Canada’s immigration department has conducted its second Express Entry draw this week, with 3,000 invitations to apply (ITAs) issued to candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Maple News reports.
The draw, held on June 26, required candidates to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 521. Additionally, only candidates who submitted their Express Entry profile before 3:56 p.m. UTC on November 21, 2024, were eligible to be selected.
This marks the sixth Express Entry draw in June 2025 and the sixth CEC-focused draw of the year. The event follows a consistent pattern in 2025, where Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has allocated a significant portion of ITAs to CEC and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates, while also targeting specific priority categories such as healthcare, education, and French-language proficiency.
So far in 2025, IRCC has issued 41,845 ITAs through the Express Entry system. The breakdown of draw types reflects Canada’s ongoing strategy to align immigration with labour market needs:
– PNP: 11 draws
– CEC: 6 draws
– French-language proficiency: 3 draws
– Healthcare and social services: 2 draws
– Education: 1 draw
This latest draw ties for the highest number of ITAs issued in a single CEC-specific selection this month, matching the 3,000 invitations extended on June 12. Previous draws had slightly higher CRS cut-offs, such as the June 12 draw which required a score of 529. The declining cutoff may indicate a slight easing in candidate competitiveness or a strategic move to reach annual immigration targets.
The ongoing frequency of CEC draws reflects Canada’s emphasis on retaining individuals already living and working in the country, especially those with strong integration factors such as Canadian work experience and language skills.
With more than 40,000 invitations issued in just over six months, 2025 is shaping into an active year for Canada’s flagship skilled immigration system. As IRCC balances economic goals with demographic priorities, aspiring immigrants are encouraged to monitor their CRS scores and stay updated on draw trends.
Maple News continues to provide the latest updates on Canada’s Express Entry system and immigration landscape.