IRC Canada Invites Over 6,200 Skilled Workers for Permanent Residency Through Express Entry in 2025
In a significant move for skilled immigrants, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has extended invitations to more than 6,200 workers to apply for permanent residency via the Express Entry system in 2025. The most recent draw took place in February, where 455 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were granted under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
According to reports from TravelBiz, this February draw marks the fourth Express Entry event of the year. Candidates who received invitations were required to hold a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 802 and must have submitted their Express Entry profiles by December 7, 2024.
Overview of 2025 Express Entry Draws
Since the year began, the IRCC has released a total of 6,276 ITAs through the Express Entry system. The summary of the draws is as follows:
- February 4: Provincial Nominee Program (455 ITAs, CRS score of 802)
- January 23: Canadian Experience Class (4,000 ITAs, CRS score of 527)
- January 8: Canadian Experience Class (1,350 ITAs, CRS score of 542)
- January 7: Provincial Nominee Program (471 ITAs, CRS score of 793)
These draws reflect the IRCC’s emphasis on selecting candidates with specific skills, particularly in healthcare, trades, and individuals with proficiency in the French language.
Targeted Draws by IRCC
Since July 2024, reports indicate that the IRCC has been prioritizing targeted draws, specifically for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and various category-based selection draws. These strategic changes are in line with Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2025, which aims to harmonize economic and demographic requirements by selecting candidates with the necessary skills.
The key categories for the Express Entry draws in 2025 are:
- Healthcare
- Trades
- French-language proficiency
By focusing on these sectors, Canada aims to address significant labor shortages while bolstering the overall economy.
The Express Entry system is designed to manage applications for three primary economic immigration programs: the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Prospective applicants must first create a profile in the Express Entry system, which is ranked based on the CRS score.
CRS scores are calculated based on several factors, including age, educational background, work experience, and language abilities. Those with the highest scores are welcomed to apply for permanent residency.
Fees for Express Entry in 2025
Prospective applicants for the Express Entry program should be aware of the associated processing fees for permanent residency in 2025:
- Primary applicant (with RPRF): $1,525 CAD
- Primary applicant (without RPRF): $950 CAD
- Spouse/partner (with RPRF): $1,525 CAD
- Spouse/partner (without RPRF): $950 CAD
- Dependent child (per child): $260 CAD
Additional costs may arise for biometrics, medical examinations, and police clearances. Applicants are advised to ensure that all fees are paid upon submission of their application to avoid any delays in processing.
Processing and Approval Timeline
IRCC targets a six-month processing time for Express Entry applications. Upon approval, applicants must physically arrive in Canada to finalize their immigration process and receive their permanent residency status.
Skilled workers are encouraged to keep track of CRS score trends and the latest category-based draws to enhance their chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency.
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