These are the changes coming to Express Entry in 2025

Canada’s Express Entry system underwent significant changes in 2024, many of which will shape the country’s economic immigration programs in 2025. This article highlights the major trends expected to impact Express Entry this year and their potential influence on candidate selection.

Increased Role of Express Entry in Immigration Targets

In 2025, Express Entry will account for a larger share of Canada’s overall immigration targets. The federal government has raised the number of admissions under federal economic programs to 124,590, up from 110,770 in 2024.

At the same time, total immigration targets have been reduced by 20%, giving the federal government greater control over admissions and shifting focus away from provincial and regional programs.

As a result, Express Entry will play a more central role in Canada’s immigration system. The Federal High-Skilled (FHS) category—now divided into "In-Canada Focus" and "Federal Economic Priorities"—will make up 31.5% of total planned admissions in 2025, compared to 22.8% in 2024.

Additionally, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allocations have been significantly reduced, from 110,000 planned admissions in 2024 to just 55,000 in 2025. This means a larger proportion of economic immigrants—the largest immigration category—will enter through Express Entry.

Given these changes, Express Entry will be a key pathway for skilled workers looking to immigrate to Canada in 2025.