First Express Entry Draw of 2025 Issues Invitations to 471 Candidates

The Canadian government has officially launched its immigration efforts for 2025 with the first Express Entry draw of the year, inviting 471 candidates to apply for permanent residency with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 793.

On January 7, 2025, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued more invitations to apply (ITAs) in a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Express Entry draw type. If invited to this latest Express Entry draw, you will have 60 days to submit your application for Canada PR. Last month, the immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) department allocated 2,561 ITAs to candidates.

Understanding the Express Entry System

The Express Entry system is a cornerstone of Canada’s immigration strategy, introduced in 2015 to streamline the selection of skilled workers. It is a points-based system that considers prospects based on their age, work experience, education, and language proficiency in either English or French.

The express entry system contains applications for three federal economic immigration schedules:

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For individuals with professional work experience and educational qualifications.

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For skilled tradespeople with experience in specific industries.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC): This class is for people with prior work experience in Canada.

Each candidate is given a score under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which specifies their rank in the Express Entry pool. Periodic draws are held to invite top-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residency.

Conclusion

The first Express Entry draw of 2025 is a good start to the year for Canada’s immigration. With 471 candidates invited to apply for permanent residency, it reaffirms the country’s commitment to attracting skilled talent from around the globe. Candidates with the most elevated CRS scores are routinely invited to apply for Canadian PR through the allocation of ITAs. If a candidate receives an ITA they will have 60 days from the day they accepted the invitation to submit a whole application for PR to IRCC. For those aspiring to build a new life in Canada, the Express Entry system remains one of the most efficient and accessible pathways to achieving that dream. If an application is complete and meets all needs, IRCC will aim to process it within six months. Candidates who complete this procedure successfully are given Canadian PR and may live, work, and relax in Canada permanently, and even make eligibility to apply for Canadian citizenship. Contact us today for expert guidance on Express Entry draws and immigration services. Our team is here to assist with personalized advice for a seamless path to permanent residency in Canada.