Canada Express Entry 2025 Mid-Year Review: Key Trends, Draw Insights, and What to Expect Next

Canada’s Express Entry system has undergone notable changes in the first half of 2025. From a shift in draw patterns to evolving category preferences, candidates must stay informed to stay competitive. Here’s everything you need to know from January to July 2025 — and how it could affect your permanent residence (PR) journey.

Overview: Express Entry Draw Activity (Jan–Jul 2025)

Draws Held: 27
Total ITAs Issued: 49,403

While the number of draws remained consistent with 2023 and 2024, 2025 saw a major pivot toward Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) invitations. This strategy aligns with IRCC’s effort to slow immigration levels amid housing and affordability concerns.

Year-over-Year Comparison:

Insights by Draw Type: Who Got Invited?

Takeaway:
CEC and French-language draws dominated in volume despite fewer draws. Notably, French-language applicants accounted for 37.4% of all ITAs, while CEC applicants closely followed at 38.1%.

CRS Cut-Off Trends: Lower Scores for Some, Higher for Others

Real-Time Example:
Priya, a registered nurse from India, scored 477 on her CRS. While she missed the CEC draws, she received an ITA in the Healthcare Category draw with a cut-off of 475 — showcasing how category-based draws provide alternate pathways.

Anticipated Trends: What’s Ahead for Late 2025?

• More frequent category-based draws targeting sectors like healthcare, education, and construction trades.

• CEC draws likely to continue with sizable volumes to support PR admissions targets.

• French language draws may slow down but return with higher CRS cut-offs.

Federal Priorities Remain Clear:

• Focus on in-demand occupations

• Expansion of Trades category (19 new occupations added)

• Removal of Transport category

• Continued support for Francophone immigration

Category-Based Draws: A Golden Opportunity for Mid-Low CRS Profiles

With cut-offs as low as 379, category-based selection is ideal for candidates with specialized experience but lower CRS.

Eligible Occupations Include:

• Healthcare: Nurses, physicians, lab techs, social workers

• Construction/Trades: Electricians, plumbers, carpenters, HVAC mechanics

• Education: Early childhood educators, teacher assistants

Real-Time Use Case:
Carlos, a 42-year-old electrician from Brazil with a CRS of 463, received a nomination through the Trades category. Despite his age lowering his CRS, category-based selection opened the door to PR.

Provincial Nominee Programs: Game-Changer for Applicants Over 40

Age plays a significant role in CRS scoring — those above 40 can lose up to 60 points compared to younger applicants. But with PNP nominations adding 600 CRS points, this route remains extremely effective.

Use Case:
Amrita, aged 45 with 470 CRS, was nominated through Ontario’s Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream. Her score jumped to 1,070, guaranteeing her an ITA in the next Express Entry draw.

Job Market & Immigration Alignment

Top Sectors with High Job Vacancies (April 2025):

• Healthcare and social assistance – 4.1%

• Accommodation and food services – 4.0%

• Construction – 3.2%

These vacancy rates correlate directly with Express Entry draw priorities and spousal open work permit eligibility for select TEER 2 & 3 occupations.

Spousal Open Work Permits: Who Qualifies?

Spouses of foreign workers in TEER 0, 1, and select TEER 2 & 3 occupations (especially in healthcare and construction) may qualify for open work permits.

Real-Time Use Case:
Raj, a radiology technician in Toronto (NOC 32121), enabled his spouse Meena to receive an open work permit under the updated 2025 guidelines.

Conclusion: Express Entry 2025 Is All About Strategy

With reduced ITA quotas and evolving policy focus, strategic alignment with Canada’s priority occupations is more important than ever. Whether through category-based draws, PNPs, or CRS optimization, staying informed and targeted is the key to unlocking Canadian PR.