IRCC Invites More Candidates for PR through Express Entry!

IRCC Invites More Candidates for PR through Express Entry!

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted two Express Entry draws this week, issuing invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence (PR) to qualified candidates.

January 2025 Express Entry Draw Details

January 8, 2025: IRCC invited 1,350 candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 542.

January 7, 2025: A Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw issued 471 ITAs to candidates with a minimum CRS score of 793.

Trends in Express Entry Draws

In December 2024, IRCC issued fewer ITAs (2,561) compared to earlier months, with a reduced number of draws. However, November and October saw over 5,000 ITAs issued across six draws.

This year’s initial draws suggest a continued focus on specific categories and programs, prioritizing economic needs and demographic strategies.

Focus Areas in 2024

IRCC prioritized candidates from these categories:

·        Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

·        Enhanced PNPs (Express Entry-aligned)

·        French-language proficiency

IRCC’s Focus for 2025

Under the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, IRCC aims to:

1.     In-Canada Focus : Prioritize candidates already in Canada, especially through the CEC and PNP programs.

2.     Federal Economic Priorities: Emphasize applicants supporting Canada’s labor market and demographic goals via category-based selections.

Priority Categories for 2025

·        Healthcare occupations

·        Trades occupations

·        French-language proficiency

While these categories are emphasized, other draws will continue unless specified by IRCC.

Overview of Express Entry

Established in 2015, Express Entry manages applications for three economic immigration programs:

·        Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

·        Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

·        Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

It also accommodates enhanced nominations from PNPs, enabling provinces to select candidates through the system.

In 2023, IRCC introduced category-based selections, allowing targeted invitations for candidates with specific professional skills or French proficiency. In 2025, Express Entry will remain Canada’s largest immigration pathway, with a target of welcoming 124,680 newcomers this year.

How Express Entry Works

1.     Candidate Profile Submission: Eligible candidates create a profile scored under the CRS.

2.     Invitation to Apply (ITA): High-ranking candidates are selected in draws and receive ITAs.

3.     PR Application Submission: Candidates have 60 days to submit a complete PR application.

4.     Landing in Canada: Successful applicants gain PR status and can live, work, and settle in Canada indefinitely.