
The Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has started 2025 with significant activity in its Express Entry system, focusing on inviting skilled candidates to apply for permanent residency. Two draws in the first week highlight Canada’s approach to addressing labor market needs.
Also Read IRCC Issues New Invitations in Latest Express Entry Draws on 8th January
Details of the Draws
January 8, 2025:
- Program: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Invitations to Apply (ITAs): 1,350
- Minimum CRS Score: 542
January 7, 2025:
- Program: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Invitations to Apply (ITAs): 471
- Minimum CRS Score: 793
Targeted Immigration in 2025
This year, IRCC is prioritizing healthcare, trades, and French-language candidates, aligning with Canada’s labor market goals. These category-based selections aim to facilitate smoother pathways for skilled professionals.
Path to Permanent Residency
Express Entry remains Canada’s primary economic immigration system. Candidates submit profiles, receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, and, if selected, have 60 days to apply for PR. In 2025, the IRCC plans to welcome over 124,000 new residents through this streamlined system.
Also Read
- IRCC Conducts Express Entry Draw for Canadian Experience Class ParticipantsImmigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently conducted another targeted invitation round under Express Entry, reserving it for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) participants only.
- The Latest Round of Express Entry Draw Invites PNP CandidatesIRCC, Canada’s immigration body, has recently invited eligible candidates to apply for the Canadian PR through its latest Express Entry draw round. The latest draw
- Alberta Invites Skilled Construction Professionals in Recent Express Entry DrawIn a strategic move of the province to support its increasing infrastructure requirements, Alberta did a focused immigration draw on July 25, 2025, designed specifically
- IRCC Introduces Greater Transparency in Refusals for Temporary Visa ApplicantsIRCC has recently started sending officer notes along with selected temporary visa refusal letters. This is an attempt by the IRCC to enhance greater transparency
- New Francophone Immigration Pathway Expands in Three Canadian CommunitiesThree Canadian regions—Acadian Peninsula (New Brunswick), St. Pierre Jolys (Manitoba), and Kelowna (British Columbia)—have officially announced their involvement in the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP),