Maple News reports that Canada’s Express Entry system has gained momentum in early 2025, with a significant increase in Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued in the month of February. Over 17,000 ITAs have been sent out during the first two months of the year as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) intensifies efforts to meet its immigration goals.
In February alone, IRCC issued a total of 11,601 ITAs through four separate draws under three different categories—Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and a French-language proficiency stream. This marks the highest number of ITAs in a single month since 2023, more than doubling the figures seen in each of the previous four months.
Breakdown of draws for February 2025:
– February 4: 455 invitations (PNP) with a CRS cutoff of 802
– February 5: 4,000 invitations (CEC) with a CRS cutoff of 521
– February 17: 646 invitations (PNP) with a CRS cutoff of 750
– February 19: 6,500 invitations (French-language proficiency) with a remarkably lower CRS cutoff of 428
The February 19 draw stands out for targeting French-speaking candidates—reflecting the government’s ongoing commitment to boosting Francophone immigration outside Quebec. These draws are part of Canada’s category-based selection strategy, designed to address labor shortages and support regional growth.
Compared to previous months, February’s draw activity exceeded expectations. October 2024 saw just 5,961 ITAs, while December slumped to 2,561. February’s performance reverses this trend, indicating a deliberate shift by IRCC toward accelerated immigration processing this year.
Furthermore, in a policy update issued on February 27, IRCC confirmed that CEC candidates will remain a top priority for 2025. This move aligns with the government’s goal of integrating skilled workers with Canadian work experience—a key measure to address immediate labor market needs.
Significant changes are also underway within the Express Entry system. Canada has eliminated the transport occupations category and made structural changes to both STEM and trades categories. Additionally, a brand-new category focused on education-related occupations has been introduced, opening doors for educators seeking permanent residence.
These changes reflect a growing emphasis on tailored immigration strategies that align with economic priorities and demographic shifts. As competition intensifies within the Express Entry pool, candidates are advised to stay informed on category-specific draws and evolving CRS cut-offs.
Maple News will continue to provide reliable updates on Canada’s Express Entry system and other critical immigration pathways as new policies unfold.