According to Maple News, June 2025 marked a significant uptick in Canada’s Express Entry system activity, with more Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued during the month than in both April and May combined. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted six separate draws, distributing a total of 7,405 ITAs—the highest monthly tally so far this year.
This sharp increase in draw frequency reflects IRCC’s efforts to meet projected immigration quotas while also targeting candidates with experience in high-demand sectors. Notably, June featured a mix of draws including those under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and for occupations in healthcare and social services—a category prioritized in IRCC’s 2025–2026 departmental strategy.
The healthcare and social services occupations draw, part of category-based selection, signals Canada’s continued emphasis on addressing critical labor shortages in essential services. On June 4, 500 ITAs were granted in this category with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score requirement of 504.
The Canadian Experience Class also saw robust activity with two sizable draws on June 12 and June 26, each issuing 3,000 invitations. The required CRS scores for these draws were 529 and 521, respectively, suggesting a slightly lower threshold in the latter half of the month that may indicate a more inclusive stance moving forward.
Meanwhile, the three PNP-specific draws held on June 2, 10, and 23 varied in size, distributing 277, 125, and 503 ITAs respectively. The CRS cut-off scores in these draws were notably high, ranging from 726 to 784, as candidates nominated by provinces automatically receive an additional 600 points.
The consistency and frequency of the six draws in June represents a return to a pace not seen since November 2024. Although volumes are still trailing behind February and March figures, June’s numbers stand in line with the year’s earlier activity and signal renewed momentum in Canada’s immigration goals.
For candidates in the Express Entry pool, understanding where their CRS scores stand in comparison to recent cut-offs is key to gauging competitiveness. With more emphasis on targeted draws in specific labor categories, candidates with sector-relevant experience may find improved chances of selection.
As Canada continues to evolve its immigration strategy in real time to respond to labor market demands, aspiring permanent residents are advised to remain informed about category-based selection trends and any upcoming policy adjustments.
Maple News will continue monitoring and reporting on the state of the Express Entry pool and related immigration developments as they unfold.