Canada Holds First Express Entry Draw Under New Immigration Minister

In a significant move under Canada’s new immigration minister, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a notable Express Entry draw in June 2025. This draw marks the first major selection process since the change in leadership, signaling a potential shift in Canada’s immigration strategy.

The draw specifically targeted candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), a popular stream within the Express Entry system. Thousands of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence were issued, with recent comparable draws issuing 3,000 ITAs. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off for this draw was around 529, aligning with the competitive nature of the pool.

This draw is notable for its focus on CEC candidates, a departure from earlier 2025 trends that prioritized Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates and smaller, category-based selections. The return to larger, more frequent CEC draws suggests a strategic shift under the new immigration minister, though it remains to be seen if this approach will continue.

Context and Implications of the June 2025 Express Entry Draw

As of mid-2025, the Express Entry system has shown a dynamic approach to immigration under the new minister. IRCC has conducted a total of 11 Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) focused draws, 6 Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws, 3 French-language proficiency draws, and 2 healthcare and social services-related draws. By mid-June, over 41,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence had been issued, reflecting a robust start to the year.

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) pool remains highly competitive, with most candidates scoring between 451–500. Only a small fraction achieve scores above 600, underscoring the importance of enhancing CRS scores through improved language proficiency, Canadian work experience, or provincial nominations.

Recent policy changes, such as the removal of job offer points in Spring 2025, have significantly impacted CRS scores, reducing them by 50–200 points. This shift emphasizes the growing importance of language skills and Canadian work experience in the selection process.

Implications for Applicants

Candidates with CRS scores below the current cut-offs (around 521–529 for CEC draws) are advised to consider strategies to improve their scores. Enhancing language test results, gaining additional Canadian work experience, or pursuing provincial nominations can significantly boost their chances of receiving an ITA.

Category-based draws, targeting specific criteria like French-language proficiency or employment in healthcare, offer opportunities for candidates with lower CRS scores to qualify if they meet the special criteria. These draws provide alternative pathways for applicants who may not yet meet the general CRS thresholds.

The reintroduction of larger, more frequent CEC draws suggests a strategic shift under the new immigration minister. While it’s too early to confirm if this trend will persist, it indicates a renewed focus on retaining individuals with valuable Canadian work experience.

This strategic direction under the new minister may signal a renewed emphasis on the Canadian Experience Class, potentially influencing future immigration trends. Applicants are encouraged to stay informed and adapt their strategies to align with these evolving priorities.

Conclusion

The first Express Entry draw under Canada’s new immigration minister marks a significant shift in immigration strategy, emphasizing the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). With thousands of ITAs issued and a competitive CRS cut-off of 529, this draw reflects a renewed focus on retaining individuals with valuable Canadian work experience. While trends may evolve, applicants are encouraged to stay informed and adapt their strategies to align with these shifting priorities.

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