Express Entry Updates: What’s Changing in 2025?
January 16, 2025
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Canada's Express Entry system, established in 2015, is the primary pathway for skilled immigrants to become permanent residents. Since its inception, Express Entry has undergone several changes to adapt to evolving immigration priorities and meet Canada's labor market needs. As we look ahead to 2025, several important updates are expected to shape the Express Entry landscape. We will explore these anticipated changes, what they mean for prospective immigrants, and how applicants can prepare for the future of Canada’s immigration system.
What is the Express Entry System?
The Express Entry System is Canada’s primary immigration pathway for skilled workers, designed to streamline the process of applying for permanent residence. Launched in 2015, it manages applications for three key federal immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP),
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Candidates create an online profile that details their skills, education, work experience, and language abilities. They are then ranked based on a points-based system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which awards points for factors like age, language proficiency, and job offers. The Canadian government conducts draws every few weeks, inviting the highest-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residence.
What Changes Should I Look Forward to in 2025 For Express Entry Updates
Canada’s Express Entry system is expected to undergo significant changes in 2025 to better align with the country’s evolving economic and labor market needs. Here are the prominent updates to make the system more responsive, targeted, and efficient in attracting talent to support Canada's growth and prosperity.
Express Entry System Will Receive a Greater Share of Canada’s Immigration Targets
In 2025, Express Entry will play a more significant role in Canada’s immigration system as the federal Canadian government increases its share of overall immigration targets. The number of admissions under the Federal Economic Programs will rise to 124,590, up from 110,770 in 2024. This increase comes with a 20% reduction in overall immigration targets, giving the federal government greater control over immigration levels while reducing the number of admissions processed through provincial and regional pathways.
The Federal High-Skilled (FHS) allocation, which includes Express Entry, will account for a larger portion of the overall immigration targets, rising from 22.8% in 2024 to 31.5% in 2025. At the same time, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allocation will be significantly reduced, from 110,000 admissions in 2024 to just 55,000 in 2025. As a result, Express Entry-managed programs will become increasingly important for skilled workers aiming to immigrate to Canada in 2025.
CRS Points Will no Longer be Rewarded to Applicants With Job Offers
In December 2024, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced a significant change to the Express Entry system, set to take effect in the spring of 2025. The CRS will no longer award points for valid job offers, a change that will impact candidates already in the Express Entry pool. Currently, candidates can receive either 50 or 200 additional CRS points, depending on the level of their job offer.
The removal of job offer points is considered a "temporary measure," though the exact duration remains unclear. This change is expected to lower the CRS scores of many candidates relying on job offer points. As a result, candidates will need to focus more on other CRS factors, such as language proficiency or work experience, to boost their scores. The impact on CRS cut-off scores and overall Express Entry results for 2025 remains uncertain.
Replacement of FHS With Federal Economic Priorities and In-Canada Focus
In 2025, Canada will replace the FHS allocation in its Immigration Levels Plan with two new sub-categories: Federal Economic Priorities and In-Canada Focus. This change marks how candidates will be selected for permanent residency under Express Entry. The In-Canada Focus category will allocate 82,890 spaces for candidates already in Canada, including those in the CEC, Express Entry-aligned PNP, FSWP, and FSTP.
The Federal Economic Priorities category will allocate 41,700 spaces and focus on candidates who meet Canada's specific labor market needs and demographic goals. In 2025, priority sectors for selection under this category will include healthcare occupations, skilled trades, and candidates with French language proficiency. These changes address Canada's immediate economic and labor market needs, shaping the immigration landscape for the coming years.
These changes will be based on continuous consultations between the federal and provincial/territorial governments and input from employers nationwide. If these changes materialize, the Express Entry system will become a more targeted tool for attracting workers who can contribute to Canada's economy immediately upon arrival.
Enhanced Focus on French-speaking Immigrants
In addition to labor market needs, Canada’s immigration policies are likely to prioritize bilingual candidates, particularly those who speak French increasingly. French-speaking immigrants are particularly valuable in provinces like Quebec, where French is the official language, but other provinces also increasingly recognize the importance of bilingualism.
