Major Changes to Express Entry in 2025: What You Need to Know

As Canada’s Express Entry system continues to evolve, 2025 brings significant updates that could reshape the pathway for skilled workers seeking permanent residency. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the key changes and what they mean for candidates in the Express Entry pool.

1. Increased Role of Express Entry in Immigration Targets

Express Entry will account for a larger share of Canada’s overall immigration targets in 2025.

• Target Admissions: The number of immigrants admitted under federal economic programs (managed through Express Entry) will increase to 124,590, up from 110,770 in 2024.
• Shift in Focus: Canada is reducing overall immigration levels by 20% compared to 2024, giving the federal government more control over admissions.
• Reduced PNP Allocations: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allocations will drop from 110,000 in 2024 to 55,000 in 2025, emphasizing Express Entry-managed pathways for economic immigrants.

This means skilled workers applying through Express Entry will have more opportunities to secure permanent residency.

2. Removal of CRS Points for Job Offers

A major change in 2025 is the removal of Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for valid job offers, effective spring 2025.

• Current System: Candidates with valid job offers receive 50-200 points, depending on the job level.
• New Rule: No points will be awarded for job offers during this "temporary measure."
• Impact: Candidates will need to rely on other factors, such as language skills and work experience, to improve their CRS scores.

While this change may lower the CRS scores of many candidates, the long-term impact on cut-off scores remains uncertain.

3. Introduction of New Allocation Categories

The Federal High-Skilled (FHS) allocation is being replaced by two sub-categories:

These changes reflect a more targeted approach, emphasizing candidates with specific skills or those already contributing to Canada’s workforce.

4. Focus on Category-Based Selections

Express Entry draws in 2025 will prioritize candidates in key sectors and skill sets.

• Priority Categories for 2025:
• Healthcare Occupations: Addressing critical labor shortages in Canada’s healthcare system.
• Trades Occupations: Supporting sectors such as construction and skilled trades.
• French Proficiency: Aiming to boost francophone immigration outside Quebec.

Canada has set ambitious goals for francophone immigration, with a target of 8.5% of admissions in 2025, rising to 9.5% in 2026.

Other categories available for selection include STEM, transport, agriculture, and agri-food occupations.

What These Changes Mean for Candidates

For skilled workers hoping to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry, 2025 presents both opportunities and challenges:

• Increased Importance of Human Capital Factors: With the removal of job offer points, factors like language proficiency, work experience, and education will play a bigger role in CRS scores.
• Emphasis on In-Demand Skills: Candidates in priority categories, such as healthcare and trades, are likely to benefit from more targeted draws.
• Greater Role for Francophone Candidates: Those with French proficiency will find more opportunities to secure permanent residency, given Canada’s growing commitment to francophone immigration.