The first Express Entry draw under Canada’s new Immigration Minister has officially taken place. On June 3, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 277 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a draw targeting Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates.
To qualify for this draw, applicants needed to meet the following criteria:
- A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 726
- An Express Entry profile created before 3:46 p.m. UTC on September 24, 2024
This draw continues Canada’s trend of selecting candidates with provincial nominations, signaling ongoing demand across various regions. CRS Point Calculator – Parisa Erfani
Express Entry Activity in 2025 So Far
IRCC has issued a total of 34,717 ITAs through the Express Entry system since the start of 2025. The focus remains on candidates nominated by provinces, along with those from key categories such as Canadian Experience Class (CEC), French-speaking applicants, and individuals in high-demand occupations.
Here’s a summary of recent Express Entry draws:
| Date | Draw Type | ITAs Issued | CRS Cut-Off |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 3 | PNP | 277 | 726 |
| May 13 | CEC | 500 | 547 |
| May 12 | PNP | 511 | 706 |
| May 2 | Healthcare & Social Services | 500 | 510 |
| May 1 | Education | 1,000 | 479 |
| April 28 | PNP | 421 | 727 |
| April 14 | PNP | 825 | 764 |
| March 21 | French Language | 7,500 | 379 |
| March 17 | PNP | 536 | 736 |
| March 6 | French Language | 4,500 | 410 |
| March 3 | PNP | 725 | 667 |
| February 19 | French Language | 6,500 | 428 |
| February 17 | PNP | 646 | 750 |
| February 5 | CEC | 4,000 | 521 |
| February 4 | PNP | 455 | 802 |
| January 23 | CEC | 4,000 | 527 |
| January 8 | CEC | 1,350 | 542 |
| January 7 | PNP | 471 | 793 |
This year’s draws are distributed across several categories:
| Draw Category | Number of Draws |
|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program | 9 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 4 |
| French-speaking Candidates | 3 |
| Education-based Category | 1 |
| Healthcare and Social Services | 1 |
How the CRS Score Shapes Express Entry Invitations
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a points-based method used to evaluate candidates in the Express Entry pool. It considers key human capital factors like age, education, language ability, and work experience to predict a candidate’s economic potential in Canada.
The system is grounded in decades of research by the Canadian government, which shows that skilled immigrants who are younger and well-educated with strong language skills are more likely to succeed in the Canadian job market.
A 2020 IRCC study reinforced these findings, showing that Express Entry immigrants experience strong job outcomes, high employment levels, and solid income growth.
Next Steps for Express Entry Candidates
As IRCC continues to hold targeted draws, it’s crucial for candidates to keep their Express Entry profiles current and ensure they meet eligibility for relevant programs. Whether you’re applying through the PNP, CEC, or a category-based draw, preparation is key.
Want to know if you’re eligible for Express Entry? Our experienced team can guide you through the process with personalized support. Express Entry – Parisa Erfani
Book a consultation with us today to get started.
Canada holds first Express Entry draw under new Immigration Minister | CIC News
