Canada’s immigration department continues prioritizing Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applicants as the first Express Entry draw of July 2025 targets nominated candidates.
Also Read Canada Opens July 2025 Express Entry With Targeted PNP Draw: 356 Invitations Issued
Latest Express Entry Draw: Key Highlights
On July 7, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a new Express Entry draw, inviting 356 candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This marks the 12th PNP-specific draw of the year and continues the trend of focused immigration invitations rather than general draws.
To receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in this round, candidates needed:
- A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 750
- To have created their Express Entry profile before 4:09 a.m. UTC on March 19, 2025
This draw follows a steady pattern of alternate PNP and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) selections that has been observed since mid-May 2025.
Summary of Express Entry Draws So Far in 2025
Below is a complete list of all Express Entry draws conducted this year, showing the draw type, number of invitations, and CRS score cut-off:
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Cut-off CRS score |
| July 7 | Provincial Nominee Program | 356 | 750 |
| June 26 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 521 |
| June 23 | Provincial Nominee Program | 503 | 742 |
| June 12 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 529 |
| June 10 | Provincial Nominee Program | 125 | 784 |
| June 4 | Healthcare and social services | 500 | 504 |
| June 2 | Provincial Nominee Program | 277 | 726 |
| May 13 | Canadian Experience Class | 500 | 547 |
| May 12 | Provincial Nominee Program | 511 | 706 |
| May 2 | Healthcare and social services | 500 | 510 |
| May 1 | Education | 1,000 | 479 |
| April 28 | Provincial Nominee Program | 421 | 727 |
| April 14 | Provincial Nominee Program | 825 | 764 |
| March 21 | French language proficiency | 7,500 | 379 |
| March 17 | Provincial Nominee Program | 536 | 736 |
| March 6 | French language proficiency | 4,500 | 410 |
| March 3 | Provincial Nominee Program | 725 | 667 |
| February 19 | French language proficiency | 6,500 | 428 |
| February 17 | Provincial Nominee Program | 646 | 750 |
| February 5 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 521 |
| February 4 | Provincial Nominee Program | 455 | 802 |
| January 23 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 527 |
| January 8 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,350 | 542 |
| January 7 | Provincial Nominee Program | 471 | 793 |
Draw Patterns and Selection Focus in 2025
As of early July, IRCC has issued 42,201 invitations through the Express Entry system. These have predominantly been through targeted draws rather than general ones. Here’s a breakdown of the type and frequency of draws held so far:
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 12 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 6 |
| French-language proficiency | 3 |
| Healthcare and social services | 2 |
| Education | 1 |
This distribution shows a clear preference for economic-class immigration streams that allow provinces to select individuals who match their labour market needs or who already have Canadian work experience.
What Recent Trends Suggest
A noticeable trend has emerged over the past six weeks: alternating draws between PNP and CEC streams. Since mid-May, IRCC has not held a general all-program draw. Instead, they’ve prioritized immigration candidates who are either:
- Already working in Canada (CEC)
- Have received provincial nominations (PNP)
This consistent pattern hints at IRCC’s short-term strategy — emphasizing pathways that lead to faster integration into the Canadian workforce. Additionally, the number of candidates in high-scoring CRS ranges (501–600 and 600+) has started to decline. This shift is likely due to the focused nature of the draws, gradually reducing competition in the upper echelons of the Express Entry pool for now.
What This Means for Applicants
Prospective immigrants aiming to enter Canada through Express Entry in 2025 should consider aligning their profiles with current trends:
- Provincial nominations significantly boost CRS scores and remain a strong route to receive an ITA.
- Those with Canadian work experience are increasingly being targeted through CEC draws.
Applicants with strong French language skills, healthcare or education backgrounds may also benefit from category-based selections.
Looking Ahead
With the first draw of July now complete, it remains to be seen whether IRCC will continue its alternating pattern or introduce new category-based draws later in the month. Either way, candidates should monitor Express Entry trends closely and update their profiles to remain competitive.
For professional guidance and personalized assistance in navigating Canada’s immigration system, seeking support from a certified immigration consultant or firm is highly recommended.
