Canada’s Express Entry Draws Have Evolved in 2025 (Till Now)

The Express Entry system has seen notable shifts in 2025, revealing important trends in Canada’s immigration strategy.

This article explores:

• The types of draws held in 2025, compared to previous years
• The number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued
• Cut-off CRS scores by draw type
• What to expect from Express Entry in the rest of 2025

How Many Express Entry Draws Have Occurred in 2025?

Between January 1 and July 24, 2025, Canada conducted 27 Express Entry draws. This number closely matches mid-year totals from 2023 and 2024. However, there has been a noticeable increase in the frequency of Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws, marking a shift in selection priorities.

Multiple draws were held nearly every month, with especially busy periods in March and June when four or more draws were conducted.

Total Invitations Issued in 2025 So Far

As of July 24, 2025, a total of 49,403 ITAs were issued across all draw types.
This figure is lower than the ITAs issued during the same period in 2023 and 2024. The reduced number reflects Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) aim to manage immigration levels in response to housing and affordability concerns.

Which Draw Types Dominated in Early 2025?

Here’s a breakdown of the draw types and their share of total ITAs:

• French-language Proficiency Draws: Although only three draws were conducted for this category, they accounted for 37.4% of all ITAs issued, largely due to large-scale rounds.
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Draws: With 38.1% of total ITAs, CEC draws were the second most frequent. These draws picked up pace from May onwards, often issuing between 3,000–4,000 ITAs per round.
• PNP Draws: Despite being the most frequent, they contributed just 12.2% of total ITAs, issuing an average of 500 invitations per draw.
• Category-Based (Occupation-Specific) Draws: These draws, though more common than in past years, accounted for only 12.1% of ITAs. They typically offered between 500–1,000 ITAs, except for a large healthcare draw on July 22.

CRS Cut-Off Score Trends in 2025

The cut-off scores varied across draw types. Notably:

• CEC Draws: Scores have gradually declined as larger, more frequent rounds began mid-May.
• French-Language Draws: These had the lowest CRS cut-offs in 2025, due to back-to-back large draws. However, future draws might see higher scores, especially after the current pause.

What to Expect from Express Entry for the Rest of 2025

While exact predictions are difficult, current trends and government policy offer some clues about what’s ahead.

Continued Focus on Program Priorities

Unless there’s a policy shift, IRCC is expected to prioritize candidates aligned with its 2025 goals. These include:

• Increasing invitations for CEC candidates
• Targeting priority occupations in:
  • Healthcare and social services
  • Education
  • Trades
  • French-language proficiency

Although trades were designated as a priority for 2025, no trade-focused draws have taken place yet. IRCC also expanded the trade category to include construction roles, suggesting a stronger push in that area through other immigration channels.

Looking Ahead: Express Entry Activity from July Onward

A 2024 IRCC memo explained that most ITAs issued from July to February would count toward next year’s PR admissions targets due to the typical 6–16 month application processing time.

If this trend continues, Express Entry draws could become larger and more frequent in the second half of 2025. This would help IRCC meet the 2026 Express Entry target of 123,320 new permanent residents.

Interestingly, July 2024 was among the busiest months in Express Entry history, with 25,125 ITAs issued over nine draws.

Updates to Express Entry Categories in 2025

In February 2025, IRCC made major changes to occupational categories:

• New Education Category: Includes early childhood educators, teachers, and assistants.
• Transport Category Removed: Previously active in 2023 and 2024, it was dropped in 2025.
• Occupation List Revisions: Adjustments were made across other categories, though STEM and Agriculture categories remain active but are not a current focus.

For detailed information on the changes, refer to IRCC’s full announcement on category updates.

Conclusion

So far, 2025 has shown a strategic shift in Canada’s Express Entry draws—focusing more on language proficiency and work experience within Canada. With more changes expected and a focus on future immigration goals, the rest of the year may bring larger, more targeted rounds that align with the country’s evolving priorities.

Planning to Immigrate? Let SWEC Guide You Through the Process If you’re aiming to secure permanent residency in Canada through Canada Express Entry, SWEC – your trusted overseas education and immigration consultant – is here to help. With years of expertise and up-to-date knowledge of changing immigration trends, SWEC provides personalized guidance for every step, from eligibility assessment to final PR application. Whether you’re applying under CEC, PNP, or category-based draws, SWEC ensures your profile is optimized to increase your chances of success. Connect with us today to start your Canadian journey with confidence.