Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has invited over 6,200 skilled workers through the Express Entry system in 2025. The latest draw issued 455 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
To qualify, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 802 and had to submit their Express Entry profile before 7:39 PM UTC on December 7, 2024. This marks another step in Canada’s commitment to welcoming skilled talent through its immigration system.
Summary of Express Entry Draws in 2025
This marks the fourth Express Entry draw of 2025, following two Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws and one PNP draw earlier in the year. In total, IRCC has issued 6,276 ITAs through the Express Entry system since January.
Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Cut-off CRS Score |
---|---|---|---|
February 4 | Provincial Nominee Program | 455 | 802 |
January 23 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 527 |
January 8 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,350 | 542 |
January 7 | Provincial Nominee Program | 471 | 793 |
IRCC’s Focus on Targeted Draws
Since July 2024, IRCC has prioritized invitations for PNP, CEC, and category-based selection draws. This aligns with Canada’s annual Immigration Levels Plan, which aims to balance economic and demographic needs by selecting candidates with relevant professional and language skills.
For 2025, the key priority categories for Express Entry draws include:
- Healthcare
- Trades
- French-language proficiency
How Does Express Entry Work?
The Express Entry system is an applicant management system that processes three major economic immigration programs:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Candidates must first submit an Express Entry profile and are then placed in a pool where they are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Points are awarded based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. Those with the highest CRS scores are invited to apply for Permanent Residence (PR).
Step-by-Step Guide to Express Entry
1. Check Your Eligibility: Determine if you qualify for one of the Express Entry programs—CEC, FSWP, or FSTP—by meeting the required criteria.
2. Take Language Tests & Gather Documents: Complete your language proficiency test and obtain necessary documents, including an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), if required.
3. Create & Submit Your Express Entry Profile: Register on the IRCC portal, submit your profile, and receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on your credentials.
4. Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA): Stay in the candidate pool until IRCC selects you based on your CRS score and category-specific draws.
5. Apply for Permanent Residence (PR): If you receive an ITA, submit your complete PR application within 60 days, including documents like police clearance and proof of funds.
6. Submit Biometrics (If Required): If requested, provide fingerprints and photos to complete the identification process.
7. Get the Final Decision & Land in Canada: If approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a PR visa (if applicable). Travel to Canada and complete the landing process to become a permanent resident.
Express Entry Fees for 2025
Applicants must pay processing fees when applying for Canadian permanent residence through Express Entry. The right of permanent residence fee (RPRF) is required unless exempt. Below is a breakdown of the fees:
Application Type | Fee (CAD) |
---|---|
Primary Applicant (with RPRF) | $1,525 |
Primary Applicant (without RPRF) | $950 |
Spouse/Partner (with RPRF) | $1,525 |
Spouse/Partner (without RPRF) | $950 |
Dependent Child (per child) | $260 |
Additional costs may apply for biometrics, medical exams, and police certificates. Ensure all fees are paid when submitting your permanent residence application to avoid delays.
Processing & Approval
IRCC aims to process Express Entry PR applications within six months. Successful candidates must land in Canada to finalize their PR status.
Conclusion
Canada’s Express Entry system continues to evolve, with targeted draws focusing on key industries and skill sets. Prospective immigrants should stay updated on CRS score trends and category-based selections to improve their chances of securing permanent residence.
For the latest Express Entry updates, visit the official IRCC website.
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