Latest Canada Express Entry Draws Sees 356 PNP Invitations Issued

On July 7, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its first Express Entry draw of the month, focusing specifically on candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). In this round, a total of 356 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency were issued to eligible applicants.

To qualify for this draw, candidates needed a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 750. This cutoff marks an increase of eight points compared to the previous PNP-specific draw held on June 23, 2025, which had a CRS threshold of 742 and issued 503 ITAs.

The higher CRS requirement in this latest draw reflects a more competitive landscape. With fewer invitations issued compared to the previous round, only those with the highest scores were selected. This trend underscores the growing selectivity of Canada’s Express Entry system, particularly for PNP candidates.

Key Details of the July 7, 2025 Draw

• Date and Time: July 7, 2025
• Number of ITAs Issued: 356
• Minimum CRS Score: 750
• Draw Type: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
• Tie-Breaking Rule: March 19, 2025, at 04:09:09 UTC (profiles submitted before this time were prioritized in case of equal CRS scores)

This draw brings the total number of ITAs issued through Express Entry in 2025 to 42,201. The Canadian government continues to emphasize skilled immigration as a key component of its population and economic growth strategy.

Trends in Express Entry Draws

So far in 2025, the majority of Express Entry draws have targeted PNP candidates. As of July, 12 PNP-specific draws have been conducted, compared to five draws for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and a smaller number of draws focused on French-language proficiency, healthcare, social services, and education.

June 2025 was the busiest month for Express Entry, with 7,405 ITAs issued across six draws. This surpasses the activity seen in earlier months, highlighting the government’s commitment to meeting its immigration targets.

Despite the high volume of candidates in the Express Entry pool, recent draws have been highly competitive. As of June 2025, most candidates had CRS scores between 351 and 500. However, only those with PNP nominations and higher CRS scores have been receiving ITAs in recent rounds.

In summary, the July 7, 2025 Express Entry draw highlights Canada’s increasing focus on provincial nominees with high CRS scores. This aligns with the government’s broader strategy to use immigration to address specific labor market needs and priorities across the country.

For more details on this draw and Canada’s immigration programs, visit immigration.ca.

Implications for Applicants and Strategic Focus

The increase in the CRS cutoff to 750 from 742 in the previous PNP draw reflects a more competitive environment, emphasizing the importance of provincial nominations. This rise suggests that candidates need to strive for higher scores to remain competitive in future draws.

Strategic Focus on Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

The Canadian government’s strategic emphasis on PNP is evident, with 12 PNP-specific draws conducted so far in 2025. This approach allows provinces to address their specific labor market needs by nominating candidates with skills in demand. In contrast, only five Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws and a few others targeting French-language proficiency, healthcare, social services, and education have been held, indicating a shift towards regional economic priorities.

Competition and CRS Distribution

Despite a large pool of candidates, recent draws have been highly selective. As of June 2025, most candidates had CRS scores between 351 and 500. However, only those with PNP nominations and higher CRS scores have been receiving ITAs, highlighting the competitive nature of the Express Entry system.

Busiest Month and Future Expectations

June 2025 was the most active month, issuing 7,405 ITAs across six draws, showcasing the government’s commitment to meeting immigration targets. This trend suggests that the focus on skilled immigration will continue, with PNP playing a pivotal role in addressing labor market needs.

For more details on this draw and Canada’s immigration programs, visit immigration.ca.

Conclusion

The July 7, 2025 Express Entry draw underscores Canada’s strategic focus on provincial nominees with high CRS scores. With 356 ITAs issued at a CRS cutoff of 750, this draw reflects a competitive landscape where PNP candidates are prioritized to meet specific labor market needs. As Canada continues to emphasize skilled immigration, applicants should consider enhancing their profiles, possibly through provincial nominations, to remain competitive in future draws.

FAQ

What was the CRS cutoff for the July 7, 2025 Express Entry draw?

The CRS cutoff for the July 7, 2025 draw was 750, an increase from the previous PNP-specific draw.

Why is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) significant in recent Express Entry draws?

The PNP allows provinces to nominate candidates whose skills align with local labor market needs, making it a key strategy for addressing regional economic priorities.

How competitive are recent Express Entry draws?

Recent draws are highly competitive, with only candidates having high CRS scores and PNP nominations receiving ITAs, despite a large pool of applicants.

Has the CRS score distribution changed in 2025?

As of June 2025, most candidates had CRS scores between 351 and 500, but only those with scores above 750 received ITAs in the July 7 draw.

What can be expected from future Express Entry draws?

Future draws are expected to continue focusing on PNP candidates with high CRS scores, aligning with Canada’s immigration strategy to address labor market needs.