By Sanjay Prasher, RCIC | Updated April 11, 2025
Canada’s Express Entry system, the fastest pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers, has been unusually silent since the last draw on March 21, 2025. Typically, IRCC holds draws every two weeks, but as of April 11, there has been no new invitation round.
This unexpected pause has left thousands of candidates anxious—especially those with CRS scores near the last cutoff (379 for French-language draws). In this blog, we explore:
Recent changes to the Express Entry system—including:
Removal of points for arranged employment
Increased French-language bonus points (50 to 75)
New category-based draws (healthcare, trades, education)
These updates require algorithm recalculations, possibly causing delays while IRCC ensures fairness.
Canada is in an election year, and immigration policies are under scrutiny. The government may be:
Avoiding large PR announcements that could spark debate
Waiting until after key electoral milestones to resume draws
IRCC’s 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan aims to welcome 395,000 new permanent residents. The pause could allow time to:
Refine category-based selection criteria
Align draws with labor market needs
With over 250,000 candidates in the pool, IRCC may be conducting:
Routine system upgrades
Fraud prevention checks
Backlog clearance
IRCC might be:
Analyzing pool trends before setting new CRS cutoffs
Preparing for more targeted draws (PNP, French, healthcare)
Those with CRS scores near previous cutoffs (e.g., 375-450) are most affected.
Longer wait times = higher competition when draws resume.
More profiles are being submitted/updated daily.
Future CRS cutoffs could spike if demand increases.
Retake language tests (even 1 CLB level higher helps!)
Add a spouse’s credentials (education, language)
Get Canadian work experience (CEC candidates have an edge)
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are still active!
Ontario, BC, Alberta have frequent draws.
+600 CRS points if nominated.
Unsure about your next steps? I’ve helped 500+ clients navigate Express Entry pauses successfully. Book a free strategy call today!
While IRCC hasn’t confirmed, late April 2025 is likely.
Possibly—if more high-scoring candidates enter the pool.
Yes! PNPs are a great backup. See eligible provinces here.
Absolutely. French draws have the lowest CRS cutoffs (as low as 379!).
Use our free CRS calculator for an instant estimate.
While the pause is frustrating, Express Entry remains Canada’s #1 immigration pathway. Use this time to:
Need expert guidance? As a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), I can help you strategize. Schedule a consultation now! Call 416-857-0100
To work in Canada on a temporary basis, foreign workers need the work permit. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) approve Canada work visas under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
If you and your same-sex common-law partner have lived together in a conjugal relationship for at least a year, you can sponsor them. Generally, you must provide proof of this union, such as joint financial records, property, mail, or purchases. You can sponsor your same-sex partner if you have been in a conjugal relationship for at least one year
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