• 26 July 2025

Express Entry Trends in H1 2025: What the First Half of the Year Reveals

The first half of 2025 marks a strategic shift in Canada’s Express Entry system. With immigration targets streamlined and a renewed focus on labour shortages, IRCC has prioritized category-based draws, especially in healthcare and French language proficiency, while reducing general draws. This evolving trend deeply impacts candidates planning their immigration strategies.

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 Key Insights — January to July 2025

1. Draw Frequency & Invitation Volume

• 27 Express Entry draws were held between January 1 and July 24, continuing at a pace similar to 2023 and 2024 

• A total of 49,403 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued—down from 62,615 in 2024 and 69,148 in 2023, reflecting a deliberate slowdown aligned with lowered immigration targets for 2025 

2. Category-Based Selection Dominates

• Over 60% of ITAs in H1 2025 came from category-based draws targeting labour shortages French-language proficiency and healthcare draws were most prominent:

• • French: 3 draws issuing approximately 18,500 ITAs

  • Healthcare & social services: 3 draws issuing roughly 5,000 ITAs

  • Other categories (like Education) contributed smaller but meaningful volumes 

3. CRS Score Patterns

• Category-draw CRS cutoffs were notably lower—often in the 400s—making them more accessible for skilled workers in priority sectors

• General (all-program) draws remain rare and highly competitive, with CRS scores ranging from 540–560+ 

4. PNP & Canadian Experience Class (CEC) as Strategic Routes

• PNP-only draws occurred 13 times, offering the coveted 600-point CRS boost, although individual draw sizes averaged smaller (~500 ITAs each) 

• CEC-only draws appeared 7 times, targeting candidates with Canadian work experience; these remain a streamlined and reliable path for many applicants 

 Summary Table: Express Entry H1 2025

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 What It All Means for You

1. Align Your Profile with Priority Categories
   If you work in healthcare, speak French, or belong to other shortage occupations, you may qualify under lower?score category selection draws.

2. Take Advantage of Provincial Nominations
   With the 600?point CRS bonus, securing a PNP route virtually guarantees an ITA even with modest CRS scores.

3. General Draws Are Tough
   For candidates without category alignment or provincial backing, CRS cutoffs remain highly competitive—above 540.

4. Canadian Work Experience Remains Valuable
   Eligible CEC candidates continue to benefit via exclusive draws, especially if category pathways aren’t available.

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What to Expect in H2 2025

• Continued emphasis on category-based draws, especially for healthcare, French-speaking, and education professionals.

• Potential increase in CEC draws and larger overall ITA volumes to meet remaining admission targets.

• A premium on CRS performance remains—especially for general draws, though category routes offer more flexibility.

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 Ready to Plan Your Next Move?

At Stanstead Immigration, we specialize in helping candidates navigate Express Entry efficiently:

•  Maximize your CRS via PNP strategies

•  Explore eligibility under targeted categories

•  Offer tailored advice for students, healthcare workers & skilled professionals

Let’s work together to turn your Canadian immigration dreams into reality.

• For more detailed information Connect with Stanstead Immigration Services 

  Book a consultation today.

  Website link : www.stansteadimmigration.com

  Gmail : info@stansteadimmigration.com

  Phone Number :  +1-514-574-8595

  Your status is your future. Let us help you protect it. Stanstead Immigration Services 

  Take the first step toward building your future in Canada—book a consultation with us today.