In 2025, Canada’s Express Entry CRS score is predicted to fall below 500. Find out how recent drawings and the loss of LMIA points affect Express Entry applicants.
An Overview of Current Draws for Express Entry
Significant changes are occurring in Canada’s Express Entry system in 2025, with a lower trend in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score criteria. According to recent draw results, there may be a drop below 500 in the upcoming months.
Current Draws for Express Entry:
- February 5, 2025 (Draw #335) –4,000 invitations for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), with a CRS score of 521
- February 4, 2025 (Draw #334) – CRS score: 802, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): 455 invitations
- January 23, 2025 (Draw #333) – 4,000 invitations from CEC, 527 CRS points
- January 8, 2025 (Draw #332) – 1,350 invites sent by CEC, 542 CRS points
- January 7, 2025 (Draw #331) – 471 invitations from PNP, 793 CRS score
These numbers show a consistent drop in CRS scores for CEC candidates, indicating a better chance for candidates hoping to meet lesser requirements.
Effect on Express Entry of Removing LMIA Points
Beginning in the spring of 2025, a major policy change will eliminate the 50–200 CRS points that were previously awarded for job offers supported by the Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). It is anticipated that this modification will affect CRS cutoff scores in multiple ways:
- Reduced CRS Cutoff: Candidates that depended on LMIA points will have lower total CRS scores, which will lower the average for the entire pool.
- Enhanced Attention to Other Elements: To stay competitive, applicants will need to improve their education, work experience, and language skills.
- More Fair Selection Procedure: The approach seeks to provide more equitable opportunities for applicants who do not receive job offers by eliminating these extra points.
Analysis of the Distribution of CRS Scores
An examination of the Express Entry pool’s present CRS score distribution offers valuable information about potential future draws:
| CRS Score Range | Number of Candidates |
|---|---|
| 601-1200 | 173 |
| 501-600 | 23,165 |
| 451-500 | 68,910 |
| 491-500 | 13,487 |
| 481-490 | 13,003 |
| 471-480 | 15,652 |
| 461-470 | 13,815 |
| 451-460 | 12,953 |
| 401-450 | 63,508 |
More candidates in the 470–490 range will be eligible for future drawings as a result of the predicted elimination of LMIA-related points, which is expected to lower CRS scores across several tiers.
When Will the 500 CRS Cutoff Be Dropped?
- The following circumstances are likely to cause the CRS threshold to fall below 500, based on past trends and policy changes:
- Optimistic Estimate: If draw sizes stay high and the pool quickly adapts, by late spring or early summer 2025.
- Conservative Prediction: By the middle to end of the summer of 2025, once candidates have adapted their profiles to the new scoring standards.
Important Points for Candidates
In order to increase the likelihood that they will be invited, candidates should:
- Boost CRS Score Factors: Get better grades on language exams, go back to school, or get more relevant work experience.
- Keep Up: Keep an eye on policy updates and Express Entry draws on a regular basis.
- Be Ready for Score Fluctuations: Although the trend indicates a reduction, there may still be variances in CRS cutoff values.
Future Express Entry Drawing
Further information on changing trends in CRS scores will be available during the next Express Entry draw, which is scheduled for February 18, 2025.
The Express Entry system is changing significantly with the elimination of LMIA-related CRS points and current pool distribution, which could help a wider spectrum of skilled workers seeking permanent residence in Canada.