Maple News reports that Canada’s Express Entry system is continuing its steady pace into February 2025, following a more active January that signaled a return to pre-December levels of immigration activity. So far, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has already conducted two draws in February, outpacing the number of invitations issued in December 2024.
In January, IRCC issued 5,821 Invitations to Apply (ITAs)—more than double the 2,561 ITAs from December. The January draws primarily focused on candidates from the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and those nominated through enhanced Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), continuing Canada’s focus on selecting skilled workers already in the country or supported by provinces.
One notable shift in the January 2025 Express Entry landscape was the absence of draws targeting French-speaking candidates. This marks the first month since June 2024 without a draw for individuals with French-language proficiency. While this deviation from regular patterns raises questions, IRCC has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Francophone immigration outside Quebec and more such draws are expected later in the year.
When comparing monthly ITA numbers, January’s total more closely aligns with issuance levels seen in October (5,961 ITAs) and November 2024 (5,507 ITAs), reinforcing the idea that December’s lower numbers may have been a temporary dip linked to seasonal or operational factors.
As of early February 2025, the Express Entry pool appears to be highly competitive, with candidates increasingly requiring higher Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores to receive invitations. This trend reflects both the quality of applicants and IRCC’s focused selection strategies aligned with workforce needs and immigration goals.
IRCC’s activity so far this year signals a deliberate and strategic approach to immigration, hitting key targets while adapting to changing priorities. As draws continue and the year progresses, candidates are advised to monitor not only their CRS scores but also emerging trends around category-based selection, including potential future draws for French speakers and in-demand occupations.
Maple News will continue providing timely updates and insights as Canada’s Express Entry system evolves.