 |
| 2023 | 69,148 |
Breakdown of 2025 Draw Types
| Draw Type | # of Draws | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 13 | 6,053 |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 7 | 18,850 |
| French Language Proficiency | 3 | 18,500 |
| Healthcare & Social Services | 3 | 5,000 |
| Education Occupations | 1 | 1,000 |
Key Takeaways:
✔ French-language draws dominated (37.4% of all ITAs)
✔ CEC remains strong (38.1% of ITAs, frequent large draws)
✔ PNP draws most frequent but issued fewer ITAs (12.2%)
✔ Category-based draws growing (Healthcare, Education)
CRS Score Trends in 2025
| Draw Type | Lowest CRS | Highest CRS |
|---|---|---|
| CEC | 518 | 547 |
| French Proficiency | 379 | 428 |
| Healthcare | 475 | 510 |
| Education | 479 | – |
Trends Observed:
📉 CEC scores declining (due to larger, more frequent draws)
📉 French draws had lowest CRS (379) but may rise after pause
📈 Healthcare & Education draws stable (475–510 range)
What to Expect for the Rest of 2025
1. Continued Focus on Priority Categories
IRCC will likely keep prioritizing:
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Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
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French-language proficiency
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Healthcare, Education & Trades*
(No Trades draws yet in 2025, but expected soon)
2. Possible Increase in ITAs
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July–Dec ITAs count toward 2025 PR targets
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July 2024 saw 25,125 ITAs—could 2025 follow suit?
3. Category Updates
✅ New in 2025: Education category (teachers, ECEs)
❌ Removed: Transport category
🔄 Revised occupations in Healthcare, STEM, Trades
