January 31, 2025, marks 10 years since Canada’s Express Entry system was launched. Over the last decade, this system has transformed the way skilled workers apply for permanent residency (PR). More than 800,000 people have received invitations to apply (ITA) for PR through Express Entry since its introduction in 2015.
In this blog, we will take a closer look at how Express Entry has evolved and what it means for future immigrants.
Why Was Express Entry Introduced?
Before 2015, Canada processed immigration applications on a first-come, first-served basis. This meant that anyone eligible could apply directly, and applications were processed in order. However, this led to a huge backlog—some people waited up to seven years for their PR!
The government realized this system wasn’t working. Skilled workers needed to come to Canada faster to fill job shortages, and many applicants found their job qualifications outdated by the time they were approved.
So, in 2015, Canada introduced Express Entry—a faster and more efficient way to process PR applications.
How Does Express Entry Work?
Express Entry is an online system that ranks applicants based on factors like:
- Age
- Education
- Work experience
- Language skills (English or French)
Each applicant gets a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score out of 1,200 points. The highest-ranking candidates receive invitations to apply (ITA) in regular Express Entry draws.
The best part? Processing times are much faster! While the old system took years, Express Entry aims to process applications within six months.
Currently, Express Entry manages applications for these immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) (some applicants)
How Has Express Entry Changed Over the Years?
1. Changes to Job Offer Points
- In 2015, a valid job offer gave applicants an extra 600 points, making it almost a guaranteed way to get an ITA.
- In 2016, the government reduced job offer points:
- 50 points for most job offers (NOC 0, A, B)
- 200 points for high-level management jobs (NOC 00)
- In 2025, Canada will remove all job offer points to make the system fairer and reduce fraud.
2. More Points for Education
- In 2016, Canada started giving extra points for Canadian education:
- 15 points for a 1-2 year diploma
- 30 points for a 3+ year degree (or Master’s, PhD, etc.)
3. Tie-Breaking Rule Introduced
- In 2017, a tie-breaking rule was introduced to prioritize older applications if two applicants had the same CRS score.
4. More Support for French-Speaking Immigrants
- Since 2017, applicants with strong French skills get extra CRS points.
- In 2023, Express Entry created a special category just for French-speaking candidates.
5. Points for Siblings in Canada
- In 2017, applicants with a sibling in Canada (citizen or PR) got extra points.
6. Category-Based Selection (2023-Present)
- In 2023, Canada introduced “category-based draws”, targeting applicants in specific high-demand job fields.
- Current priority job categories:
- French speakers
- Healthcare
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
- Trades
- Transport
- Agriculture & food industry
How Did COVID-19 Impact Express Entry?
The pandemic paused regular draws for 18 months. During this time, Canada only invited applicants from the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
As a result, Express Entry saw major CRS score fluctuations. In 2021, one draw invited 27,332 applicants with just a CRS score of 75!
Regular draws resumed in July 2022, and CRS scores have since increased.
What’s Happening in 2025?
1. More Focus on Candidates Already in Canada
- Half of PR spots in 2025 will go to applicants already living in Canada (students, workers, etc.).
- Canada wants to reduce temporary residents from 7% to 5% by 2026 by helping them get PR.
2. Federal Economic Priorities
- Canada will prioritize PR for people in:
- Healthcare
- Trades
- French-speaking applicants
3. No More Extra Points for Job Offers
- In Spring 2025, Express Entry will stop giving extra CRS points for job offers.
- This aims to reduce fraud and increase fairness.
4. More Express Entry PR Spots
- The government is increasing Express Entry PR allocations while reducing PNP spots:
- 124,680 PRs through Express Entry (2025)
- Only 55,000 PRs through PNP (2025)
This shift gives Canada more control over immigration and reduces reliance on provincial programs.
Final Thoughts: What’s Next for Express Entry?
Express Entry has transformed Canada’s immigration system over the last 10 years. It has made the process faster, fairer, and more efficient for skilled workers. With new priorities like in-Canada applicants, category-based draws, and the removal of job offer points, Express Entry will continue to evolve in the coming years.
If you’re planning to apply for PR, now is the time to prepare! Make sure your CRS score is competitive and stay updated on Express Entry changes.
Need Help with Express Entry?
At Ask Kubeir, we guide you through every step of the Express Entry process. Whether you need help with your profile, CRS score, or PR application, we’ve got you covered.
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Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and not legal advice. Always consult experts like us or the official IRCC website for up-to-date details.