According to the latest data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the immigration backlog fell below one million for the second consecutive month in January 2025, with a total backlog of 892,000 cases—a 5.33% decrease from December 2024. While the processing efficiency of permanent resident programs remains stable, the backlog rate for temporary resident visas has surged past 71%, and study permit backlogs continue to rise. Meanwhile, work permit processing efficiency has significantly improved, with the backlog rate dropping sharply from 57% to 42%. The federal government has implemented policies such as setting immigration quotas and cutting jobs to ease inventory pressure, but the long-term effects remain to be seen.

In the latest Express Entry draw, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residency to 725 eligible candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This draw required candidates to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 667 and to have created their Express Entry profile before 18:25 UTC on June 5, 2024. As the first draw of the month, this event follows previous draws for French language proficiency, two PNP rounds, and two rounds for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). This year, Express Entry draws have primarily focused on PNP and CEC candidates.

The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) will reopen on February 27, accepting applications for immigration to Canada in 2025. The program will process 90 new applications in addition to 60 applications from 2024, aiming to meet the overall nomination quota for 2025. Applications will be processed based on the expiry dates of work permits, and there will be new application quotas for different immigration categories.

Starting from February 19, 2025, Newfoundland and Labrador will adjust the application process for its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), implementing an online Expression of Interest (EOI) system. This change requires foreign nationals to apply for immigration nomination or certification by submitting an EOI, rather than applying directly. At the same time, some ongoing applications will no longer be processed.

Manitoba and Prince Edward Island (PEI) recently issued Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through their respective Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP). Manitoba primarily invited candidates with higher education and specific qualifications, while PEI targeted candidates working in the province and international student graduates from specific institutions.

New Brunswick recently announced that certain occupations will no longer be eligible for nomination under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). This change is part of a broader adjustment to Canada’s immigration policy, with the provincial government prioritizing immigration applications in the healthcare, education, and construction sectors.

The Canadian Immigration and Citizenship Department (IRCC) recently issued 646 Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) invitations through the Express Entry system, requiring candidates to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 750. Starting in 2025, IRCC will prioritize PNP and CEC candidates in the draws and will not conduct category-based draws for French speakers, healthcare workers, or skilled trades. IRCC plans to allocate 41,700 permanent resident spots for these priority groups in the 2025-2027 immigration plan.

New developments in Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) for 2025: Alberta completed its first round of provincial nominee draws for the year from February 3 to 6, issuing a total of 308 invitations for the Rural Renewal Stream and Medical Care stream (including both Express Entry and non-Express Entry categories); meanwhile, New Brunswick announced delays in issuing invitations due to technical issues from system overload. It is expected that formal draws will begin in March, and applicants are reminded to pay attention to updated occupational restrictions.

Canada uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to assess and select candidates applying for permanent residency through the Express Entry system. Express Entry is a system used to manage Canada’s three main economic immigration programs: Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC). This article provides an in-depth analysis of the Express Entry application process, the operation of the CRS, a detailed introduction to the scoring criteria and influencing factors, and offers practical strategies to improve your CRS score, helping applicants better understand Canada’s immigration policies and improve their chances of success.

British Columbia and Manitoba in Canada issued more provincial nomination invitations, while Alberta also updated the candidate pool status for several of its immigration programs. These provinces attract entrepreneurs, international students, and overseas candidates with technical backgrounds through economic immigration channels, and Alberta has also released statistical data on the current candidates.