If you’re waiting anxiously for the next Express Entry draw, you’re definitely not alone. Many candidates, immigration professionals, and hopeful families have been keeping a close eye on IRCC’s updates — but since March 21, 2025, it’s been surprisingly quiet.
Normally, Express Entry draws happen every two weeks. It’s a routine many of us rely on to time our applications, manage work permits, and plan the next steps toward permanent residency. The last draw was actually promising: 7,500 ITAs were issued, and the CRS cut-off was at 379, especially favouring candidates with strong French language skills. But after that? Silence.
So, what’s going on behind the scenes?
1. Technical Issues: CRS Score Shake-Up
One big change was IRCC removing the arranged employment points from the CRS calculation. Before, having a job offer added a healthy boost to your score. Now, the recalibration of thousands of profiles is no small task. Especially with IRCC reportedly increasing French language bonus points from 50 to 75, there’s a lot of math happening behind the curtain.
There have even been system hiccups, like PR portal invitations being sent under representatives’ names instead of applicants’! It’s likely they’ve hit pause to make sure everything’s running smoothly before resuming draws.
2. Politics: It’s Election Season
Yes — timing matters. With Canada in the middle of election campaigning, immigration is a hot topic. Public opinion is sensitive around issues like housing and job competition, and the government is probably cautious about making headlines like “Thousands of New PR Invitations Sent.” Most experts think we might not see a draw until after April 28, when the campaign tension eases.
3. New Policy Priorities for 2025
Earlier this year, IRCC announced new focus areas for Express Entry, like prioritizing certain occupations in education, healthcare, and skilled trades. To adjust the system for these new priorities, they need time. Algorithms, occupation lists, and internal checks all require updates to reflect Canada’s labour market demands accurately.
4. Admin Check-Ups
Sometimes, it’s not political or technical — it’s simply operational. With a system as complex as Express Entry, regular audits, security updates, and platform maintenance are essential. If IRCC is preparing for a larger-than-usual applicant load, this quiet period could just be a deep breath before a busy season.
5. Strategic Immigration Planning
Lastly, the timing of draws might be aligning with Canada’s broader immigration goals. For 2025, Canada aims to welcome 395,000 permanent residents, focusing on programs like the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) or Canadian Experience Class (CEC). This means IRCC could be adjusting their strategies to meet both economic needs and public expectations.
What Should You Do Now?
This pause is understandably stressful, especially for candidates with work permits expiring or CRS scores just below the last cut-off. But this isn’t the time to wait passively!
✔️ Enhance your profile: Retake your language tests, update your work history, or consider provincial nominations for that extra 600-point boost.
✔️ Stay informed: Follow IRCC updates and immigration news closely. When draws resume, they might be more competitive than ever.
✔️ Explore alternative pathways: Don’t overlook PNP streams and employer-driven programs while waiting for Express Entry to reopen.
Remember, immigration is a long game, and preparation is your biggest advantage.
When Express Entry resumes, you’ll want to be at the front of the line — ready, confident, and competitive.
