When Is the Next Express Entry Draw and What to Expect

Express Entry Next Draw Prediction in September 2025

Draws are currently challenging to predict due to inconsistent draw patterns from IRCC in 2025.

Date of the next express entry draw:

September 29, 2025 

Type of Draw:  Provincial Nominee Program

CRS Prediction: 710+

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Next Express Entry Draw: Predictions by Category

Given the volatility we’ve seen in Express Entry Draws, it is hard to predict the exact schedule for 2025. But we do estimate the following draws, based on past trends: 

Provincial Nominee Program: Predicted Draws in 2025

• September 29
• October 13
• October 27

Canadian Experience Class: Predicted Draw Dates in 2025

There has been a great deal of turbulence in the schedule for Canadian Experience Class draws in 2025. Unfortunately, this makes it very challenging to predict when the next draw may take place. We understand that it’s frustrating for those of you in the pool waiting for an invitation to apply, and we’re sorry it’s happening.

We estimate we may see Canadian Experience Class draws on the following dates:

• October 1 or 2(potentially)
• If not, either October 14-15 or October 29-30.

Category-Based Express Entry Draws: Predicted Dates in 2025

Category-based draws so far this year have been relatively unpredictable.

However, according to an Access to Information and Personal Information (ATIP) request made by RCIC Mandeep Lidher, IRCC has outlined its plans for the number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to be issued per category in 2025:

• Education: IRCC plans to issue 3,000 ITAs under this category in total. This allocation has been exhausted now, so we don’t expect to see any further draws in this category for 2025.

• Healthcare: The target is 8,000 ITAs. With 7,500 ITAs already issued, we can expect one more draw with around 500 ITAs before the year ends.

• Trades: The ATIP data suggests around 3,300 ITAs are planned for this category. This means we may see one further trades round in 2025, since only 1,250 have been invited so far. However, we’re not sure this will take place, read more here.

• French-Proficiency: The ATIP data does not specify ITA volumes, but IRCC remains committed to the 8.5% Francophone admissions target outside Quebec. With refusal rates increasing among applicants selected under this category, we can expect a few more French-proficiency draws before the end of the year to help meet the target.

What Do We Expect From Express Entry Draws in 2025?

Provincial Nominee Program Draws:

Canada’s 2025–2027 immigration levels plan significantly reduces Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) targets, cutting planned admissions from 120,000 in 2025 to 55,000, compared to an expected 110,000 in 2024. This sharp decrease will likely result in fewer invitations in PNP Express Entry draws in 2025, although draw frequency should remain similar to 2024- that is one PNP draw every two weeks.

Provinces have recently been given the option to gain back some PNP spots lost in the 2025 allocations, on the condition that they accept more refugees. To date, Newfoundland and Labrador is the only province to take advantage of this, but we expect other provinces to be in talks with the federal government to regain reduced PNP spots. You can read more about this here.

Canadian Experience Class Draws:

Category-Based Draws:

Just over 40,000 invitations are allocated for category-based draws in the 2025–2027 immigration levels plan. As a result, we expect to see one to two category-based draws a month, focusing on Healthcare, Trade and those with French language Proficiency.

General/ All Program Draws:

With a focus on in- Canada and category-based applicants, we will be surprised if we see any general or all program draws in 2025.

How To Predict The Next Express Entry Draw 

It’s not possible to know exactly when the next Express Entry draw will happen. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has complete discretion regarding Express Entry draws. They could, in theory, complete just one draw every year or complete tiny draws every day. 

However, IRCC tends to try to complete draws on a regular schedule. It does this to increase confidence in the Express Entry system, and to allow them to manage application volumes internally. So, generally speaking, there is a strain on internal resources any time that the draw schedule moves away from the bi-weekly schedule. As a result, IRCC will likely conduct a draw every two weeks. Since May, IRCC has returned to holding draws every 2 weeks. We hope this consistency continues. 

When it comes to predicting the type of draw, this is harder. We can look to historical data to guess the types of draws to come. For instance, recently, IRCC has held more PNP and CEC draws. That, along with the communication coming from IRCC on the topic of transitioning more temporary residents to permanent residents, brings us to the conclusion that IRCC will continue PNP and CEC draws. IRCC has also committed to welcoming more French-speaking immigrants to Canada. With this target, we can conclude that a good share of category-based draws will go to French speakers.

What Factors Influence When The Next Express Entry Draw Will Happen?

The schedule of Express Entry draws is influenced by a range of factors. Understanding these can help you guess when the next draw might happen.

Government Policies and Immigration Targets

The Canadian government’s immigration policies and annual targets play a significant role in determining the frequency, size, and type of Express Entry draws. 

Economic Needs and Labor Market Demands 

Canada’s economic needs and labor market demands are also critical factors. The government may adjust the draw schedule based on the current economic climate and the demand for specific skills in the labor market. 

Historical Trends and Administrative Considerations

Looking at historical trends can provide insights into the timing of draws. Typically, draws are held approximately every two weeks. However, this can vary due to administrative considerations, such as processing backlogs or policy changes. Monitoring the patterns over the past months or years can help predict future draws, though these are always subject to change.

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Resources to Help You Succeed in Express Entry