Express Entry (EE) remains Canada’s most important economic immigration system, and 2025 clearly showed how targeted and strategic it has become. For skilled workers planning permanent residence, understanding what actually happened in EE draws—not assumptions—is critical.
At Eiffel Immigration, we’ve spent years analyzing EE trends to help applicants make informed decisions. By reviewing official Express Entry rounds published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), we can clearly identify which candidates received Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in 2025 and why.
This guide breaks down:
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Official EE 2025 draw data
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CRS score trends by category
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Who was prioritized for PR
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What applicants should prepare for next
Express Entry 2025: Official Numbers from IRCC
According to IRCC’s Ministerial Instructions, 58 Express Entry draws were conducted in 2025, issuing over 117,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) across multiple draw types.
These draws included:
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Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
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Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
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French language proficiency
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Category-based selections (healthcare, social services, etc.)
Express Entry 2025: Official Guide
EE remains Canada’s most important economic immigration system, and 2025 clearly showed how targeted and strategic it has become. For skilled workers planning permanent residence, understanding what actually happened in EE draws—not assumptions—is critical.
At Eiffel Immigration, we’ve spent years analyzing EE trends to help applicants make informed decisions. By reviewing official Express Entry rounds published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), we can clearly identify which candidates received Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in 2025 and why.
What this guide covers:
- Official EE 2025 draw data
- CRS score trends by category
- Who was prioritized for PR
- What applicants should prepare for next
Express Entry 2025 Draw Types: Official Comparison
Discover the different types of EE draws in 2025, the number of invitations issued, CRS cut-off scores, and who benefited the most.
| EE Draw Type | Number of Draws | ITAs Issued | CRS Cut-Off Range | Who Benefited Most |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 24 | ~9,775 | 691–959 | Candidates with provincial nominations |
| French Language Proficiency | Multiple | ~48,000 | 379–481 | French-speaking professionals |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 15 | ~35,850 | 515–547 | Applicants with Canadian work experience |
| Healthcare & Social Services | Several | ~14,500 | Lower than CEC | Healthcare & social service professionals |
| General / Other Categories | Limited | Remaining | Variable | High CRS profiles |
What this tells us: EE in 2025 was not about one single pathway—it rewarded candidates who aligned with language goals, labour shortages, and provincial needs.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) EE Draws
PNP-linked EE draws occurred most frequently in 2025, accounting for 24 out of 58 draws. However, they issued fewer invitations overall compared to other categories.
This is expected. PNP draws are:
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Highly targeted
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Province-specific
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Designed to fill exact labour market gaps
Candidates with employer support or provincial ties benefited the most.
French Language Proficiency: A Major EE Advantage
French-language EE draws were one of the biggest success stories of 2025.
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48,000 ITAs issued
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CRS cut-offs as low as 379
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Minimum requirement: NCLC 7 in all language abilities
This clearly shows IRCC’s commitment to strengthening Francophone communities outside Quebec. Many candidates received ITAs without Canadian work experience, purely based on strong French skills.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Still Competitive
CEC remained a core EE pathway in 2025, but it was also one of the most competitive.
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15 CEC draws
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35,850 ITAs issued
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CRS cut-offs consistently between 515 and 547
Successful CEC candidates typically had:
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Strong English language scores (CLB 9–10)
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Canadian education
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Multiple years of Canadian skilled work experience
Healthcare & Social Services: Priority Occupations in Express Entry
Healthcare and social service professionals continued to benefit from category-based EE draws.
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14,500 ITAs issued
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CRS cut-offs lower than CEC
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Canadian work experience not always required
This reflects Canada’s long-term labour planning and demand in essential services.
CRS Score Comparison by Express Entry Category (2025)
| Candidate Category | Typical CRS Needed | Canadian Experience Required | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| French-speaking candidates | Low–Medium (379+) | Not mandatory | French proficiency |
| CEC applicants | High (515+) | Yes | Canadian work experience |
| Healthcare professionals | Medium | Not mandatory | Occupation-based selection |
| PNP nominees | Very High (600+ bonus) | Often required | Provincial nomination |
| General skilled workers | Very High | Not required | Overall CRS strength |
Who Actually Got PR Through Express Entry in 2025?
Based on official data and real-world outcomes, the most successful EE candidates in 2025 were:
- French-speaking professionals
- International graduates with Canadian work experience
- Healthcare and social service workers
- Candidates with provincial nominations
CRS score alone was not enough—success came from aligning profiles with IRCC priorities.
What Express Entry Applicants Should Learn from 2025
The biggest lesson from Express Entry 2025 is simple:
EE rewards strategy, not guesswork.
Applicants who understood:
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Which draw types were happening
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How language impacted CRS
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Which occupations were prioritized
had significantly higher chances of receiving an ITA.
Preparing for Express Entry in 2026 and Beyond
If you’re planning to apply through EE, now is the right time to:
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Improve English or French language scores
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Explore category-based eligibility
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Consider provincial nomination options
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Strategically position your profile before entering the pool
📌 Visual placement suggestion:
Express Entry pathway infographic (Assessment → CRS → Draw → ITA)
Express Entry FAQs
How many Express Entry draws were held in 2025?
IRCC conducted 58 Express Entry draws throughout 2025.
What was the lowest CRS score in Express Entry 2025?
The lowest CRS scores were seen in French-language proficiency draws, with cut-offs as low as 379.
Can I get PR through Express Entry without Canadian work experience?
Yes. Many candidates received ITAs through French-language and category-based draws without Canadian experience.
Is Express Entry still worth applying for?
Yes. Express Entry remains Canada’s primary economic immigration system, with evolving and targeted selection.
Final Thoughts
Express Entry in 2025 proved once again that there is no single formula for success. Language ability, occupation, provincial demand, and timing all play a role.
At Eiffel Immigration, we don’t just help clients apply—we help them build strong, strategic EE profiles based on real data and current IRCC priorities.
Not sure where your Express Entry profile stands?
Our licensed experts can help you understand your options and improve your chances—before the next draw.
