Canada’s immigration system started July by inviting candidates through the Express Entry stream – this time focusing on those who had received a provincial nomination.
Canada’s Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) issued 356 invitations to apply for permanent residence. Each candidate in this round was nominated by a province, giving them a significant edge in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). To be eligible, candidates needed to have a CRS score of at least 750 and had to submit their Express Entry profile before 4:09 a.m. UTC on March 19.
The draw was held on the first day of the month, continuing a pattern that has been in place for the past several weeks – consistent, category-based selection, particularly among PNP and CEC applicants.
If you’re preparing your Express Entry profile or considering a provincial nomination, don’t go through the process alone. Book Your Canadian immigration Consultation with an The Immigration Professional and avoid any guesswork in your application.
How 2025 Draws Are Shaping Up
Including the latest draws, IRCC has issued over 42,000 invitations through Express Entry so far this year. Most of the invitations have been given to candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program and Canadian Experience category, followed by a few targeted draws in other categories.
Here’s a glance at the most recent rounds:
| Date | Category | Invitations | CRS Cutoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 8 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 518 |
| 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 |
So far, July seems to be following the rhythm of June – alternating between PNP and CEC selections. This continuity helps applicants get a better idea of what might happen next.
What draw trends say about IRCC’s direction
The types of draws IRCC has conducted in 2025 show a clear direction. Here are the details so far:
| Draw Type | Times Held |
|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program | 12 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 7 |
| French Language Proficiency | 3 |
| Healthcare & Social Services | 2 |
| Education | 1 |
The emphasis is clear – candidates with provincial ties or Canadian work experience are at the forefront. This trend is unlikely to change in the coming months, especially when most provinces are trying to fill gaps in their local labour markets.
Why there are fewer high-scoring profiles in the pool
One of the quiet but significant changes happening in the background is the drop in the number of candidates with CRS scores above 600. According to recent Express Entry pool data, both the 501-600 and 600+ categories have seen fewer candidates than earlier this year.
What does this mean for new applicants? Simply put, your chances may be better than ever. With higher-scoring profiles being selected in every round, the competition is reducing – at least temporarily.
If your CRS score is in the mid-400s or above, now is the right time to take action. Speak to an expert at The Immigration Professional to explore your opportunities and learn how to improve your profile. Book Your Canadian immigration Consultation to get started.
