Canada’s Express Entry system is set for significant transformations in 2025. Following sweeping reforms in 2024, this year will see further refinements to enhance the efficiency and alignment of immigration policies with Canada’s economic needs. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the changes, their implications, and what they mean for prospective immigrants.
Increased Express Entry Targets for 2025
In 2025, Express Entry will take on a greater share of Canada’s overall immigration goals. The federal government has set a target of 124,590 admissions under Federal Economic Programs, an increase from 110,770 in 2024.
This rise comes alongside a 20% reduction in total immigration levels compared to 2024, signaling a strategic shift in favor of federal control over economic immigration pathways. This move reduces reliance on Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), which are seeing allocations drop from 110,000 in 2024 to just 55,000 in 2025.
Express Entry now accounts for 31.5% of overall immigration targets, up from 22.8% in 2024, reinforcing its role as a primary route for skilled workers seeking permanent residency in Canada.
Removal of CRS Points for Job Offers
A major change in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) will take effect in spring 2025. CRS points previously granted for valid job offers will be discontinued.
At present, candidates may receive between 50 and 200 CRS points based on the level of their job offer. This adjustment, labeled as a temporary measure, has no defined end date.
This change is likely to lower CRS scores for candidates relying on job offer points. Consequently, applicants may need to strengthen other CRS factors such as:
- Language proficiency
- Educational credentials
- Work experience
The long-term impact of this change on CRS cut-off scores and the selection process in 2025 remains uncertain.
Federal Economic Priorities and In-Canada Focus: New Allocations
In 2025, Canada’s Federal High-Skilled (FHS) immigration allocation will be replaced by two new categories:
- In-Canada Focus (82,890 allocations): This category targets individuals already in Canada, including those under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Express Entry-aligned PNP streams, Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
- Federal Economic Priorities (41,700 allocations): Designed to attract international talent, this category prioritizes candidates in healthcare occupations, trades, and those with French-language proficiency to address Canada’s labor market needs and demographic goals.
These changes highlight a dual strategy to balance domestic retention and international recruitment of skilled workers.
Category-Based Express Entry Draws to Continue in 2025
The Canadian government will continue to focus on category-based selections introduced in 2023. These draws target specific skill sets, occupations, and qualifications aligned with Canada’s economic priorities.
For 2025, the priority categories include:
- Healthcare occupations
- Trades occupations
- French-language proficiency
Although draws for healthcare and trades occupations were limited in 2024, they are expected to increase in 2025, given their designation as priority sectors.
Canada remains steadfast in its commitment to francophone immigration, aiming for 8.5% of total admissions under the French proficiency category in 2025, with an increase to 9.5% by 2026. Other eligible categories for selection include:
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) occupations
- Transport occupations
- Agriculture and Agri-Food occupations
These category-based draws will play a pivotal role in meeting Canada’s labor market needs and demographic goals.
Key Takeaways for Prospective Immigrants
- Increased reliance on Express Entry: With its expanded share of immigration targets, Express Entry remains the most significant pathway for skilled workers.
- Adapt to CRS changes: Candidates should focus on maximizing other human capital factors as points for job offers are removed temporarily.
- Category-based opportunities: Priority sectors such as healthcare, trades, and French-language proficiency offer enhanced opportunities for targeted candidates.
Growing Globe Immigration (GGI) is committed to guiding skilled workers through these changes and ensuring a seamless immigration journey.