IRCC’s 2025 Express Entry Draw Schedule Revealed – Categories, ITAs, and CRS Insights
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has unveiled its 2025 Express Entry draw schedule, giving candidates a clearer picture of upcoming opportunities to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. Based on recently released internal memos and Access to Information (ATIP) requests, the new details shed light on category-based draws, Francophone immigration targets, and how provinces will coordinate their immigration planning.
Key Highlights of IRCC’s 2025 Express Entry Plans
- Category-Based Draws: Healthcare, trades, and education will remain the top focus for 2025.
- Francophone Priority: IRCC aims for 8.5% of admissions outside Quebec to be Francophone in 2025, rising to 9.5% in 2026.
- ITA Distribution: Tens of thousands of ITAs already issued, with more scheduled throughout 2025.
- Provincial Coordination: Provinces will receive a three-month ITA forecast calendar to align draws with regional labor needs.
- Link to 2026 Targets: ITAs issued late in 2025 may count toward 2026 admissions, due to processing timelines.
Breakdown of Category-Based Draws for 2025
Healthcare Professionals
- Planned ITAs: 8,000
- Issued so far: 7,500
- Remaining in 2025: 500
Healthcare remains the largest priority, reflecting Canada’s urgent need for nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals.
Education Workers
- Planned ITAs: 3,000
- Issued so far: 1,000
- Remaining in 2025: 2,000
Teachers and early childhood educators are in demand, and more draws are expected before year-end.
Skilled Trades
- Planned ITAs: 3,300
- Issued so far: 0
- Remaining in 2025: 3,300
Trades are the biggest untapped opportunity in 2025. Candidates in construction, transportation, and manufacturing may benefit from upcoming rounds with lower CRS cut-offs.
Francophone Immigration: A Growing Priority
Canada continues to push for strong Francophone immigration outside Quebec. IRCC’s 2025 memo revealed:
- 18,500 ITAs issued in February–March Francophone draws.
- 2,500 ITAs issued on August 8, likely counting toward 2026 targets.
- Overall goal: 8.5% Francophone admissions in 2025.
French-speaking candidates also receive up to +50 CRS points, making them more competitive in both category-based and general draws.
ITA Calendar for Provinces and Territories
For the first time, IRCC will share a three-month ITA calendar with provinces and territories. This calendar will outline:
- Weeks when draws will occur
- Types of draws (general, PNP, or category-based)
- Projected CRS minimums (subject to operational changes)
This greater transparency allows provinces to align Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) with federal Express Entry rounds, giving candidates more predictability.
Link Between 2025 and 2026 Targets
IRCC memos note that late-2025 ITAs may contribute to 2026 permanent resident admissions, given the average processing time. This means draws held in the final quarter of 2025 are designed not only to meet 2025 immigration levels but also to support Canada’s 2026 targets under the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan.
What This Means for Express Entry Candidates
- Trades candidates have the biggest opportunity – with over 3,300 ITAs still unissued.
- Healthcare and education workers remain strong contenders, with additional draws expected.
- Francophone applicants gain a competitive edge thanks to CRS bonuses and high ITA volumes.
- CRS score strategies matter – category-based draws often cut off 20–40 points lower than general draws, offering a path for candidates in the 480–490 range.
- Plan around timelines – applying late in 2025 may align your application with 2026 intake goals.
IRCC’s 2025 Express Entry draw schedule confirms that healthcare, education, trades, and Francophone immigration will dominate the year’s priorities. With thousands of ITAs still available, especially in trades and education, candidates who align their profiles strategically stand a strong chance of success.
By understanding the category-based allocations, CRS score advantages, and provincial coordination efforts, skilled workers can better position themselves to receive an ITA in the coming months.