After a slow April, Canada’s Express Entry system picked up speed in May 2025. A total of 2,511 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were sent out in four different draws, more than double what we saw in April.
Let’s take a closer look at what happened and what it means for you.
Express Entry Draws in May 2025
May was an active month with a few first-time draws and a return to some older ones:
- May 1: 1,000 ITAs for people in education-related jobs (CRS cut-off: 479)
- May 2: 500 ITAs for healthcare and social services professionals (CRS: 510)
- May 12: 511 ITAs through the Provincial Nominee Program (CRS: 706)
- May 13: 500 ITAs for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates (CRS: 547)
These draws show that IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) is focusing more on job categories than just overall CRS scores.
How Does May Compare to Previous Months?
Although May was busier than April, it was still quieter than the first three months of 2025:
| Month | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|
| January | 5,821 |
| February | 11,601 |
| March | 13,261 |
| April | 1,246 |
| May | 2,511 |
What Do CRS Scores Look Like in the Pool Right Now?
As of May 13, 2025, there are over 250,000 candidates in the Express Entry pool. Here’s how they’re spread out:
- The largest group (about 53,000 people) has scores between 351 and 400
- About 22,000 people have high scores between 501 and 600
- Only 28 candidates are in the very high 601+ range
This means competition is high, especially if your score is in the mid-400s.
What’s a Good CRS Score Now?
Even if your CRS score is in the 470s or 480s, it doesn’t guarantee an invitation anymore. Many recent draws have focused on specific jobs, not just high scores.
To increase your chances:
- Focus on in-demand fields like education and healthcare
- Improve your language test scores
- Consider getting a Provincial Nomination for extra points
Here is the link to Calculate your CRS score now!
Final Thoughts
May 2025 shows us that Canada is now choosing candidates more based on job skills and experience than just score alone. If you’re in a priority occupation, this could be your chance to shine even if your score isn’t at the very top.
Stay tuned for new draws and categories may open up more opportunities in the months ahead!
