Canada Conducts First Express Entry Draw Under New Immigration Minister
Canada’s immigration department, Immigration, Refugees and
Citizenship Canada (IRCC), has held its first Express Entry draw under the new
Immigration Minister, marking an important update in 2025 immigration activity.
Key Highlights from the Latest Draw
On June 3, IRCC invited 277 candidates under the Provincial
Nominee Program (PNP). To be selected, candidates needed:
- A
minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 726
- An
Express Entry profile created before 3:46 p.m. UTC on September 24,
2024
This draw is the latest in a series of targeted selections
focused on helping provinces and territories fill labour gaps with skilled
workers.
Express Entry Draws in 2025: A Snapshot
So far in 2025, IRCC has issued 34,717 Invitations to
Apply (ITAs) through various Express Entry categories. Here's a summary of
the draws:
|
Date |
Draw Type |
ITAs Issued |
CRS Cut-off |
|
June 3 |
Provincial Nominee Program |
277 |
726 |
|
May 13 |
Canadian Experience Class |
500 |
547 |
|
May 12 |
Provincial Nominee Program |
511 |
706 |
|
May 2 |
Healthcare and Social Services |
500 |
510 |
|
May 1 |
Education |
1,000 |
479 |
|
April 28 |
Provincial Nominee Program |
421 |
727 |
|
April 14 |
Provincial Nominee Program |
825 |
764 |
|
March 21 |
French Language Proficiency |
7,500 |
379 |
|
March 17 |
Provincial Nominee Program |
536 |
736 |
|
March 6 |
French Language Proficiency |
4,500 |
410 |
|
March 3 |
Provincial Nominee Program |
725 |
667 |
|
February 19 |
French Language Proficiency |
6,500 |
428 |
|
February 17 |
Provincial Nominee Program |
646 |
750 |
|
February 5 |
Canadian Experience Class |
4,000 |
521 |
|
February 4 |
Provincial Nominee Program |
455 |
802 |
|
January 23 |
Canadian Experience Class |
4,000 |
527 |
|
January 8 |
Canadian Experience Class |
1,350 |
542 |
|
January 7 |
Provincial Nominee Program |
471 |
793 |
Breakdown of Express Entry Draw Types in 2025
The following is the number of draws conducted by category
this year:
- Provincial
Nominee Program (PNP): 9 draws
- Canadian
Experience Class (CEC): 4 draws
- French-language
Proficiency: 3 draws
- Education
Category: 1 draw
- Healthcare
and Social Services: 1 draw
This distribution shows a strong focus on provincial and
category-based selections to meet specific labour market needs.
What Is the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)?
Canada uses the CRS to rank candidates in the
Express Entry pool based on factors such as age, education, work experience,
and language skills. The system is designed to identify candidates who are most
likely to succeed in the Canadian job market.
IRCC's research has shown that candidates with strong human
capital factors tend to integrate more easily, earn higher incomes, and have
better employment outcomes. The CRS helps Canada select skilled immigrants who
will contribute positively to its economy and workforce.
Conclusion
With over 34,000 ITAs already issued in 2025, Express Entry
remains one of the fastest and most strategic pathways to permanent residence
in Canada. Whether you’re applying through the PNP, CEC, or a category-based
draw, staying informed about the latest trends and CRS requirements can improve
your chances of receiving an invitation.
