Express Entry Pool Trends and Insights: May 2025 Update
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Following a steady pace of four draws in both February and March, April brought a noticeable slowdown in the Express Entry system. Only two draws were held in April, targeting Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates, resulting in just 1,246 Invitations to Apply (ITAs).
The absence of French-speaking and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws suggests a shift in IRCC’s selection strategy. However, May began on a fresh note, with educational professionals receiving their first-ever invitations through Express Entry.
Draws Held in April 2025
April 2025 saw a sharp decline in Express Entry activity, with just two draws focused solely on PNP candidates. These rounds issued a total of 1,246 ITAs, with high cut-off scores in the 700s range.
| Draw number | Date of draw | Draw type | ITAs issued | CRS cut-off score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 342 | April 14, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 825 | 764 |
| 343 | April 28, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 421 | 727 |
The number of ITAs issued in April was lower than in the previous three months. Here are the details.
| Month | ITAs issued |
|---|---|
| January, 2025 | 5,821 |
| February, 2025 | 11,601 |
| March, 2025 | 13,261 |
| April, 2025 | 1,246 |
Also Read: What’s New in Canada Express Entry System? Major Changes Coming in 2025
Current Score Distribution in the Express Entry Pool
As of April 27, 2025, the Express Entry pool has grown by 2,391 candidates compared to mid-April. The breakdown below shows how these candidates are distributed across different CRS score ranges.
| CRS score range | Number of candidates |
|---|---|
| 0-300 | 8,566 |
| 301-350 | 22,553 |
| 351-400 | 53,640 |
| 401-410 | 12,469 |
| 411-420 | 13,274 |
| 421-430 | 13,385 |
| 431-440 | 14,909 |
| 441-450 | 14,230 |
| 451-460 | 14,964 |
| 461-470 | 16,313 |
| 471-480 | 16,411 |
| 481-490 | 12,544 |
| 491-500 | 12,291 |
| 501-600 | 20,708 |
| 601-1200 | 416 |
| Total | 246,673 |
Explore: 6 Expected Occupations in the New Express Entry Draw Category
How CRS Scores Rank Against Each Other in the Express Entry Pool?
Explore the current distribution of CRS scores in the Express Entry pool below, which offers valuable insights into how candidates rank against each other. As of April 27, 2025, this breakdown helps individuals determine their position within the pool by comparing their CRS score to others in different score ranges.
| CRS score range | Number of candidates | Percentile range | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-300 | 8,566 | 0 - 3.47% | 3.47% |
| 301-350 | 22,553 | 3.47% - 12.62% | 9.14% |
| 351-400 | 53,640 | 12.62% - 34.36% | 21.75% |
| 401-410 | 12,469 | 34.36% - 39.42% | 5.05% |
| 411-420 | 13,274 | 39.42% - 44.80% | 5.38% |
| 421-430 | 13,385 | 44.80% - 50.22% | 5.43% |
| 431-440 | 14,909 | 50.22% - 56.27% | 6.04% |
| 441-450 | 14,230 | 56.27% - 62.04% | 5.77% |
| 451-460 | 14,964 | 62.04% - 68.10% | 6.07% |
| 461-470 | 16,313 | 68.10% - 74.72% | 6.61% |
| 471-480 | 16,411 | 74.72% - 81.37% | 6.65% |
| 481-490 | 12,544 | 81.37% - 86.45% | 5.09% |
| 491-500 | 12,291 | 86.45% - 91.44% | 4.98% |
| 501-600 | 20,708 | 91.44% - 99.83% | 8.39% |
| 601-1200 | 416 | 99.83% - 100.00% | 0.17% |
| Total | 246,673 | ||
Check Out: Express Entry: Canada holds first-ever draw for Education Professionals
Next Express Entry Draw Prediction
As we move further into May 2025, speculation around the next Express Entry draw is gaining momentum. Based on the trends and recent draw patterns, the next draw is likely to occur around May 27-30, 2025, following the biweekly schedule.
Likely Draw Type
IRCC is overdue for a category-based draw this month. With no category-based draws conducted since May 2, IRCC is expected to refocus on key sectors like healthcare, trades, or French-speaking candidates.
- Healthcare Draw: Highly likely due to continued demand in the sector. The last draw for this category had a high cut-off of 510, indicating strong competition.
- French Proficiency Draw: This could be used to support Francophone immigration goals. These draws generally have lower CRS cut-offs and higher ITA volumes, making them more accessible.
- Trades Draw: A draw targeting skilled trades is also a possibility, with moderate cut-off scores expected.
- CEC and PNP Draw: Less likely in the immediate future, as the last CEC-specific draw occurred on May 13. Any upcoming PNP draw is expected to be smaller due to reduced nomination targets.
Expected CRS Cut-Off Scores
The CRS score threshold will vary depending on the draw type.
- French Proficiency: Likely between 360-380, similar to past draws.
- Healthcare: Expected to stay high, between 490-510.
- Trades: Cut-offs may hover around 450.
- PNP: Should a draw occur, expect scores around 700 due to the 600-point nomination bonus.
Quick Read: Canada Announces Major Income Tax Cut 2025 to Ease Cost of Living Burden
Number of Invitations
The number of invitations issued in the next Express Entry draw will depend on the category targeted and IRCC’s strategy to manage intake.
- Category-based draws may issue between 500 and 2,000 ITAs.
- French draws often see larger numbers, up to 5,000, while healthcare and trades draws issue around 1,000 ITAs.
- Given IRCC’s cautious pace in May, draw sizes may remain modest to help manage intake against annual targets.
As of May 13, IRCC has issued 34,440 ITAs, reflecting a slower but targeted approach to meet the goals of 2025 effectively.
Boost Your Chances of Canada PR Through Express Entry with GetGIS!
As of May 2025, the Express Entry pool continues to evolve with significant shifts in the types of candidates being targeted. With fewer draws and a focus on PNP candidates, understanding the trends and score distributions is essential for those seeking to maximise their chances of success. GetGIS offers personalised assistance to guide you through every step of your Canada PR journey with confidence.
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