Express Entry
IRCC Announced Express Entry Next Draw Prediction Schedule for Category Based Invitations 2025
Canada’s immigration system continues to adapt to the country’s labour market priorities, and Express Entry system remains the fastest route for skilled workers to obtain permanent residency. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has now revealed its Express Entry next draw prediction and invitation schedule for category-based draws in 2025, giving prospective immigrants a clearer picture of what lies ahead.
This update is crucial for candidates planning their next steps and aligning their profiles with in-demand occupations.
Why Next Category-Based Express Entry Draws Matter
Launched in 2023, category-based Express Entry draws allow Canada to target talent where it is most needed. Instead of relying only on CRS scores, the draws prioritise candidates in sectors vital to the economy, such as:
- Healthcare and social services
- STEM occupations
- Trades
- Education
- Agriculture and agri-food
- French-language proficiency
This approach helps Canada address skills shortages while offering skilled professionals a pathway to permanent residency.
Allocations for 2025: Key Categories Targeted
An Access to Information Request (ATIP) has revealed the allocation of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in 2025 across major categories.
| Category | ITAs Planned for 2025 | ITAs Already Issued | ITAs Remaining in 2025 |
| Education | 3,000 | 1,000 | 2,000 |
| Healthcare | 8,000 | 7,500 | 500 |
| Trades | 3,300 | 0 | 3,300 |
This table highlights that healthcare draws are almost at their yearly target, while trades and education still have substantial allocations left.
Francophone Immigration: A Strong Federal Focus
The report also stresses the government’s drive to boost Francophone immigration outside Quebec. Earlier in 2025, IRCC held multiple French-language draws over an eight-week period, issuing 18,500 ITAs. A further 2,500 ITAs were issued in a French-proficiency draw on 8 August 2025.
This aligns with Canada’s target of ensuring 8.5% of admissions in 2025 are French-speaking candidates, supporting bilingualism and strengthening Francophone communities nationwide.
Express Entry Calendar Shared with Provinces
Another significant update is that IRCC will share an ITA calendar with provinces and territories. This calendar will include:
- Expected draw weeks
- Draw categories
- Projections of minimum CRS scores
By doing so, provinces can better plan their own nomination programs, helping employers and applicants prepare for opportunities ahead.
For candidates in Express Entry, the remaining months of 2025 will be especially competitive in categories like trades and education. If you belong to one of these in-demand occupations, now is the time to:
- Ensure your profile is up to date in the Express Entry pool
- Obtain proof of work experience in your eligible occupation
- Improve your CRS score with language tests or educational credentials
- Consider provincial nomination pathways to boost your chances
The Express Entry next draw prediction schedule for 2025 confirms Canada’s ongoing strategy: attract skilled workers in healthcare, trades, education, and French-speaking communities. While the process is competitive, the transparency offered by the ITA calendar gives candidates an opportunity to prepare strategically.
Express Entry in 2025 remains one of the strongest pathways to Canadian permanent residency. For those who align with in-demand categories, the coming months may hold the key to achieving their Canadian dream.
How to Stay Ahead and Updated with Latest Express Entry Draws
Canada’s immigration policies and programs evolve frequently, often with little notice. Whether it’s changes in Express Entry draws, updates to Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), or new pathways introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), staying informed is essential for anyone planning to move to Canada. Missing an update could mean missing an opportunity.
The best way to stay ahead is by following reliable and timely sources. Canada Immigration News is designed exactly for this purpose bringing you the latest draw results, program changes, policy shifts, and practical advice in one place. Our updates are written in a clear, human-friendly way so you can quickly grasp how a change may impact your immigration journey.
Subscribe to newsletters and alerts and get next express entry draws updates directly in your inbox so you never miss critical deadlines or changes.
With the fast-moving nature of Canadian immigration, staying proactive is the key. By relying on trusted updates on Canada Immigration News, you’ll always be one step ahead, ready to act when opportunities open.
