Express Entry Draws 2025: Key Trends and Current Pool Composition
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In January 2025 IRCC issued 5,821 Invitations to Apply (ITA), significantly exceeding the 2,561 ITAs issued in December 2024. The draws focused on candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).
However, unlike previous months, there were no draws targeting French speaking candidates. A noticeable shift from IRCC's established pattern in 2024. French language proficiency draws are expected to resume later in 2025 to support the goal of increasing Francophone immigration outside Quebec.
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Summary of Express Entry Draws In January 2025
The number of ITAs issued in January align more closely with issuance trends observed from before December, which are as follows:
| Month | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|
| October 2024 | 5,961 |
| November 2024 | 5,507 |
| December 2024 | 2,561 |
| January 2025 | 5,821 |
The table next further summarises the Express Entry draws that happened in January 2025:
| Draw Number | Date | Draw Type | ITAs Issued | CRS Cut-off Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 331 | January 7, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 471 | 793 |
| 332 | January 8, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,350 | 542 |
| 333 | January 23, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 527 |
- The focus on CEC and PNP candidates aligns with the latest Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2025 - 2027, which prioritizes In - Canada applicants to meet permanent residence targets and address population growth concerns.
- The In - Canada Focus category, primarily comprising CEC and PNP candidates, has been allocated 82,980 permanent residency spots in 2025.
- This category, aside from Federal Economic Priorities allocation, makes up the majority of landings allocations under the Express Entry System for 2025.
Also Explore: How Does New Express Entry Policy Impacts CRS Score in 2025?
Express Entry Pool Composition As of February 2025
As of February 5, 2025, the Express Entry pool consists of 234,052 candidates. The distribution of candidates by Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score is as follows:
| CRS Score Range | Number of Candidates |
|---|---|
| 601-1200 | 173 |
| 501-600 | 23,165 |
| 491-500 | 13,487 |
| 481-490 | 13,003 |
| 471-480 | 15,652 |
| 461-470 | 13,815 |
| 451-460 | 12,953 |
| 441-450 | 12,567 |
| 431-440 | 13,621 |
| 421-430 | 12,432 |
| 411-420 | 12,833 |
| 401-410 | 12,055 |
| 351-400 | 51,079 |
| 301-350 | 21,576 |
| 0-300 | 5,641 |
- A slight decline in the number of candidate profiles within 501 - 600 CRS score range has been noted
- This decrease occurred even though 6,289 new candidate profiles added to the Express Entry pool since early January.
Also Explore: How Express Entry Tie Breaker Rule Boosts Your Canada PR Chances?
Ranking of Scores in the Express Entry Pool
The table below presents the Express Entry pool score distribution as of February 5, 2025, including percentile ranges and the percentage of candidates in each score bracket
This data helps candidates assess their standing in the pool and estimate potential CRS cutoff scores for upcoming draws. A higher CRS score improves the chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
| CRS Score Range | Number of Candidates | Percentile Range | Percentage of Total Candidates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-300 | 5,641 | 0-2.41% | 2.41% |
| 301-350 | 21,576 | 2.41%-11.63% | 9.22% |
| 351-400 | 51,079 | 11.63%-33.45% | 21.82% |
| 401-410 | 12,055 | 33.45%-38.60% | 5.15% |
| 411-420 | 12,833 | 38.60%-44.09% | 5.48% |
| 421-430 | 12,432 | 44.09%-49.40% | 5.31% |
| 431-440 | 13,621 | 49.40%-55.22% | 5.82% |
| 441-450 | 12,567 | 55.22%-60.59% | 5.37% |
| 451-460 | 12,953 | 60.59%-66.12% | 5.53% |
| 461-470 | 13,815 | 66.12%-72.02% | 5.90% |
| 471-480 | 15,652 | 72.02%-78.71% | 6.69% |
| 481-490 | 13,003 | 78.71%-84.27% | 5.56% |
| 491-500 | 13,487 | 84.27%-90.03% | 5.76% |
| 501-600 | 23,165 | 90.03%-99.93% | 9.90% |
| 601-1200 | 173 | 99.93%-100.00% | 0.07% |
| Total | 234,052 | - | 100% |
Methodology: Percentiles represent the proportion of candidates at or below each CRS score range, providing a clearer ranking perspective.
Also Explore: 438K New PRs in 2024: Is Canada’s Immigration Policy Shifting?
What This Means for Express Entry Aspirants for 2025?
Analysing the current composition of the Express Entry pool provides insights into potential cut off scores for upcoming draws. Candidates with higher CRS score have a better chance of receiving an ITA, as the selection process depends on the distribution of scores in the pool
With Express Entry program draws in February 2025 already exceeding December's total invitations, IRCC appears to be ramping up selections in 2025. Candidates should continue monitoring draw trends and CRS score distributions to gauge their competitiveness in the pool.
Navigate Your Canada PR Process with GetGIS Assistance
The latest Express Entry draws in early 2025 indicate a return to higher ITA issuance, particularly for candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The Express Entry pool composition highlights strong competition with many candidates falling within the 451 - 600 CRS score range.
Understanding score distributions can help aspirants strategize their next steps to improve their CRS ranking and secure an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Navigating Canada's PR process could be complex, but GetGIS simplifies it for you. Whether you need assistance in improving your CRS score, exploring PNP options, or understanding Express Entry pathway requirements, our experts are here to guide you. Start your journey to Canada PR
Also Explore: What is Canada Category-Based Selection & How Does it Work?
