Express Entry
Express Entry Draw #333: Invited 4000 CEC Candidates

If you’ve ever dreamed of building a life in Canada, 2025 might just be your year. Canada’s Express Entry system has started the year strong, with one of its largest Express Entry Draw #333 taking place on January 23, 2025. In this draw, 4,000 candidates from the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) received Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency. To be eligible, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 527. This latest development reinforces the significance of Express Entry as one of the fastest, most efficient pathways for skilled professionals to immigrate to Canada.
Here, we’ll break down the latest updates to the Express Entry system, discuss how you can boost your CRS score, and explain why 2025 could be the perfect year to make your move to Canada.
What’s New in Express Entry for 2025?
The Express Entry system remains the backbone of Canada’s immigration strategy, especially for economic-class immigrants. IRCC, Canada’s immigration department, has ambitious goals set for 2025 and beyond, as outlined in the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan. This plan allocates a massive 124,590 landings through Express Entry programs in 2025 alone, signaling Canada’s ongoing commitment to welcoming skilled newcomers.
In January 2025, IRCC issued 5,821 ITAs across multiple draws:
Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | CRS Cut-Off |
January 23, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 527 |
January 8, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,350 | 542 |
January 7, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 471 | 793 |
The January 23 draw was particularly notable because it was the largest of the month and part of the government’s “In-Canada Focus” allocation strategy, which prioritizes individuals already living and working in Canada under programs like the Canadian Experience Class.
Why Express Entry Matters More Than Ever
The Express Entry system has long been Canada’s preferred method for selecting skilled immigrants. It’s fast, transparent, and allows candidates to gain permanent residency based on their qualifications, work experience, and language abilities.
While Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) saw significant allocations in previous years, the 2025 plan shifts focus back to Express Entry. For instance, IRCC plans to double Express Entry landings from 110,770 in 2024 to 124,590 in 2025, while cutting PNP landings from 110,000 to just 55,000. This shift means Express Entry is now more important than ever for skilled workers hoping to immigrate to Canada.
How to Boost Your CRS Score
To improve your chances of receiving an ITA, increasing your CRS score is essential. The CRS evaluates candidates based on key factors such as:
- Core human capital factors (age, education, and language proficiency);
- Skill transferability factors (work experience and education);
- Spouse or common-law partner factors (if applicable); and
- Additional factors (such as a provincial nomination or a job offer).
Here are some actionable tips to improve your CRS score:
- Enhance your education: Consider obtaining an additional degree, diploma, or certificate, especially in-demand fields in Canada. Educational credentials can significantly boost your score.
- Improve your language proficiency: Scoring higher on English or French language tests, such as IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF, can add valuable points. Bonus points are awarded for proficiency in both official languages.
- Gain Canadian work experience: If you’re already in Canada, aim to accumulate more work experience. Canadian work experience is highly valued under the CRS.
- Apply for provincial nominations: Receiving a nomination through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) can add 600 points to your CRS score, virtually guaranteeing an ITA.
- Pursue a certificate of qualification: If you work in a regulated trade, obtaining a certificate of qualification from a Canadian province can provide additional points.
Why 2025 Is the Best Time to Immigrate
Canada is doubling down on its efforts to attract skilled professionals to support its growing economy. With Express Entry landings increasing and PNP allocations reduced, the focus is firmly on skilled workers who can contribute to industries such as healthcare, technology, and construction.
The changes in the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan also provide a clear path forward. Canada is not only increasing its intake of immigrants but also prioritizing programs that make the process faster and more transparent. This means less waiting time and more opportunities for candidates to succeed.
With the 4,000 ITAs issued in January 23, 2025, Express Entry Draw #333 and a growing allocation for Express Entry programs, Canada is making it clear that skilled professionals are more welcome than ever. Whether you’re already in Canada or planning to move, 2025 is shaping up to be a banner year for immigration.
Start preparing now by improving your CRS score, exploring provincial nomination opportunities, or enhancing your qualifications. With Canada’s renewed focus on Express Entry, there’s never been a better time to take the first step toward making your Canadian dream a reality.