As part of the new updates, Express Entry may implement additional CRS points for candidates who are proficient in French, making it easier for French-speaking individuals to secure permanent residence in Canada. This will likely align with the government's goal of maintaining and promoting the French language and culture across the country, ensuring a diverse and inclusive society.
The Introduction of Targeted Invitations to Apply
The introduction of targeted Invitations to Apply (ITAs) represents another shift that could be implemented in 2025. Under this new system, Canada may avoid issuing ITAs based solely on CRS scores. Instead, ITAs could be issued to candidates based on specific criteria that reflect Canada’s immediate labor market and economic priorities.
For example, candidates with a work offer in a designated occupation or region or possessing skills needed for particular economic sectors could receive invitations for permanent residence, even if their CRS score is not among the highest.
This system would allow Canada to prioritize candidates who can immediately impact sectors facing significant labor shortages. Such changes would represent a shift from a purely points-based approach toward a more needs-based immigration system that prioritizes skills and qualifications aligned with Canada’s long-term economic development.
Increased Pathways for Temporary Workers and International Students
Another area of focus for Express Entry in 2025 is expanding pathways for temporary foreign workers and international students to transition into permanent residents. Temporary workers and international students play a crucial role in Canada's economy, contributing to the agriculture and technology industries. For example, the CEC program could see further enhancements to make it easier for temporary workers with Canadian work experience to apply for permanent residence.
This shift would be especially beneficial for individuals who may not meet the traditional criteria for Express Entry but have already demonstrated their ability to integrate into Canadian society and contribute to the workforce. Similarly, international students who have completed their education in Canada and gained relevant work experience may find it easier to transition into permanent residence.
Changes in the Emphasis For Category-based Selections
In 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will emphasize category-based selections in Express Entry draws, aligning with Canada’s labor market priorities through the Federal Economic Priorities allocation, as outlined in the Immigration Levels Plan. In 2023, IRCC began holding category-based draws to invite candidates with specific skills, training, and language abilities that meet Canada's workforce needs.
In 2025, priority categories for Express Entry selection will include healthcare occupations, trades occupations, and candidates with French-language proficiency. While 2024 saw few healthcare and trades-specific draws, IRCC is expected to increase them in 2025, given their focus as priority sectors. French proficiency, which has already been a key focus in 2024, will continue to be a major priority, mainly as Canada aims to increase the number of francophone immigrants outside Quebec.
The target for French-language proficiency candidates in 2025 is 8.5% of total new immigrant admissions, increasing to 9.5% in 2026. This list is not exhaustive, as other priority categories include STEM occupations, transport, agriculture, and agri-food sectors. These changes address critical labor shortages and ensure Canada meets its evolving economic and demographic goals.
The Impact of Policy Changes on Applicants
For prospective Express Entry candidates, the upcoming changes in 2025 present both challenges and opportunities. With an increased emphasis on labor market needs and regional priorities, applicants must stay informed about the evolving demands of the Canadian job market. Those with skills and experience in high-demand sectors will be in a strong position to receive ITAs, while candidates from lower-demand sectors may face greater competition.
It will also be essential for applicants to keep their profiles up to date, particularly regarding language proficiency and work experience. As the CRS evolves, specific attributes may become more valuable in securing a high score, and candidates who are proactive in enhancing their qualifications will be better equipped to navigate the changing landscape.
The changes could present significant advantages for candidates who speak French or have experience in high-demand occupations. Those who do not speak French but have other in-demand skills should consider investing in language training or exploring opportunities to work in Canada through temporary or provincial pathways.
FAQs
What Should I Do to Prepare for These Changes?
Stay informed about the latest updates from IRCC. Improve your CRS score through education, work experience, or language proficiency. Consider alternative pathways to Canadian immigration if Express Entry becomes less accessible.
How Does the TEER System Relate to Express Entry?
The Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) system is used to classify occupations in Canada. Your National Occupational Classification (NOC) code, determined by your TEER level, plays a crucial role in your Express Entry eligibility and CRS score. Ensure your occupation is in demand and aligns with the Express Entry programs you are considering.
What Should Applicants Do to Prepare For These Changes?
Prospective applicants should stay informed about updates from IRCC, enhance their qualifications and skills relevant to high-demand sectors, and ensure their profiles are accurate to avoid disqualification due to fraud concerns.