Canada Kicks Off 2025 with Two Key Express Entry Draws

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

• Canada Invites 279 Provincial Nominees in Latest Express Entry Draw
  Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has carried out a new round of invitations on 16th February, through the Express Entry system, focusing specifically on
• Manitoba PNP Conducts Targeted Skilled Worker Draw on February 12, 2026
  On February 12, 2026, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) carried out a new selection round under its Skilled Worker Stream, issuing 29 Letters of
• Manitoba Updates Work Permit Rules for Skilled Workers
  Manitoba has introduced significant updates to its Temporary Resident Retention Pilot (TRRP), expanding access to work permit extensions for foreign workers employed in 16 skilled
• New Brunswick Issues 326 Immigration ITAs in February Draws
  New Brunswick has announced the results of its early February 2026 provincial nomination rounds, highlighting a continued preference for candidates who are already connected to
• Ontario Secures Larger Immigration Share for 2026
  Ontario will have more room to nominate economic immigrants in 2026 after the federal government confirmed a higher allocation under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).