Last Updated On 27 August 2025, 10:12 AM EDT (Toronto Time)
In a recent revelation on Express Entry draw schedule, a redacted internal memo from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has shed light on the Invitation to Apply (ITA) for 2025.
This exclusive insight into IRCC’s plans offers a roadmap for prospective immigrants, provinces, and stakeholders, outlining how Canada intends to meet its ambitious immigration targets for 2025 and beyond.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the key details of the 2025 Express Entry draw schedule, explore its alignment with Canada’s 2025–2027 Multi-Year Levels Plan, and provide actionable insights for applicants aiming to secure permanent residency (PR).
Whether you’re a skilled worker, a Francophone candidate, or someone in the healthcare or trades sectors, this article will help you navigate the opportunities and challenges of the Express Entry system in 2025.
Credit for information in this article goes to Mandeep Lidher, a Calgary-based Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) and law student who shared this IRCC memo on X.
The 2025 Express Entry Draw Schedule: Key Insights from the IRCC Memo
The IRCC memo provides a detailed look at the 2025 Express Entry ITA schedule.
Below, we’ll break down the key points and what they mean for applicants.
1. Alignment with the 2025–2027 Multi-Year Levels Plan
The memo emphasizes that the 2025 ITA schedule is designed to support Canada’s 2025–2027 Multi-Year Levels Plan, which outlines immigration targets for permanent residents.
A significant portion of ITAs issued in the second half of 2025 will count toward 2026 admission targets, as most candidates invited later in the year will land as permanent residents in 2026 due to processing times.
The memo notes that a three-month schedule will be shared with provinces and territories, including expected draw weeks, round types, and projected minimum CRS scores for the next two months (with caveats for potential variances due to operational or applicant-related factors).
What This Means for Applicants: If you’re planning to apply through Express Entry in 2025, timing is critical.
Draws in late 2025 will contribute to 2026 targets, so candidates should aim to maximize their CRS scores to increase their chances of receiving an ITA.
2. Focus on Francophone Admissions
As we know, one of the standout objectives of the 2025 schedule is to maximize Francophone admissions outside Quebec.
The memo highlights IRCC’s target of 8.5% Francophone admissions for 2025, driven by the fact that 87% of Francophone candidates reside overseas.
To meet this goal, IRCC planned 18,500 ITAs for French-proficiency rounds over an eight-week period, with four rounds issuing 21,000 ITAs already conducted on February 19, March 6, March 21, and August 8, 2025.
2,500 ITAs issued on August 8 being considered for 2026 targets given the IRCC processing time of up to 6 months after uploading all the documents.
This focus reflects Canada’s commitment to promoting linguistic diversity and supporting Francophone communities across the country.
Candidates with strong French language skills (typically CLB 7 or higher) still have a significant advantage in these draws, as IRCC prioritizes them to meet the 9.5% target in 2026.
What This Means for Applicants: If you’re proficient in French, consider taking a language test like TEF Canada or TCF Canada to boost your CRS score.
French-speaking candidates can earn up to 50 additional CRS points, making it easier to secure an ITA in these targeted draws.
3. Category-Based Selection (CBS) Targets
The 2025 schedule allocates ITAs across several CBS categories to address Canada’s labor market needs.
According to the memo, the planned ITA distribution is as follows:
CategoryITAs As per IRCC MemoITAs Already Issued in 2025Expected ITAs In Next DrawsEducationApproximately 3,000 ITAs (5% of all FSW and CEC ITAs)1,0002,000HealthcareApproximately 8,000 ITAs (15% of all FSW and CEC ITAs)7,5001,000-2,000 TradesApproximately 3,300 ITAs (8% of all FSW and CEC ITAs)03,300French-Proficiency18,500 ITAs to meet the 8.5% Francophone admissions target21,0000
Please note that expected ITAs in next draw is projected by us not IRCC memo.
Notably, the explains the absence of recent Trades category draws, noting that delays in approving the memorandum prevented earlier CBS rounds.
This has also impacted programs like Ontario’s OINP Skilled Trades stream, as IRCC aligns its schedule with provincial nomination planning.
This means that there are high that next Express Entry draw could be Trades and it can be a large draw even higher than 3,300 factoring in the ITAs for 2026.
