According to Maple News, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 356 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in the first Express Entry draw of July, held on July 7. The draw exclusively targeted candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
To be considered in this round, candidates were required to meet a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 750 and must have submitted their Express Entry profile before 4:09 a.m. UTC on March 19, 2025.
This draw continues IRCC’s recent trend of targeting PNP candidates, reflecting Canada’s ongoing efforts to support regional immigration goals and match newcomers with specific provincial labor market needs. The PNP allows provinces to nominate skilled workers who wish to settle in a specific area of Canada.
The July 7 draw follows a steady series of invitations issued throughout 2025, with ITAs split across various categories. As of now, IRCC has issued a total of 42,201 ITAs this year. Most draws have focused on PNP candidates, with Canadian Experience Class (CEC) applicants, French-speaking candidates, and those in priority sectors like healthcare and education receiving the remainder.
In June, IRCC held several notable draws, including a CEC-specific draw on June 26 inviting 3,000 candidates with a minimum CRS of 521, and a June 23 PNP draw that issued 503 invitations with a cut-off score of 742. The month also included specialized draws for healthcare professionals and social service workers.
So far in 2025, IRCC has conducted 11 PNP draws, 6 Canadian Experience Class draws, 3 targeting French-language proficiency, and smaller numbers focused on healthcare and education sectors.
The focus on PNP candidates highlights IRCC’s commitment to helping provinces meet their demographic and economic challenges. Candidates nominated through a PNP typically receive 600 additional CRS points, significantly boosting their chances of receiving an ITA.
With continued draws expected in the coming months, Express Entry remains a key pathway for skilled immigrants looking to establish themselves in Canada.