Express Entry is the largest economic immigration pathway in Canada, and it attracts skilled workers from worldwide in a significant way. As per the reports, it is set to undergo substantial changes in 2025.
The federal government is implementing revised targets and updated policies to streamline processes and address Canada’s evolving labour market priorities.
Express Entry: A critical pathway for Immigration to Canada in 2025!
There were significant changes in Canada’s immigration system in 2024. The federal government aimed to welcome a record number of newcomers, with a target of 485,000 permanent residents. The initiative was part of a broader strategy to bolster the economy and address labour shortages across various sectors.
However, this influx was met with challenges, including housing affordability and strains on public services. All these factors led to discussions about the sustainability of such high immigration levels.
In 2025, Canada plans to increase the target to 124,590, up from 110,770 in 2024 under its Federal economic programs. The increase comes with a 20% reduction in overall immigration levels, giving the federal government more control over immigration processes.
As a result, Express Entry will play a more prominent role, with its allocation rising from 22.8% of overall planned PR admissions in 2024 to 31.5% in 2025. The shift clearly indicates that skilled workers seeking immigration to Canada will increasingly rely on Express Entry as a key pathway in the coming years.
How will removing CRS points for Job Offers impact the competition for ITAs?
IRCC plans to eliminate the CRS points for valid job offers starting in 2025. As of now, candidates can earn 50 or 200 extra points on their job offer, which influences their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
By eliminating the additional points for job offers, the federal government aims to reduce instances of fraud. They ensure that candidates are selected based on their skills and qualifications rather than their employment status.
Who Will Be Affected?
The removal of CRS points for job offers will apply to all candidates in the Express Entry pool at the time of implementation, including those already working temporarily in Canada.
However, it will not impact individuals who have already received an ITA or those with applications currently in process. With the removal of job offer points, many candidates may see a decrease in their CRS scores, particularly those who rely on these points to boost their rankings.
Candidates can now focus on factors such as language proficiency and work experience to increase their CRS scores. As a result, it may lead to increased competition among candidates, making it crucial for applicants to strengthen their profiles in other areas. You may contact ImmiLaw Global to create and strengthen Express Entry profiles.
What are the New Federal Economic Priorities and In-Canada Focus Allocations?
The Federal High-Skilled (FHS) allocation in Canada’s immigration system is undergoing a significant transformation in 2025.
Two new categories will replace it:
- Federal Economic Priorities Category
- In-Canada Focus Category
About Federal Economic Priorities Category
The Federal Economic Priorities category will target candidates whose skills meet specific labour market demands. This category targets 41,700 admissions and focuses on sectors critical to Canada’s economy, such as healthcare occupations, trade occupations, and candidates with French language proficiency. The federal government aims to address workforce shortages effectively by directing resources towards these high-demand areas.
About In-Canada Focus Category
The In-Canada Focus category will prioritize candidates who are already residing in Canada. This includes individuals in programs such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Express Entry-aligned Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
The federal government has allocated 82,890 admissions for this category, reflecting the importance of retaining skilled workers who have already integrated into Canadian society.
By focusing on skilled workers within the country and targeting specific sectors, Canada aims to enhance its labour market while ensuring that immigration policies align with current economic needs. These changes will play a crucial role in shaping the future of immigration in Canada as the country adapts to evolving workforce demands.
How Will Category-Based Selections Shape Immigration in 2025?
IRCC is expected to strongly emphasize category-based selections within the Express Entry system in 2025.
According to the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, IRCC has designated priority categories for Express Entry draws in 2025, which include:
- Healthcare occupations
- Trades occupations
- French-language proficiency
It is anticipated that IRCC will conduct more Express Entry draws due to their designation as priority sectors under the Federal Economic Priorities allocation in 2025.
What Benefits Will French-Speaking Communities Expect in Canada?
The French proficiency category has been a consistent focus in 2024 and will remain important for Express Entry in 2025, too. Canada to increase the number of francophone immigrants outside Quebec.
IRCC initiative to bolster the representation of French-speaking individuals across Canada and address the decline in French-speaking populations. The ongoing emphasis on this category reflects broader efforts to promote bilingualism and strengthen Francophone communities across the country.
While the list of priority categories is not exhaustive, it highlights the areas where IRCC will focus its efforts. The complete list of priority categories includes
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
- Healthcare occupations
- Trades occupations
- Agriculture and Agri-food occupations
- French language proficiency
As Canada moves ahead with these priorities in 2025, it will be essential for prospective immigrants to stay informed about the evolving landscape of immigration opportunities.
At ImmiLaw Immigration Law Professional Corporation, we provide expert guidance through every step of your immigration journey. Contact us for personalized support and assistance with your immigration needs.
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