Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has held another Express Entry draw targeting candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), issuing 455 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) on February 4, 2025. To qualify for this round, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 802 and were required to have submitted their Express Entry profiles before 7:39 p.m. UTC on December 7, 2024.
This marks the fourth Express Entry draw so far in 2025 and the second of the year focused specifically on PNP candidates. IRCC has been actively conducting draws for both Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and provincial nominees as part of their evolving immigration strategy. So far in 2025, a total of 6,276 ITAs have been issued across various categories.
Canada’s 2025 Express Entry draws have reflected IRCC’s continued focus on aligning economic immigration with national labor market needs. Alongside PNP-targeted rounds, IRCC has also held draws focused on healthcare professionals, educators, individuals with French-language proficiency, and skilled trades workers.
Since the CRS points recalibration in mid-2024, IRCC has increasingly prioritized applicants already residing in Canada—such as international graduates and temporary workers transitioning to permanent residency—as well as candidates whose occupational backgrounds match key economic sectors. This strategy supports the goals outlined in the federal Immigration Levels Plan.
Under the Express Entry system, candidates are ranked using the CRS, which evaluates factors including age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. Higher-scoring candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence through periodic invitation rounds.
Current priority categories for 2025 include healthcare, skilled trades, and French-language proficiency. These categories were selected based on their alignment with Canada’s demographic needs and efforts to address labor market shortages in critical industries.
The Express Entry system governs three federal economic immigration programs: the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Candidates who meet the criteria for any of these programs can enter the Express Entry pool and potentially receive an ITA in category-specific or general draws.
For newcomers seeking a pathway to Canadian permanent residency, staying informed on cutoff scores and category priorities is essential. Maple News will continue to provide timely updates on all future Express Entry draws and immigration trends.