IRCC’s Express Entry Invitation schedule for category -based draws unveiled in 2025
IRCC’s Plan for Issuing ITAs for the Remainder of 2025
A recent report has shed light on Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) strategy for issuing Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for the rest of 2025.
Key areas such as education, healthcare, social services, and trades are expected to see more targeted draws in the upcoming months.
The current ITA system of the Express Entry program is being tailored to align with the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan. The report indicates that most ITAs will contribute towards the 2026 target in the latter half of 2025.
This valuable information was obtained through an Access to Information request (ATIP) by Maneeep Lidher, a Calgary-based Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC).
Allocation for Category-Based Draws
IRCC has introduced category-based draws in the Express Entry system to prioritize candidates with in-demand skills and work experience in specific sectors since 2023.
The ATIP has revealed important details regarding the allocation of ITAs across various categories.
| Category | Number of ITAs in 2025 (as per ATIP) | Number of ITAs issued in 2025 so far | Number of ITAs yet to be issued in 2025 |
| Education | 3,000 | 1,000 | 2,000 |
| Healthcare | 8,000 | 7,500 | 500 |
| Trade | 3,300 | 0 | 3,300 |
These insights can help forecast the remaining ITAs to be allocated based on the ones already issued in 2025.
IRCC is gearing up for multiple rounds of category-based draws in the final months of the year.
The six categories for 2025 include occupations in healthcare and social services, regulated professions, trades, agricultural and agri-food sectors, educational fields, and French-speaking skills.
Francophone Immigration
The report also underscores the federal government’s objective to increase Francophone immigration outside Quebec.
During an eight-week period from February to March 2025, French proficiency draws resulted in 18,500 ITAs being issued, aligning with the government’s 8.5% French-speaking target for 2025.
Additionally, a French proficiency draw held on 8 August saw 2,500 ITAs being issued, likely contributing towards the 2026 goals.
ITA Calendar to be Shared with Provinces and Territories
The report reveals that an ITA calendar will be shared with provinces and territories.
Provinces and territories will receive a three-month plan detailing expected draw weeks, round types, and projected minimum scores for the upcoming two months to assist them in planning future nominations.
