More PR Opportunities in Canada’s 2025 Immigration Plan – Is This Your Chance?
Canada's 2025 Immigration Plan increases Express Entry PR spots, prioritizing skilled in-Canada candidates and key sectors like healthcare, STEM, and trades.
Gurmeet Sharma
Canada’s latest Immigration Levels Plan highlights expanded targets for Express Entry candidates in 2025, reinforcing immigration’s vital role in the country’s economy. Unlike 2024, which saw a decrease in the Permanent Resident target, the upcoming year promises a more significant focus on economic growth through immigration. Here’s a breakdown of what this means for different categories of Express Entry candidates.
Increased Express Entry Allocation for 2025
The updated plan has set the target for Express Entry candidates at 124,680, compared to last year’s plan of 117,500 for 2025 and 110,770 for 2024. This increase offers more opportunities, especially for those in priority categories, ensuring a robust flow of skilled individuals to Canada.
| Year | 2025 Target (Current Plan) | 2025 Target (Previous Plan) | 2024 Target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express Entry Spots | 124,680 | 117,500 | 110,770 |
Focus on “In-Canada” Candidates
Canada’s 2025 plan emphasizes opportunities for candidates already residing in Canada, particularly those holding temporary work permits. The government’s goal is to retain skilled individuals who have already contributed to the workforce. A recent announcement signaled a stronger focus on in-Canada immigration draws to facilitate pathways for these individuals, increasing their likelihood of receiving Invitations to Apply (ITAs).
Category-Based Draws for Targeted Occupations
Canada continues to address labor shortages by prioritizing category-based draws that favor candidates with skills in high-demand sectors or language proficiencies. In 2024, ITAs were issued across a range of categories, including healthcare and STEM fields, and this trend is set to continue into 2025.
Candidates with the following qualifications and experiences are likely to benefit:
- French-language proficiency
- Healthcare occupations
- Transport occupations
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) occupations
- Trade occupations
- Agriculture and agri-food occupations
To qualify for these category-based draws, candidates should have at least six years of experience in the past three years in an in-demand occupation.
| Category | Number of Draws (2024) | Number of ITAs |
|---|---|---|
| French Language Proficiency | 9 | 21,400 |
| Healthcare | 2 | 7,250 |
| STEM | 1 | 4,500 |
| Trade | 2 | 3,600 |
| Transport | 1 | 975 |
| Agriculture and Agri-Food | 1 | 150 |
What This Means for Express Entry Candidates
The 2025 immigration plan signals more pathways for skilled candidates in specific categories, offering those already in Canada an edge in securing PR status. However, increased competition is anticipated for overseas candidates, especially in high-demand fields. Skilled workers with strong profiles will find a wealth of opportunities in the coming year.
Canada’s plan showcases its commitment to economic growth and cultural diversity through strategic, skilled immigration. Express Entry candidates, especially those in targeted categories, can look forward to an optimistic 2025.
