Express Entry in 2024: Key Changes and Trends to Watch for in 2025

Canada’s Express Entry system underwent significant transformations in 2024, impacting foreign nationals seeking permanent residence (PR). Reviewing the developments and trends of 2024 offers insight into what to expect in the coming year. Here are the key highlights and implications for prospective immigrants.

Express Entry in 2024: An Overview        

In 2024, the Canadian federal government issued 98,803 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through Express Entry across 52 draws. These draws varied significantly in terms of program focus and Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off scores, reflecting IRCC’s targeted approach:

From January to April, IRCC held both general and category-based selection rounds. However, post-May, the focus shifted toward PNP, CEC, and French proficiency candidates, leading to increased selectivity and fluctuating CRS cut-offs across categories.

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Comparison with 2023

While immigration targets rose by 27,890 admissions in 2024, IRCC issued 11,463 fewer ITAs than in 2023. The number of candidates in the Express Entry pool also increased, raising CRS cut-off scores:

Additionally, the approach to Express Entry draws evolved:

Trends Shaping 2025        

1. Removal of CRS Points for Job Offers

Starting in spring 2025, CRS points for valid job offers will be temporarily removed. This could significantly lower CRS scores within the candidate pool, though the exact impact remains uncertain. Job offers currently provide 50 or 200 additional CRS points depending on the position.

2. Increased Immigration Targets

The 2025 Immigration Levels Plan increases the “Federal High-Skilled” allocation from 110,770 to 124,590 admissions. This category is divided into:

• In-Canada Focus (82,890 admissions): Prioritizing CEC and Express Entry-aligned PNP candidates, with additional consideration for Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) applicants.
• Federal Economic Priorities: Targeting candidates with specific skills, training, and language abilities to meet Canada’s labor market needs. Healthcare, trade occupations, and French proficiency will remain priority categories.

3. Emphasis on Francophone Immigration

French proficiency draws, a consistent feature in 2024, are expected to continue as IRCC commits to allocating 7% of its 2025 immigration levels to francophone candidates outside Quebec.

What This Means for Candidates

• In-Canada Applicants: Expect increased opportunities through CEC and enhanced PNP draws.
• French Proficiency Candidates: Continued priority under category-based selection.
• Job Offer Candidates: Prepare for the impact of losing CRS points in 2025.

By understanding these trends and policy shifts, prospective immigrants can better strategize their path to Canadian permanent residence.

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