Canada’s new Immigration Levels Plan reveals significant shifts in opportunities for Express Entry candidates, particularly favoring individuals already in Canada or those qualifying for specific category-based draws. Let’s delve into how these changes will influence pathways to permanent residency.
Express Entry Allocation: A Promising Increase
Canada has allocated 124,680 spots for Express Entry in 2025, reflecting an increase from the previous target of 117,500 under the 2024 plan. This higher allocation, despite an overall 20% cut in total permanent residency admissions, signals a prioritization of skilled immigrants.
Growth Over the Years
- 2024 Target: 110,770
- 2025 Target (2024 Plan): 117,500
- 2025 Target (Current Plan): 124,680
This 7% rise underscores Canada’s focus on addressing economic priorities through the Express Entry system, encouraging skilled workers to fill critical gaps in the labor market.
Prioritization of Candidates Within Canada
For the first time, Canada introduced an “In-Canada Focus” category under its economic immigration plan, dedicating 42% of federal economic immigration spots (82,980) to individuals already residing in Canada.
What This Means
- Higher Chances for Domestic Candidates: Temporary residents, such as those under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), are more likely to secure Invitations to Apply (ITAs).
- Challenges for Overseas Applicants: Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) candidates outside Canada may face tougher competition.
This shift aligns with the government’s broader strategy to enable smoother transitions for temporary residents into permanent residency, while reducing the proportion of temporary residents in Canada’s population from 7% to 5% by 2026.
Category-Based Draws: Filling Labor Market Needs
The “Federal Economic Priorities” category, targeting 41,700 admissions in 2025, emphasizes category-based draws to address Canada’s workforce demands. Introduced in 2023, these draws allow the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to issue ITAs based on specific skillsets.
Key Categories for 2025
- Healthcare Occupations
- Trade Occupations
- French-Language Proficiency
Other ongoing priorities include STEM, transportation, and agriculture. For eligibility, candidates need at least six months of relevant work experience in the past three years.
Insights from Recent Trends
Domestic Draws in 2024
From May to October 2024, IRCC conducted eight Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws, issuing 25,700 ITAs. General draws ceased after April 23, 2024, reflecting the shift toward targeted invitations.
2024 Category-Based Draw Outcomes
- French-Language Proficiency: 21,400 ITAs across nine draws
- Healthcare: 7,250 ITAs
- STEM: 4,500 ITAs
- Trade Occupations: 3,600 ITAs
These trends point to continued focus on these categories in 2025, potentially with increased ITAs.
What It Means for Express Entry Candidates
- Higher ITAs Expected: The increased allocation signals better odds for candidates, especially those in favored categories.
- Strategic Preparation is Key: Candidates outside Canada should strengthen their profiles in in-demand fields to remain competitive.
- Language Proficiency Matters: French-speaking candidates enjoy a significant advantage due to prioritization.
Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2025 demonstrates a clear focus on addressing labor shortages and supporting economic growth. While opportunities for domestic candidates have surged, international applicants must adapt strategically to stay competitive. Express Entry remains a vital tool for Canada’s long-term immigration goals.
