Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 3,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in its most recent Express Entry draw, held on July 8, 2025. This round targeted candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and featured a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score cut-off of 518 — the lowest threshold for CEC candidates since September 2024.
To qualify for this draw, candidates needed to have submitted their Express Entry profile before 1:48 a.m. UTC on October 2, 2024. The drop in the CRS requirement signals a continued effort by IRCC to prioritize candidates with Canadian work experience as the country addresses labour shortages and supports economic recovery.
This draw marks the second Express Entry round in July and follows a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw that occurred on July 7, where 356 candidates were invited with a much higher CRS cut-off of 750. The pattern of alternating between PNP and CEC draws has become more consistent in recent months, suggesting a deliberate strategy by IRCC to strike a balance between regional priorities and national labour market needs.
So far in 2025, IRCC has issued a total of 45,201 ITAs through the Express Entry system. The majority of draws this year have focused on PNP candidates, with 12 draws held in that category, followed by seven CEC-specific draws. Additionally, the department has held specialized rounds of invitations for candidates with strong French-language proficiency, as well as those in priority occupations such as healthcare, education, and social services.
In comparison to earlier CEC draws this year, the trend seems to indicate a gradual easing of CRS thresholds: the previous CEC draw on June 26 had a cut-off score of 521, while the one before that on June 12 stood at 529. This downward trajectory may provide new opportunities for eligible skilled workers already in Canada to transition into permanent residence.
Express Entry remains Canada’s primary immigration pathway for skilled workers. The system manages candidates under three main programs — the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class — and selects applicants based on a points-based system considering factors such as age, work experience, education, and language ability.
As economic and demographic demands evolve, IRCC continues to adjust its strategies, increasingly leveraging Express Entry to target candidates who can integrate quickly and contribute effectively to the Canadian workforce. Moving forward, prospective immigrants should keep an eye on CRS trends and updates to optimize their chances of selection.
Maple News will continue to monitor upcoming draws and policy developments that shape Canada’s immigration landscape.