September 2025: State of the Express Entry Pool
As of September 2025, Canada’s Express Entry system remains a cornerstone for skilled immigrants seeking permanent residency. This year, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 55,120 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) across 32 draws, targeting specific categories such as the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and occupations in healthcare, education, trades, and French language proficiency.
The bi-weekly draws have maintained a consistent pattern, with the most recent draw on August 19, 2025, issuing 2,500 ITAs in a healthcare category round at a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cutoff of 470. This reflects IRCC’s strategic focus on addressing labor shortages in critical sectors.
Recent CRS trends reveal category-specific fluctuations. French language proficiency candidates saw cutoffs ranging from 379 to 481, while healthcare dropped from 510 to 470, with larger draw sizes. Education candidates hovered around 479, CEC remained stable in the mid-500s (518-547), and PNP cutoffs were significantly higher (667-802).
Looking ahead, the next Express Entry draw is anticipated on September 2 or 3, 2025, following the Labour Day holiday. There is strong speculation about a trades occupation-specific draw, as this category has yet to meet its 2025 allocation of roughly 3,300 ITAs. If realized, the predicted CRS cutoff for this draw could be around 450, with the potential for large volumes (3,000–4,000 ITAs) to align with yearly targets and future workforce needs.
The composition of the Express Entry pool highlights the dominance of certain occupations. Food Service Supervisors and Cooks lead with 13,900 and 8,970 candidates, respectively, followed by Software Engineers at 6,900. However, many of these candidates are in occupations outside the priority categories, which may limit their immediate immigration opportunities despite their skills.
CRS distribution within the pool shows a significant concentration in the 451–500 range, which is typically the cutoff zone for most draws. Tie-breaking rules, based on the submission date and time of Express Entry profiles, further refine the selection process when multiple candidates share the same CRS score.
The system’s logic remains clear: candidates with the highest CRS scores are prioritized for ITAs. The three federal programs under Express Entry—the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Federal Skilled Trades (FST), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC)—continue to serve as the primary pathways for skilled immigrants. For 2025, the system aims to admit 395,000 new permanent residents, slightly lower than previous years, to ensure sustainable integration.
For candidates in the pool, aligning their profiles with Canada’s evolving priorities—such as French language proficiency, healthcare, education, and trades—remains crucial for maximizing their chances of selection. Flexibility and adaptability to shifting category focuses and pool trends are essential in this competitive landscape.
As September unfolds, the Express Entry system is poised to continue its adaptive approach, balancing Canada’s economic needs with the integration of skilled immigrants. The months ahead will likely see increased attention on underrepresented categories like trades, with significant draw volumes to meet both current and future workforce demands.
September 2025: State of the Express Entry Pool
As of September 2025, Canada’s Express Entry system remains a cornerstone for skilled immigrants seeking permanent residency. This year, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 55,120 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) across 32 draws, targeting specific categories such as the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and occupations in healthcare, education, trades, and French language proficiency.
The bi-weekly draws have maintained a consistent pattern, with the most recent draw on August 19, 2025, issuing 2,500 ITAs in a healthcare category round at a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cutoff of 470. This reflects IRCC’s strategic focus on addressing labor shortages in critical sectors.
Recent CRS trends reveal category-specific fluctuations. French language proficiency candidates saw cutoffs ranging from 379 to 481, while healthcare dropped from 510 to 470, with larger draw sizes. Education candidates hovered around 479, CEC remained stable in the mid-500s (518-547), and PNP cutoffs were significantly higher (667-802).
Looking ahead, the next Express Entry draw is anticipated on September 2 or 3, 2025, following the Labour Day holiday. There is strong speculation about a trades occupation-specific draw, as this category has yet to meet its 2025 allocation of roughly 3,300 ITAs. If realized, the predicted CRS cutoff for this draw could be around 450, with the potential for large volumes (3,000–4,000 ITAs) to align with yearly targets and future workforce needs.
The composition of the Express Entry pool highlights the dominance of certain occupations. Food Service Supervisors and Cooks lead with 13,900 and 8,970 candidates, respectively, followed by Software Engineers at 6,900. However, many of these candidates are in occupations outside the priority categories, which may limit their immediate immigration opportunities despite their skills.
CRS distribution within the pool shows a significant concentration in the 451–500 range, which is typically the cutoff zone for most draws. Tie-breaking rules, based on the submission date and time of Express Entry profiles, further refine the selection process when multiple candidates share the same CRS score.
The system’s logic remains clear: candidates with the highest CRS scores are prioritized for ITAs. The three federal programs under Express Entry—the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Federal Skilled Trades (FST), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC)—continue to serve as the primary pathways for skilled immigrants. For 2025, the system aims to admit 395,000 new permanent residents, slightly lower than previous years, to ensure sustainable integration.
For candidates in the pool, aligning their profiles with Canada’s evolving priorities—such as French language proficiency, healthcare, education, and trades—remains crucial for maximizing their chances of selection. Flexibility and adaptability to shifting category focuses and pool trends are essential in this competitive landscape.
As September unfolds, the Express Entry system is poised to continue its adaptive approach, balancing Canada’s economic needs with the integration of skilled immigrants. The months ahead will likely see increased attention on underrepresented categories like trades, with significant draw volumes to meet both current and future workforce demands.
Conclusion
Canada’s Express Entry system continues to evolve, adapting to the nation’s economic needs and demographic challenges. As of September 2025, the system remains a vital pathway for skilled immigrants seeking permanent residency. With a focus on priority sectors like healthcare, education, trades, and French language proficiency, IRCC is strategically addressing labor shortages while maintaining a competitive and efficient selection process.
Candidates in the Express Entry pool should remain vigilant about CRS trends, occupation-specific draws, and shifting priorities. Aligning profiles with high-demand categories and maintaining flexibility will be key to maximizing their chances of receiving an ITA. As the system moves forward, its adaptive approach ensures a balance between economic growth and sustainable immigration practices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the next Express Entry draw expected?
The next Express Entry draw is anticipated on September 2 or 3, 2025, following the Labour Day holiday. There is speculation about a trades occupation-specific draw.
How is the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score calculated?
The CRS score is calculated based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and other criteria. Candidates with the highest CRS scores are prioritized for ITAs.
How can I improve my chances of receiving an ITA?
Align your profile with Canada’s priority sectors, such as healthcare, education, trades, or French language proficiency. Consider enhancing your language test scores, gaining more work experience, or obtaining a provincial nomination.
Why is the CRS cutoff range of 451–500 significant?
This range is significant because it is typically the cutoff zone for most Express Entry draws. Candidates within this range are more likely to receive ITAs, especially in larger draws or occupation-specific rounds.
