IRCC has given its Express Entry Invitation plan for the rest of 2025, with a strong focus on category-based draws. A new report resulting from an Access to Information Request (ATIP) offers insights into how ITA will be distributed across priority sectors.
The schedule is aligned with the Immigration Levels Plan 2025-2027. This ensures that the most ITAs issued in the second half of this year will support the 2026 immigration targets of the government. This method reflects the strategy of Canada in addressing the critical labour market shortages while maintaining long-term balance in admissions.
Allocation for Category-Based Draws
Category-based draws were introduced in 2023, target candidates with in-demand skills. The ATIP data shows allocations for 2025 across three major sectors.
|
Category |
Planned ITAs |
Issued so far |
Remaining |
|
Education |
3,000 |
1,000 |
2,000 |
|
Healthcare |
8,000 |
7,500 |
500 |
|
Trades |
3,300 |
0 |
3,300 |
This shows that while healthcare draws are nearly complete, significant opportunities remain for education professionals and especially trades candidates. These candidates still have their invitation pending.
In 2025, IRCC is expected to issue draws in the following six categories
- Healthcare and social service occupations
- Education occupations
- Trades occupations
- STEM occupations
- Agriculture and agri-food occupations
- French-language proficiency
Francophone Immigration Focus
The report prioritises the commitment of Canada to Francophone immigration outside Quebec. Between February and March 2025, IRCC will share an ITA calendar with provinces and territories. This three-month rolling plan will include expected weeks if draws, the categories targeted and projected CRS score ranges.
This calendar will also allow provinces to align better with their Provincial Nominee Programs with federal priorities. It also makes the immigration process more predictable for applicants hoping to get nominations.
What It Means for Candidates
These allocations highlight those in the Express Entry pool. These opportunities are:
- Trade applicants have the largest remaining share, with 3,300 ITAs still available.
- Individuals in education field can expect 2000 invitations pending in upcoming draws. Workers in Healthcare sector face less competition as only 500 remain.
- Candidates with French-language proficiency also have strong prospects. This is when given that the government’s ongoing push to meet and exceed Francophone admission targets.
This schedule shows the commitment of IRCC to using Express Entry as a targeted, data-driven immigration tool. By focusing on priority occupations and boosting Francophone representation, Canada continues to shape immigration to support both its demographic and economic needs.
For candidates, the second half of 2025 represents important opportunities. With multiple category-based draws expected in education, trades and French-language proficiency, now is the time to strengthen profiles, maximise CRS scores and prepare for upcoming rounds.
Why Candidates Should Choose Croyez Immigration?
Croyez Immigration goes beyond simply sharing updates. As one of the most trusted immigration consultants in India. Our team specialises in Express Entry and PNPs. Our expert guidance will make sure that we analyse the profile and highlighting the strengths of each applicant. We offer a customised strategy which maximises the chances of receiving an ITA.
If you are a skilled worker in healthcare, trades, education or a French-speaking candidate, Croyez will make sure your application is compliant, competitive and aligned with IRCC’s latest draw trends.
