Express Entry Canada: How to Immigrate in 2025

Express Entry Canada

Canada’s Express Entry system is the most popular and fast way for skilled workers to gain permanent residency. If you're looking to move to Vancouver, BC, or anywhere in Canada, this could be your best route. But how does it work? Are you eligible? Can you apply before moving to Canada? And what are the latest predictions for upcoming Express Entry rounds of invitation?

Candidates in the Express Entry pool are ranked based on their Express Entry points, with those having the highest scores receiving invitations to apply in upcoming Express Entry draws.

Express Entry Canada Draw Predictions (March–May 2025)

IRCC typically holds Express Entry draws every two weeks. Based on past trends, I predict for the next upcoming draws:

• Higher priority for French-speaking candidates and healthcare workers.
• More category-based draws in 2025.
• CRS cut-off scores ranging between 470-510 for general draws.

Predicted Express Entry Draw Dates for 2025

How I made these predictions

These predictions are calculated on historical Express Entry rounds of invitation, past CRS score fluctuations, and IRCC’s category-based selection process.

If you're in the Express Entry pool, tracking past draw trends with the Express Entry tracker can help you estimate your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Candidates with a CRS score above 490 have a higher chance of receiving an ITA. Higher the better.

Previous Express Entry Draws

So we can better predict the future Express Entry rounds of invitation, here’s a look at previous draw results from 2024:

These results are sourced directly from IRCC’s official website and tracked using the Express Entry tracker.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Check Eligibility – Ensure you meet the minimum requirements for Express Entry.
2. Take a Language Test – Complete an approved English or French test (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, etc.).
3. Get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) – If your education was completed outside Canada, you need an ECA.
4. Create an Express Entry Profile – Enter your details into the IRCC system and receive your CRS score.
5. Enter the Express Entry Pool – Your profile is now in the pool and ranked among other candidates.
6. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) – If your CRS score is high enough, you may receive an ITA in a future draw.
7. Submit Your PR Application – After receiving an ITA, you must submit all required documents within 60 days.
8. Complete Medical and Background Checks – IRCC will review your health and security background.
9. Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) – If approved, you receive a COPR and can move to Canada.

Express Entry Proof of Funds

To qualify for Express Entry, you must show proof of funds unless you have a valid job offer in Canada. You must provide official proof, such as bank statements, to verify you have enough money to cover living expenses when you arrive in Canada.

Do note, that they recommend these amounts but you will probably need more. For more on cost of living:

Express Entry Category Based Selection

In addition to general draws, IRCC introduced category-based selection for Express Entry. This allows Canada to prioritize certain groups of skilled workers based on the country’s economic needs. The most recent category-based draws have focused on:

• French-speaking candidates
• Healthcare professionals
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) occupations
• Trade workers
• Transport sector workers
• Agriculture and agri-food occupations

How Category-Based Draws Work

Candidates in the Express Entry pool who meet the criteria for a specific category receive invitations based on their eligibility rather than solely on CRS scores. This makes Express Entry more accessible for individuals working in high-demand fields, even if their CRS score is slightly lower than general cut-offs.

Category-based draws help address labor shortages in key industries while providing more immigration opportunities for skilled workers in priority sectors. Those selected in these category-based Express Entry draws may receive invitations at lower CRS scores than general draws.

How to Increase your Express Entry Points

Maximizing your points (CRS score) is crucial to receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Here are some effective ways to boost your score:

• Work on learning the languages: Higher IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF scores significantly increase your CRS points.
• Gain more Work Experience: More years of relevant work experience increase your ranking.
• Get a Job Offer in Canada: A valid job offer can add 50-200 points to your CRS score.
• Apply for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Being nominated by a Canadian province grants an additional 600 CRS points.
• Further Education: Completing additional degrees, diplomas, or certificates can improve your ranking.
• Improve Spouse’s Credentials: If applicable, your spouse’s education and language skills can contribute additional points.

Express Entry Processing Time

One of the biggest advantages of the Express Entry system is its fast processing time. The current Express Entry processing time for most applications is six months or less from the date of receiving an ITA.

But, processing times can vary based on application volume, background checks, and document verification. You can monitor your application status using the Express Entry tracker.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How often does Express Entry hold draws?

IRCC typically conducts Express Entry draws every two weeks. However, the frequency may vary depending on immigration targets and program changes. See above for predictions.

2. What is the minimum CRS score needed to receive an ITA?

There is no fixed minimum score, but general draws in 2024 ranged from 490 to 546. Category-based draws often have lower cut-offs.

3. Can I apply for Express Entry if I don’t have a job offer?

Yes, you can apply without a job offer. However, having a job offer can significantly increase your CRS score.

4. How long does it take to process an Express Entry application?

The standard Express Entry processing time is approximately six months from the date of ITA submission. However, factors like background checks and document verification can cause variations.

5. What happens if my CRS score is too low?

If your CRS score is below the cut-off, consider improving it by enhancing your language skills, obtaining more work experience, or applying through a PNP.

Next Steps

Want to just do a Holiday Visa instead?

IEC Visa Canada: Get an IEC Visa for Canada | Working Holiday Visa Guide (2025)

Continue on with your Moving to BC Checklist:

Moving to BC Checklist (Updated 2025)