Planning to apply for permanent residence in Canada in 2025? Great news is IRCC has just released a schedule for some category-based Express Entry draws, offering candidates more predictability and time to prepare strong applications.
In this article, we break down what the new draw calendar means for you, which categories are included, and how to maximize your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in 2025 - 2026.
What Is Express Entry?
Express Entry is Canada’s flagship immigration system used to manage applications for permanent residence under these key economic programs:
Applicants are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), and the highest-scoring candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence.
IRCC’s 2025 Express Entry Schedule - What’s New?
For the first time, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released a projected schedule for category-based draws during the last five months of 2025. This includes:
- A three-month draw calendar shared with provinces and territories
- Anticipated draw types and target categories
- Estimated minimum CRS scores for the next two months
This is part of IRCC’s plan to increase transparency and improve coordination between federal and provincial immigration priorities.
You need to have a strategic plan when you apply for permanent residence Canada in 2025
Targeted Categories for The Rest of 2025
IRCC launched category-based Express Entry draws in 2023 to target candidates with in-demand skills and work experience in specific sectors. According to a newly released ATIP (Access to Information and Privacy) request, we now have more insight into how many Invitations to Apply (ITAs) are allocated for some key categories in 2025.
Allocation for Category-Based Draws in 2025
|
Category
|
Number of ITAs in 2025 (as per the ATIP)
|
Number of ITAs issued so far in 2025
|
Number of ITAs yet to be issued in 2025
|
|
Education
|
3,000
|
1,000
|
2,000
|
|
Healthcare
|
8,000
|
7,500
|
500
|
|
Trades
|
3,300
|
0
|
3,300
|
This allocation breakdown can help applicants better understand which categories still have a significant number of ITAs to be issued in 2025, and prepare accordingly.
In 2025, IRCC will focus category-based draws on in-demand fields, including:
- Healthcare occupations
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)
- Trade occupations
- Transport
- Agriculture and agri-food
- French-language proficiency
If you belong to one of these categories, now is the time to apply for permanent residence Canada while demand is high and draw frequency is more predictable.
Why This Matters for Applicants
With a publicly known schedule, candidates can:
- Plan when to submit or update their Express Entry profiles
- Prepare required documents and take language tests ahead of time
- Monitor projected CRS cut-offs and apply strategically
- Align educational and work experience to high-demand categories
Category - Based Selection aims to target candidates with in-demand skills and work experience in specific sectors
How to Apply for Permanent Residence in Canada through Express Entry
- Check Eligibility: See if you qualify for FSWP, CEC, or FSTP
- Create an Express Entry Profile: Include education, work experience, and language test results
- Improve CRS Score: Get more work experience in TEER 0,1,2,3; higher language scores, or a provincial nomination
- Receive an ITA: If selected, submit your PR application within 60 days
- Get PR Confirmation: If approved, you’ll receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
How We Can Help
At LUU IMM, we offer:
- CRS evaluations and eligibility assessments
- Tailored Express Entry strategy based on your occupation and draw schedule
- Application reviews to avoid common mistakes
- Full support from profile creation to PR approval
Final Thoughts
With IRCC’s new draw calendar, 2025 is shaping up to be a strategic year for candidates who want to apply for permanent residence Canada. Whether you’re in healthcare, tech, trades, or speak French, the system is now more transparent and more in your control.
Contact us today to start your Express Entry journey with expert guidance.