IRCC Kicks Off 2025 with First Express Entry Draw, Inviting CEC Candidates
Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has made a significant move in the new year by issuing invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residency through its first Express Entry draw of 2025. This draw, which took place on January 8, invited 1,350 candidates from the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), a key program under Canada’s Express Entry immigration system. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required for this draw was 542.
This move marks the second Express Entry draw of the year, following closely behind another Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw just a day earlier, on January 7. In this PNP draw, 471 candidates were invited, with the minimum CRS score set at 793. Compared to the previous months, this early year selection signals a somewhat slower pace than seen in the latter months of 2024. However, IRCC remains focused on its key categories for 2025, including those for the CEC and PNP candidates, which were also a major focus in 2024.
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For those unfamiliar with the system, Express Entry is Canada’s primary immigration pathway for skilled workers, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the CEC. Candidates in these programs are ranked based on the CRS score, which takes into account factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. The highest-ranking candidates are then invited to apply for permanent residence, with successful applicants gaining the ability to live and work in Canada permanently.
IRCC has made it clear that in 2025, the immigration department will continue to prioritize candidates who are already in Canada, especially those from the CEC and PNP. These groups are part of the "In-Canada Focus" category in IRCC’s Immigration Levels Plan, which outlines the department’s goal of welcoming 124,680 new permanent residents this year through Express Entry. This selection approach aligns with Canada’s economic and labor market needs, with special focus on candidates possessing skills that align with healthcare, trades, and other critical sectors.
The latest Immigration Levels Plan also suggests that IRCC will prioritize category-based selections. This includes candidates with French-language proficiency, along with those in key sectors like healthcare and trades occupations. While these categories are being prioritized, it is important to note that the original six categories under Express Entry are still active, and applicants from all of them can still be considered for ITAs.
For anyone interested in applying, it’s important to keep in mind that the process is competitive. To be eligible, candidates need to submit their profile to the Express Entry pool, and the higher their CRS score, the better their chances of being invited to apply. After receiving an ITA, candidates have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residency, which is then processed by IRCC. If successful, applicants will receive Canadian permanent residency and gain the right to live, work, and eventually apply for Canadian citizenship.
This first draw of the year is an encouraging sign for potential candidates looking to make Canada their new home. With the ongoing focus on skilled workers and those already residing in the country, 2025 could be an excellent opportunity for many to start or continue their immigration journey.
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