IRCC Reveals 2025 Express Entry Schedule For Category-Based Draws

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has outlined its plan for issuing invitations to apply (ITAs) for the rest of 2025. The new schedule focuses on specific job categories, including education, healthcare, and trades.

The plan aims to support Canada’s Immigration Levels 2025-2027. Most of the ITAs issued in the second half of the year will help meet the 2026 immigration targets.

Category-Based Draws Target In-Demand Skills
IRCC started category-based draws in 2023 to attract skilled workers in key sectors. A recent report obtained via an Access to Information Request (ATIP) by Calgary-based consultant Mandeep Lidher shows planned ITAs for the year.

The report lists the number of ITAs for each category in 2025:

• Education: 3,000 total, 1,000 issued, 2,000 remaining
  
• Healthcare: 8,000 total, 7,500 issued, 500 remaining
  
• Trades: 3,300 total, none issued yet
  

This indicates multiple rounds of category-based draws are expected in the last five months of 2025.

Other Target Categories
IRCC will also issue ITAs in three more areas: STEM occupations, agriculture and agri-food jobs, and French-language proficiency. The government plans six categories in total, including healthcare, education, trades, STEM, agriculture, and French proficiency.

Francophone Immigration Outside Quebec
The report highlights efforts to increase French-speaking immigration outside Quebec. Between February and March 2025, 18,500 ITAs were issued through French-proficiency draws. Another 2,500 ITAs were issued on August 8. These rounds support the government’s 8.5% French admission target for 2025 and 2026 planning.

Provinces and Territories Will Get Draw Calendar
IRCC will share an ITA calendar with provinces and territories. The three-month plan includes expected weeks for draws, types of rounds, and projected minimum scores. This helps provinces prepare for future immigration needs and plan recruitment strategies.

Looking Ahead
The upcoming rounds show Canada’s continued focus on filling labour shortages in key sectors. Candidates in healthcare, education, and trades may see new opportunities in the coming months. Express Entry profiles can now be assessed to see competitiveness for upcoming ITAs.