Express Entry: Significant Changes To Category-Based Draws

On February 27, 2025 the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship introduced changes to the Express Entry system's categories. It was also indicated that the emphasis for 2025 draws will be on candidates in the Express Entry pool who qualify under the Canadian Experience Class, a category that requires applicants to have at least a year of high-skilled work experience in Canada in the last 3 years and English or French language skills.

Category-based draws were introduced in 2023 to allow the Government to focus on Express Entry invitations in priority areas. At the time, 6 categories were introduced:

• French-language proficiency
• Healthcare occupations