With a focus on qualified in-Canada applicants and important industries like healthcare, STEM, and trades, Canada’s 2025 Immigration Plan expands the number of Express Entry PR seats.



Expanded goals for Express Entry applicants in 2025 are highlighted in Canada’s most recent Immigration Levels Plan, highlighting the importance of immigration to the national economy. In contrast to 2024, when the Permanent Resident objective was lowered, the next year is expected to see a greater emphasis on immigration-driven economic growth. What this entails for the various Express Entry candidate categories is broken down here.

Increased Express Entry Allocation for 2025

In contrast to the previous year’s plan, which called for 117,500 for 2025 and 110,770 for 2024, the revised plan has set the goal for Express Entry candidates at 124,680. More chances are provided by this increase, particularly for those in priority categories, guaranteeing a steady stream of highly qualified people to Canada.

Year	2025 Target (Current Plan)	2025 Target (Previous Plan)	2024 Target
Express Entry Spots	124,680	117,500	110,770

Focus on “In-Canada” Candidates

Opportunities for applicants who are currently in Canada, especially those with temporary work permits, are emphasized in Canada’s 2025 plan. The government wants to keep talented people who have already made contributions to the workforce. To increase the chances of these persons receiving Invitations to Apply (ITAs), a recent announcement indicated a greater emphasis on in-Canada immigration draws to facilitate routes.

Category-Based Draws for Targeted Occupations

Prioritizing category-based draws that give preference to applicants with expertise in high-demand fields or language proficiency is one way Canada is addressing its labour shortages. Healthcare and STEM sectors were among the many categories in which ITAs were issued in 2024, and this trend is expected to continue into 2025.

The following credentials and backgrounds are likely to be advantageous to candidates:

– Proficiency in French
– Jobs in healthcare
– Jobs in transportation
– Jobs related to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)
– Trade jobs
– Jobs in agriculture and agri-food

Candidates must have worked in an in-demand profession for at least six years during the previous three years in order to be eligible for these category-based drawings.

What This Means For Express Entry Candidates

Those who are currently in Canada will have an advantage in obtaining permanent residence status as the 2025 immigration strategy indicates additional avenues for qualified applicants in particular categories. However, there will likely be more competition for foreign applicants, particularly in professions with high demand. Opportunities for skilled professionals with great profiles will be abundant in the upcoming year.

Canada’s plan demonstrates its dedication to using targeted, skilled immigration to promote cultural diversity and economic success. Candidates for Express Entry, particularly those in the targeted categories, might anticipate a positive 2025.