Canada Express Entry 2025: Key Draw Updates & PNP Insights
IRCC Reveals 2025 Express Entry Draw Plans: What to Expect in Education, Healthcare, and Trades
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released new details about its Express Entry draw plans for the remainder of 2025. If you’re hoping to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry this year, especially if you’re in education, healthcare, or the trades, there’s plenty to be optimistic about.
Let’s break down what this means for you and how it ties into Canada’s broader immigration goals.
Key Highlights
- IRCC is ramping up category-based Express Entry draws through the end of 2025
- Healthcare, education, and trades will see more invitations to apply (ITAs) this year
- Francophone immigration continues to be a key priority, aiming for 8.5% admissions
- A new ITA calendar will be shared with provinces to improve nomination planning
- These draws support Canada’s 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan
- Over 5,800 ITAs are still expected in just three key occupations before year-end
What’s New with Express Entry in 2025?
According to a report accessed through an Access to Information Request (ATIP) by Calgary-based immigration consultant Mandeep Lidher, IRCC has big plans for the second half of 2025. The department will be focusing heavily on category-based Express Entry draws — a strategy introduced in 2023 to prioritize candidates with experience in high-demand sectors.
The goal? To ensure that skilled newcomers are filling critical labour gaps across Canada, while also aligning with the government’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2025–2027. The majority of the ITAs (invitations to apply) being issued from July onward are expected to contribute toward meeting the 2026 immigration targets.
Breakdown of ITAs by Category
So far in 2025, three key categories are seeing a wave of invitations. Here’s a closer look at the numbers shared in the ATIP:
| Category | 2025 Planned ITAs | ITAs Issued (So Far) | ITAs Remaining |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education | 3,000 | 1,000 | 2,000 |
| Healthcare | 8,000 | 7,500 | 500 |
| Trades | 3,300 | 0 | 3,300 |
As you can see, there’s still a significant number of ITAs left to be issued — particularly in the trades and education sectors. This suggests we’ll likely see several more targeted draws before the end of the year. If you’re working in one of these professions, now is a great time to make sure your Express Entry profile is up to date and competitive.
In total, IRCC is using six category-based groupings in 2025:
- Healthcare and social services
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)
- Trades
- Agriculture and agri-food
- Education
- French-language proficiency
French-Language Proficiency Draws on the Rise
Another major focus for IRCC this year is increasing Francophone immigration outside of Quebec. The federal government has set a goal to have French-speaking newcomers make up 8.5% of total admissions in 2025 — and they’re well on their way.
Between February and March 2025, IRCC held a series of French-language draws that resulted in a whopping 18,500 ITAs being issued. And another 2,500 invitations were issued during a draw on August 8, which are expected to contribute to the 2026 target.
If you’re proficient in French and considering immigrating to Canada, this could be a great time to take advantage of these dedicated draws. It’s clear that IRCC is rewarding language diversity — and that French skills can give your profile a serious boost.
New ITA Planning Calendar for Provinces
In a welcome move for both applicants and provinces, IRCC plans to start sharing a new ITA calendar with all provinces and territories. This collaborative approach is meant to help provincial governments better plan their Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws and nominations in coordination with federal invitations.
What’s included in the calendar?
- A three-month forecast of expected draw dates
- The type of draw (e.g. general or category-based)
- Estimated minimum CRS scores for the next two months
This added transparency should help streamline the nomination process across the country, and gives candidates a better idea of when and how they might be drawn.
What This Means If You’re Applying Through Express Entry
If you’re currently in the Express Entry pool — or thinking of joining — now’s a good time to assess where you stand. With thousands of ITAs still up for grabs in the second half of 2025, especially in high-demand sectors like healthcare, education, and trades, it’s worth reviewing your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and exploring ways to make your profile stand out.
Don’t forget that Manitoba’s PNP and other provincial programs are also aligned with Express Entry, offering even more routes to permanent residence.
If French is one of your strengths, consider writing a French-language exam to boost your score and make yourself eligible for Francophone draws. And if your work experience falls into one of the six targeted categories, you may be closer to an ITA than you think.
Final Thoughts
Canada’s immigration system continues to evolve, with category-based Express Entry draws leading the charge in 2025. Whether you’re a skilled tradesperson, a healthcare worker, a teacher, or a French-speaking professional, there are plenty of opportunities ahead. With IRCC’s renewed focus on strategic immigration, now’s the time to act.
Need help improving your Express Entry profile or exploring your options? Take the first step today by assessing your eligibility and staying up to date with the latest draw trends.
See how competitive your Express Entry profile is — your Canadian dream might be closer than you think!
