Canada has conducted its first Express Entry draw of 2025 and issued 471 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in the Provincial Nominee Program category.
The January 7 draw saw a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 793 points, 66 points higher than the Provincial Nominee Program draw conducted on Dec 16, 2024, which saw 1,085 ITAs issued.
In 2024, Canada conducted the following draws:
- Nine all-program draws
- Eleven draws targeted at French speakers
- One draw targeted at transport jobs
- One draw targeted at agriculture and agri-food occupations
- Three draws targeted at healthcare occupations
- One draw targeted at STEM occupations
- 14 PNP draws
- Ten CEC draws
- Two draws targeted at trade occupations
Canada issued 98,803 invitations to apply (ITAs) through Express Entry in 2024.
IRCC issued 110,266 ITAs in 2023, after inviting 45,115 candidates in the whole of 2022.
IRCC issued a record 114,431 ITAs in 2021, all to Canadian Experience Class and Provincial Nominee Program candidates. It beat the previous record of 107,350 set in 2020.
The latest draw saw the tie-breaking rule implemented on November 25, 2024, at 11:57 AM EST. If more than one candidate had the minimum CRS score, only those who submitted their Express Entry profiles before this date and time received invitations.
This was the 1st round of invitations under Express Entry in 2025 and 331st overall.
Candidates have a 60-day window to submit their applications, which will usually be processed within the six-month standard.
What Can Employers Do To Recruit Foreign Workers?
Employers are encouraged to consider securing an LMIA or nomination under provincial nomination programs (PNPs) to ensure long-term retention of employees.
At immigration.ca we provide Canadian employers with unparalleled immigration legal services and can help with the recruitment of foreign nationals.
We bring qualified candidates to Canada in the shortest time possible. Employers in a wide range of industries can directly benefit from our unique position as one of Canada’s leading immigration firms in the industry to meet both their recruitment and immigration requirements.
Interested employers wishing to seek our assistance are invited to contact us here for further information.
What Should Candidates Do Next?
Securing an approved offer of employment is highly recommended as one of the best pathways to guaranteeing an ITA in the next round of invitations.
Find out whether you qualify for Canada by completing our free online evaluation. We will provide you with your evaluation results within 1-2 business days.
Resources:
- immigration.ca News Articles – A daily news source outlining the latest developments in immigration, employment and the economy.
