IRCC reveals Express Entry draw schedule for 2025, providing new clarity on how category-based draws will unfold. The information comes from an Access to Information Request (ATIP) obtained by Calgary-based Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) Mandeep Lidher.
According to the report, Canada is planning to issue invitations to apply (ITAs) in several priority categories such as education, healthcare and social services, and trades over the coming months.
This schedule is designed to align with the country’s Immigration Levels Plan 2025–2027. IRCC emphasizes that many of the invitations issued in the second half of 2025 will play a critical role in meeting immigration targets for 2026.
Allocation For Category-Based Draws
Category-based draws were introduced in 2023 as part of Canada’s effort to target candidates with in-demand skills and professional experience. These categories ensure that immigration supports the country’s most pressing labor market needs.
The ATIP provides a breakdown of allocations and how many ITAs have already been issued this year.
| Category | Number Of ITAs In 2025 (As Per The ATIP) | Number Of ITAs Issued So Far In 2025 | Number Of ITAs Yet To Be Issued In 2025 |
| Education | 3,000 | 1,000 | 2,000 |
| Healthcare | 8,000 | 7,500 | 500 |
| Trades | 3,300 | 0 | 3,300 |
This data shows that while healthcare draws have already taken center stage in 2025, there is significant room left for trades and education-based draws in the months ahead. With more than 5,000 invitations yet to be issued, applicants in these fields should watch for new rounds of invitations soon.
The Six Express Entry Categories In 2025
As IRCC reveals Express Entry draw schedule for 2025, it is also vital to note that the immigration department confirmed that there are six categories of focus for Express Entry draws this year:
- Healthcare and social services occupations
- STEM occupations
- Trade occupations
- Agriculture and agri-food occupations
- Education occupations
- French-language proficiency
These targeted rounds allow Canada to address gaps in essential sectors, ensuring that skilled newcomers are integrated where they are most needed.
Francophone Immigration Goals
The report also underlines the federal government’s strong push for Francophone immigration outside Quebec.
Earlier this year, between February and March 2025, IRCC held several French-language proficiency draws. These rounds alone resulted in 18,500 ITAs being issued. It is all a part of Canada’s strategy to achieve its 8.5% Francophone admissions target for the year.
In addition, IRCC organized another French-language draw on August 8, 2025, which saw 2,500 invitations issued. These invitations are expected to contribute toward the 2026 immigration targets.
Provinces And Territories To Receive ITA Calendar
Another significant revelation from the ATIP is that IRCC will begin sharing a detailed ITA calendar with provinces and territories.
This calendar will give them access to a three-month outlook, including:
- The expected weeks of upcoming draws
- The type of rounds planned
- Projections of the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores for the next two months
By sharing this schedule, IRCC aims to help provinces and territories better align their nomination programs with federal draws, ensuring smoother coordination across Canada’s immigration system.
What This Means For Applicants?
For Express Entry candidates, this update provides valuable insights into when and where opportunities may arise in 2025. While healthcare remains a top priority, those in education and skilled trades are likely to see more draws in the near future.
Overall, the report confirms that Canada is moving forward with a strategic, targeted immigration approach to balance labor market demands while meeting its long-term immigration targets.
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