What This Means for Applicants: Candidates in healthcare, education, or trades should ensure their profiles align with these categories.
For tradespeople, the memo suggests that CRS cut-off scores may remain 470 or higher, particularly for occupations like cooks, so improving your CRS score through additional education, work experience, or language proficiency is essential.
4. Federal Economic Priorities and In-Canada Focus
The 2025 schedule emphasizes Federal Economic Priorities and an In-Canada Focus, aiming to attract skilled workers who can address labor shortages and integrate quickly into the Canadian economy.
The memo underscores that adhering to the planned ITA schedule will help IRCC meet these objectives while achieving the 2025 admissions targets.
For in-Canada applicants, particularly those under the CEC, this focus is encouraging. Candidates with Canadian work experience or education often receive higher CRS scores, making them competitive in both general and CBS draws.
What This Means for Applicants: If you’re already in Canada on a work or study permit, leverage your Canadian experience to boost your CRS score.
Consider exploring your options for provincial nominations, which can add up to 600 CRS points, significantly increasing your chances of receiving an ITA.
5. Communication and Transparency with Stakeholders
The memo highlights IRCC’s commitment to transparency by sharing a three-month ITA plan with provinces and territories.
This plan includes expected draw weeks, round types, and projected CRS cut-off scores, helping stakeholders plan their nominations and support regional labor market needs.
IRCC anticipates a positive reception from provinces and territories, as the schedule provides predictability and aligns with their nomination planning.
The memo also recommends a responsive communications approach, with the IRCC People and Communications Sector preparing media lines to address potential questions.
What This Means for Applicants: The transparency of the three-month plan means applicants can stay informed about upcoming draws through official IRCC channels.
Regularly checking these sources can help you time your application strategically.
To help you navigate the Express Entry draws, here are actionable steps to boost your chances of receiving an ITA:
Create or Update Your Express Entry Profile: Submit your profile to the Express Entry pool as early as possible. Ensure all information (education, work experience, language scores) is accurate and up-to-date. Maximize Your CRS Score: Take language tests (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada) to achieve high CLB levels. Obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign degrees. Gain additional work experience or certifications to increase your points. Explore Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Many provinces align their nominations with Express Entry CBS categories. A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an ITA. Monitor IRCC Updates: Follow official IRCC announcements for real-time updates on draws and CRS cut-offs. Consult an RCIC: Work with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant or Immigration Lawyers to review your profile and develop a tailored strategy. Ensure your consultant is licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) and lawyer is in good standing with their regulatory authority. What’s Next for Express Entry Draws in 2025?
As Canada moves into 2025, the Express Entry system will continue to evolve to meet the country’s economic and cultural goals.
The focus on Francophone admissions, healthcare, trades, and education categories signals IRCC’s commitment to targeted immigration.
However, high CRS cut-offs and the shift away from categories like Transport may create challenges for some applicants.
By staying informed and proactive, candidates can position themselves for success in the 2025 draws.
Whether you’re a Francophone professional, a healthcare worker, or a skilled tradesperson, the opportunities are there—but preparation is key.
The 2025 Express Entry draw schedule, revealed through the IRCC memo shared by Mandeep Lidher, offers a clear roadmap for Canada’s immigration priorities.
With a focus on Francophone admissions, healthcare, trades, and education, the schedule aligns with the 2025–2027 Multi-Year Levels Plan, ensuring that Canada attracts the talent it needs to thrive.
For prospective immigrants, the key to success lies in understanding the schedule, optimizing your CRS score, and leveraging additional pathways like provincial nominations.
By following the tips in this guide and staying updated through trusted sources, you can navigate the Express Entry system with confidence and take a step closer to calling Canada home.
When is the next Express Entry draw?
The next Express Entry draw is expected to be on September 2 or 3, 2025.
Satinder brings expertise, knowledge, and experience related to internal work flows at IRCC. She worked at Canadian Consulate in Chandigarh before moving to Canada. Her articles on “Chinook – An internal IRCC tool used to bulk process temporary applications” was one of the notable work on our news website 
by Satinder Bains 23 August 2025, 10:02 AM EDT23 August 2025, 10:02 AM EDT 
by Satinder Bains 22 August 2025, 9:50 AM EDT22 August 2025, 10:32 AM EDT Load More Post
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