On February 5th, IRCC issued invitations to 4,000 candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) through its Express Entry system. This draw required candidates to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 521 and to have created their Express Entry profile before 2:52:14 AM UTC on November 14, 2024.

This is the second invitation round this week. The previous draw occurred on February 4th, when IRCC issued invitations to 455 candidates through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), who participated in the Enhanced Provincial Nominee Program.

In January, IRCC issued a total of 5,821 invitations through both CEC and Enhanced PNP programs. As the 2025 immigration plan progresses, IRCC expects most invitations to focus on priority categories set by the Canadian government, including CEC candidates, PNP candidates, and candidates under the “Canada-Experience Priority” category.

Difference Between Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Program

Canada’s immigration system includes both federal and provincial immigration programs. The federal government’s Express Entry system is the largest immigration pathway and consists of three categories:

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

In comparison, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is run by each province and territory, with different immigration streams and requirements in each. These programs aim to ensure that immigration benefits are spread across the country.

The PNP is divided into two types: basic and enhanced. The basic PNP program requires candidates to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the provincial government and respond to an invitation to apply for provincial nomination. The Enhanced PNP, linked to the Express Entry system, allows candidates who receive a provincial nomination to directly enter the Express Entry pool, or to first enter the pool and later apply for provincial nomination.

Candidates nominated through the PNP can receive an additional 600 CRS points, significantly improving their chances of receiving an invitation in the next draw.

Looking Ahead to Canada’s 2025 Immigration Policy

According to Canada’s latest immigration levels plan, IRCC anticipates focusing on CEC and PNP candidates in 2025, as well as those with advanced French language skills, healthcare professionals, and skilled tradespeople. These categories are expected to contribute over 124,000 new permanent residents to Canada in the coming year.

As the focus on priority-category candidates continues in the second half of 2024, the 2025 immigration plan will continue to move forward to meet the diverse economic and social needs of Canada.

2025 Express Entry Invitation Summary