Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) pathway in the latest Express Entry draw, held on August 7, 2025. Candidates selected in this round required a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 534—an increase of 16 points from the previous CEC draw on July 8. That earlier draw saw 3,000 candidates invited.
This marks the 29th Express Entry draw of 2025 and the 359th overall since the program’s inception. The draw follows a smaller Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw on August 6, where 225 ITAs were issued with a minimum CRS score of 739.
Express Entry continues to be a key mechanism for economic immigration to Canada. In 2025 alone, IRCC has held a total of 14 PNP draws, eight for Canadian Experience Class, three draws for French-speaking candidates, and additional targeted draws for sectors like healthcare, education, and social services.
Comparatively, in 2024, Canada conducted 50 draws, including nine all-program draws, 11 French language-focused rounds, and several draws tailored to occupations in healthcare, STEM, agriculture, trade, and transportation, along with the persistent presence of CEC and PNP rounds.
So far in 2025, Canada has extended 50,628 ITAs through Express Entry, positioning itself to potentially surpass or align with the 98,903 invitations issued in all of 2024. Historically, 2021 remains the highest-ever year with 114,431 ITAs issued—all to CEC and PNP candidates.
Candidates who receive an ITA now have 60 days to submit their complete permanent residence applications. According to IRCC, most applications are processed within a six-month period.
For employers looking to secure foreign talent, Maple News notes that pursuing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or tapping into a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) can significantly improve recruitment outcomes and long-term retention. These strategies not only ease the immigration process but also offer a competitive edge in Canada’s tight labor market.
Aspiring immigrants are also encouraged to strengthen their profiles—particularly by securing a valid job offer in Canada—to enhance their chances in future draws. With the immigration landscape becoming more data-driven and occupation-specific, strategic preparation is more important than ever.
Maple News will continue to provide updates on key developments in Canada’s Express Entry system and broader immigration trends as they unfold.