Canada’s Express Entry system continues to power the country’s immigration strategy in 2025, with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issuing 421 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in its latest draw, held on April 28. The draw specifically targeted candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) stream, requiring a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 727 and an Express Entry profile created before 5:11 PM UTC on September 9, 2024.
This marks the second Express Entry draw in April and adds to the growing tally of invitations issued this year. With this latest draw, IRCC has now issued 31,929 ITAs through the Express Entry system in 2025.
April’s draws have focused exclusively on PNP candidates, following the department’s stated intention to support provinces and territories in meeting their regional labour market needs. The most recent general category-based draw was conducted on March 21, focused on French language proficiency, where 7,500 candidates were invited.
Here’s a snapshot of Express Entry draws held in 2025 so far:
| Date | Draw Type | ITAs Issued | CRS Cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 1 | Education | 1,000 | 479 |
| Apr 28 | Provincial Nominee Program | 421 | 727 |
| Apr 14 | Provincial Nominee Program | 825 | 764 |
| Mar 21 | French Language Proficiency | 7,500 | 379 |
| Mar 17 | Provincial Nominee Program | 536 | 736 |
| Mar 6 | French Language Proficiency | 4,500 | 410 |
| Mar 3 | Provincial Nominee Program | 725 | 667 |
| Feb 19 | French Language Proficiency | 6,500 | 428 |
| Feb 17 | Provincial Nominee Program | 646 | 750 |
| Feb 5 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 521 |
| Feb 4 | Provincial Nominee Program | 455 | 802 |
| Jan 23 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 527 |
| Jan 8 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,350 | 542 |
| Jan 7 | Provincial Nominee Program | 471 | 793 |
Express Entry and the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan
Under the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada aims to welcome 395,000 new permanent residents in 2025. Of these, 232,150 are expected through economic immigration streams, including those under Express Entry.
IRCC has reiterated its commitment to prioritizing Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates and those falling under priority categories, including French language proficiency. However, CEC candidates have not seen a draw since early February, indicating a strong current focus on PNP candidates.
Family Reunification Through Express Entry
Candidates invited through Express Entry can include family members on their permanent residence application. This includes a spouse, common-law partner, dependent children, and grandchildren if applicable.
In addition, Canadian permanent residents and citizens can sponsor parents and grandparents through the Parents and Grandparents Program or invite them via the Super Visa program, further strengthening Canada’s family reunification goals.
As IRCC continues to balance labour market needs, regional priorities, and demographic renewal, Express Entry remains a key pillar in Canada’s immigration system — helping to attract skilled talent while supporting the country’s long-term prosperity.