Canada’s 2025 Express Entry Draw Schedule for Visa Applicants
Are you considering moving to Canada for work? You’re not alone! Many international job seekers are exploring opportunities here. Recently, a report by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) laid out its plans for issuing Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for those looking for permanent residency (PR) in the coming months. This could be your chance!
The current job market in Canada is keenly focused on sectors like education, healthcare, and trades. These areas might see an increase in planned draws for PR, making it worthwhile to keep an eye on these developments if you’re seeking visa sponsorship.
What is an ITA?
An ITA is your golden ticket to apply for permanent residency. If you receive one, you’ll be invited to submit your application, which can lead you to a new life in Canada. Knowing how to improve your chances of receiving an ITA will be crucial for your migration plans.
Opportunity in Category-Based Draws
IRCC introduced category-based Express Entry draws in 2023, targeting candidates with skills that are in high demand. This means if you have a specific skill set, such as in education or healthcare, you might receive an ITA sooner. According to the recent report, here’s how many ITAs are planned for various categories this year:
| Category | ITAs Planned for 2025 | ITAs Issued So Far | More ITAs to Come |
| Education | 3,000 | 1,000 | 2,000 |
| Healthcare | 8,000 | 7,500 | 500 |
| Trades | 3,300 | 0 | 3,300 |
This shows there are still many ITAs waiting to be issued! If you fit into one of these in-demand categories, your chances of receiving an ITA definitely increase.
Focus on Francophone Immigration
Interestingly, the Canadian government is also making strides to enhance **Francophone immigration** outside Quebec. An initiative to issue 18,500 ITAs during specific French-proficiency draws reflects Canada’s commitment to welcoming French speakers. This is a part of the broader goal to meet an 8.5% target for French admissions in 2025. So, if you’re fluent in French, that could be another pathway for you!
ITA Calendar for Better Planning
Additionally, IRCC plans to share an ITA calendar with provinces and territories. This will indicate when draws will take place and help provinces strategize their nominee programs. If you’re thinking about applying through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) — where provinces nominate individuals for PR based on their specific labour needs — this information will help you tremendously in planning your move.
The PNP allows provinces to select candidates who can fill gaps in their local labour market, which can significantly expedite your path to PR.
If you’re exploring job opportunities from overseas, you’ll find that every listing on our website, VisaJobsCanada.com, includes visa support. It’s a dedicated space for international applicants looking to move to Canada, whether through job offers or skilled migration.
Final Thoughts
There are exciting opportunities ahead for international job seekers in Canada. With various sectors seeing increased ITAs and a focus on expanding immigration pathways for in-demand skills, now is an excellent time to consider your options.
As you continue to research and plan, remember that our site, VisaJobsCanada.com, is here to help you find those perfect job listings that come with visa sponsorship. Canada is waiting for you!
Have your say!
Got a question, opinion, or experience to share about working in Canada? Leave a comment below and join the conversation.
