Understanding the State of Canada's Express Entry Pool in January 2025
January 9,2025 Amritpal Kaur
Canada's Express Entry system remains one of the primary pathways for skilled workers to gain permanent residency. As we start 2025, it's crucial to understand the current state of the Express Entry pool, the latest trends in draws, and what this means for future applicants.
December 2024: Fewer Draws and ITAs Issued
In December 2024, IRCC held only three Express Entry draws, a sharp decrease from the six draws in October and November. A total of 2,561 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued, which is much lower than the 5,961 and 5,507 issued in the previous two months.
The December draws were focused on:
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Two draws for candidates nominated by provinces.
French Language Proficiency: One draw for candidates with French-language skills.
The absence of Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws in December raised some questions. Analysts speculate this might be due to upcoming changes to the CRS system, particularly around points for job offers, but nothing has been confirmed by IRCC.
Current State of the Express Entry Pool
As of January 8, 2025, there are 227,763 candidates in the Express Entry pool. The largest groups are in the 350-400 CRS score range, with 50,607 candidates, and the 501-600 CRS range, with 23,240 candidates. The pool has increased by 6,453 profiles since December, with many of the new candidates falling into the higher CRS ranges.
CRS Score Percentile Distribution
Here's how candidates rank by their CRS scores as of January 2025:
0-300 CRS: Top 2.44% of the pool
301-350 CRS: Top 12.00% of the pool
351-400 CRS: Top 34.22% of the pool
401-450 CRS: Top 60.88% of the pool
451-500 CRS: Top 66.32% of the pool
501-600 CRS: Top 99.92% of the pool
Candidates with scores above 500 CRS have a distinct advantage, ranking in the top 10% of all applicants.
What to Expect in 2025
The priority for PNP and French-language proficiency candidates is expected to continue in 2025, aligning with Canada’s immigration goals. However, with the absence of CEC draws and potential changes to the CRS system, it's essential for applicants to stay updated on how the Express Entry system may evolve.
For candidates with 350-500 CRS scores, competition will remain high, and those with higher scores or specific qualifications like French language skills or a provincial nomination will have a better chance of receiving an ITA.
Need Help with Your Application?
If you're feeling unsure about how the recent changes might impact your application, whether it's for Express Entry, family sponsorship, or any other immigration pathway, we're here to help!
Our team can guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your application is handled smoothly and effectively.
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