The year 2024 brought significant developments to Canada’s Express Entry system, influencing the pathways to permanent residence (PR) for thousands of foreign nationals. From shifting program priorities to new policy announcements, these changes highlight Canada’s evolving immigration landscape and provide insights into what to expect in 2025.
Let’s review the major trends, draw results, and upcoming changes that shaped Express Entry in 2024.
Express Entry 2024: A Year of Transformation
This year, 98,803 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued through 52 draws across various Express Entry programs. These draws focused heavily on Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates, Canadian Experience Class (CEC) applicants, and individuals with French language proficiency, reflecting a departure from previous years.
2024 Express Entry Draws by Program/Category
| Category | Draws | CRS Range |
|---|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program | 14 | 663 – 816 |
| French Language Proficiency | 11 | 336 – 478 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 10 | 507 – 547 |
| General | 9 | 524 – 549 |
| Healthcare Occupations | 3 | 422 – 463 |
| Trade Occupations | 2 | 433 – 436 |
| Agriculture & Agri-Food | 1 | 437 – 437 |
| STEM Occupations | 1 | 491 – 491 |
| Transport Occupations | 1 | 430 – 430 |
Key Trends in 2024 Express Entry
Increased Selectivity
The CRS cut-off scores fluctuated significantly across categories, with priority given to specific sectors such as healthcare and trades.
Focus on Francophone Immigration
French language proficiency draws became more frequent, aligning with Canada’s goal to increase francophone immigration under the Official Languages Act.
Shift to PNP and CEC
IRCC emphasized PNP and CEC draws over general draws, prioritizing candidates with Canadian experience and provincial nominations.
2025 Outlook: What’s Next for Express Entry?
Removal of CRS Points for Job Offers
Starting Spring 2025, CRS points for job offers will be temporarily removed. This change may lower overall CRS cut-offs and shift focus to other eligibility factors.
Higher Federal High-Skilled Immigration Targets
The 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan will increase PR admissions for federal high-skilled programs to 124,590 landings, divided into:
- In-Canada Focus: Prioritizing CEC and Express Entry-aligned PNP candidates.
- Federal Economic Priorities: Targeting healthcare, trades, and French-proficiency applicants.
Category-Based Selection to Continue
IRCC will maintain category-based draws, with healthcare, trades, and French-language skills as key priorities for 2025.
Plan Ahead for Express Entry Success in 2025
With Express Entry evolving rapidly, staying informed is essential for success. Whether you’re a skilled worker, francophone candidate, or planning to apply through PNP, understanding these trends and changes will help you stay competitive.
Get a Free Express Entry Assessment today with Skynet Immigration, your trusted partner in navigating Canadian immigration. Let us guide you to success in 2025 and beyond!
