The Express Entry system has remained highly active since the beginning of 2025, with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) already conducting multiple draws in March. So far, over 17,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) have been issued this year. The latest trends indicate a continued focus on the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC), along with special draws for candidates proficient in French.
Recent Express Entry Draws in February 2025
February saw 11,601 ITAs issued across four separate draws, covering different immigration streams. Below is a breakdown of these draws:
- February 4: Provincial Nominee Program – 455 ITAs, CRS cut-off: 802
- February 5: Canadian Experience Class – 4,000 ITAs, CRS cut-off: 521
- February 17: Provincial Nominee Program – 646 ITAs, CRS cut-off: 750
- February 19: French-Language Proficiency – 6,500 ITAs, CRS cut-off: 428
Growing Express Entry Activity in 2025
February’s Express Entry draws marked a significant increase in ITAs compared to previous months:
| Month | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|
| October 2024 | 5,961 |
| November 2024 | 5,507 |
| December 2024 | 2,561 |
| January 2025 | 5,821 |
| February 2025 | 11,601 |
On February 27, IRCC reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates for Express Entry invitations throughout 2025.
Additionally, significant changes were introduced to the Express Entry system:
- The Transport Occupation category was removed.
- Major updates were made to STEM and trades-related occupations.
- A new category was added for education occupations.
Priority Express Entry Categories for 2025
For the remainder of 2025, IRCC has confirmed that the following categories will be prioritized:
- Healthcare and social services occupations
- Trade occupations
- Education occupations
- French-language proficiency
CRS Score Distribution as of March 3, 2025
The following table provides an overview of the distribution of Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores among candidates currently in the Express Entry pool:
| CRS Score Range | Number of Candidates |
| 0-300 | 5,637 |
| 301-350 | 20,573 |
| 351-400 | 49,555 |
| 401-410 | 12,046 |
| 411-420 | 13,014 |
| 421-430 | 12,072 |
| 431-440 | 12,429 |
| 441-450 | 11,822 |
| 451-460 | 12,298 |
| 461-470 | 13,377 |
| 471-480 | 15,213 |
| 481-490 | 12,730 |
| 491-500 | 13,174 |
| 501-600 | 23,075 |
| 601-1200 | 807 |
Express Entry Pool Shrinking for the First Time in Months
As of early March, the Express Entry pool had 227,822 active profiles. This marks a decrease of 6,230 candidates compared to February, making it the first time in months that the pool has shrunk.
How Your CRS Score Ranks in the Express Entry Pool
The table below helps candidates understand where their CRS score ranks within the overall Express Entry pool:
| CRS Score Range | Percentile Ranking |
| 0-300 | 2.47% |
| 301-350 | 11.50% |
| 351-400 | 33.26% |
| 401-410 | 38.54% |
| 411-420 | 44.26% |
| 421-430 | 49.55% |
| 431-440 | 55.01% |
| 441-450 | 60.20% |
| 451-460 | 65.60% |
| 461-470 | 71.47% |
| 471-480 | 78.15% |
| 481-490 | 83.73% |
| 491-500 | 89.52% |
| 501-600 | 99.65% |
| 601-1200 | 100.00% |
Stay Informed on Your Express Entry Journey
As IRCC continues issuing invitations, monitoring CRS score trends and Express Entry draw patterns can help candidates better understand their chances of receiving an ITA. If you’re considering applying for permanent residence in Canada, staying up-to-date with the latest Express Entry policies and changes is crucial.
Need assistance with your immigration process? Schedule a Express Entry Consultation with our experts today.
