Maple News reports that on June 23, 2025, Canada conducted another round of Express Entry invitations, issuing 503 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cutoff score for this draw was 742—42 points lower than the previous PNP-specific draw on June 10, which invited only 125 candidates.
The June 23 draw underscores a strategic shift toward welcoming more provincial nominees, who are typically selected by provinces or territories based on local labour market needs. While the CRS threshold remains high, the marked decrease suggests greater accessibility for well-positioned candidates in the PNP stream.
This most recent draw follows a significant Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw on June 12, 2025, which invited 3,000 candidates with a minimum CRS of 529, reflecting sustained efforts to prioritize applicants already integrated into Canada’s labour force.
So far in 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has held 22 Express Entry draws, including 11 PNP-specific rounds, five CEC draws, and several category-based selections focused on areas such as education, healthcare, and French language proficiency. These targeted draws reflect an increasingly tailored approach to Canada’s evolving labour demands and immigration strategy.
In comparison, 2024 saw a wider range of draws, with 98,903 total ITAs issued across various categories, including all-program draws and targeted invitations for French speakers, healthcare professionals, STEM workers, and tradespeople. While 2023 resulted in 110,266 total ITAs, a record was set in 2021 with 114,431 ITAs—all directed to CEC and PNP candidates at the height of the pandemic.
The June 23 draw was the 352nd Express Entry draw overall. A tie-breaking rule was also applied: in cases where multiple candidates shared the minimum CRS of 742, only those who submitted their profiles before 2:44 p.m. EST on May 30, 2025, received invitations.
Once invited, candidates have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence. If properly submitted, applications are typically processed within six months under IRCC’s service standards.
Maple News notes that for candidates hoping to boost their CRS score, securing a provincial nomination or a validated job offer through a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) can significantly strengthen their Express Entry profiles. Employers across Canada are also being encouraged to leverage the PNP to secure and retain international talent over the long term.
As Canada continues to refine its Express Entry strategy, prospective immigrants and Canadian employers alike are reminded to stay vigilant and responsive to emerging trends, as draws grow increasingly specialized to address the country’s critical workforce needs.