First Express Entry Draw Of July 2025 Sent 356 PR Invitations
In the first Express Entry draw of July 2025, held on July 7, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 356 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency. These invitations were exclusively directed toward candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
To qualify for an ITA in this round, candidates needed a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 750. Additionally, their Express Entry profile must have been created before 4:09 a.m. UTC on March 19, 2025.
This draw aligns with IRCC’s recent strategy of conducting smaller, more targeted draws, particularly favoring PNP candidates. The higher CRS threshold for PNP draws reflects broader changes in Canada’s immigration policies for 2025.
So far in 2025, Express Entry has issued 38,845 ITAs, marking an 11% decrease compared to the 43,741 ITAs issued during the same period in 2024. This shift is part of a larger trend, as Canada’s immigration target for 2025 has been reduced to 395,000 newcomers, down from the previous year’s target.
The focus on PNP candidates underscores the importance of provincial nominations in the current Express Entry landscape. Candidates with a provincial nomination automatically receive a 600-point boost to their CRS score, which explains the higher cutoff scores in recent PNP-focused draws.
For applicants, this draw highlights the growing competitiveness of the Express Entry pool. With many candidates holding CRS scores below the thresholds of recent PNP draws, securing a provincial nomination has become a strategic pathway to improving one’s chances of receiving an ITA.
As IRCC continues to prioritize provincial nominees, the July 7 draw reinforces the increasingly selective nature of Express Entry in 2025. This trend is expected to shape the immigration landscape for the remainder of the year.
For more details on this draw and its implications, visit Immigration News Canada.
Understanding the Context and Implications of the July 7 Draw
The July 7, 2025, Express Entry draw is part of a larger trend observed in the first half of the year. From January to June 2025, IRCC issued a total of 38,845 ITAs through Express Entry, representing an 11% decrease compared to the 43,741 ITAs issued during the same period in 2024. This reduction aligns with Canada’s revised immigration target for 2025, which now stands at 395,000 newcomers, down from the previous year’s target by approximately 100,000.
One notable trend in 2025 has been the increase in average CRS scores required for ITAs. This draw, with a CRS cutoff of 750, exemplifies this shift. Specifically, PNP draws have consistently required higher CRS scores, often exceeding 750, due to the 600-point boost automatically awarded to candidates with a provincial nomination. This has created a more competitive landscape, where only a smaller, highly qualified group of candidates are selected.
For candidates in the Express Entry pool, the current environment underscores the challenges of securing an ITA without a provincial nomination. Many candidates have CRS scores well below the thresholds seen in recent PNP draws, making it increasingly difficult to receive an invitation without the significant points boost that a provincial nomination provides.
Given these developments, immigration experts are advising candidates to explore provincial nomination programs as a strategic pathway to improving their chances. With IRCC’s focus on targeted draws and higher CRS requirements, securing a provincial nomination has become a critical factor in successfully navigating the Express Entry system in 2025.
As the year progresses, this trend of smaller, more selective draws is expected to continue, further emphasizing the importance of provincial nominations and higher CRS scores in the Express Entry process.
Conclusion
The first Express Entry draw of July 2025 underscores IRCC’s strategic shift toward smaller, more targeted draws, with a strong emphasis on Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates. By issuing 356 ITAs to candidates with a CRS score of 750 or higher, this draw reflects the increasingly competitive nature of the Express Entry system in 2025. The 11% decrease in ITAs compared to the same period in 2024, coupled with the higher CRS thresholds, highlights the growing importance of provincial nominations as a pathway to permanent residency. As Canada’s immigration policies continue to evolve, securing a provincial nomination has become a critical factor for candidates aiming to succeed in the Express Entry pool.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the CRS cutoff for the July 7, 2025, Express Entry draw?
The CRS cutoff for the July 7, 2025, Express Entry draw was 750. Only candidates with a CRS score of 750 or higher received an ITA.
Why did candidates with a provincial nomination receive priority?
Candidates with a provincial nomination automatically receive a 600-point boost to their CRS score. This makes them more competitive in the Express Entry pool, which is why IRCC has prioritized PNP candidates in recent draws.
Why has the number of ITAs decreased in 2025?
The number of ITAs has decreased due to Canada’s revised immigration target for 2025, which now stands at 395,000 newcomers, down from the previous year’s target. This reduction aligns with IRCC’s strategy of conducting smaller, more targeted draws.
How can I improve my chances of receiving an ITA without a provincial nomination?
Improving your CRS score by enhancing your language test results, gaining more work experience, or pursuing education in Canada can help. However, securing a provincial nomination remains the most effective way to significantly boost your CRS score and improve your chances of receiving an ITA.
Will IRCC continue with smaller, targeted draws for the rest of 2025?
Yes, based on current trends, IRCC is expected to continue with smaller, more selective draws, prioritizing candidates with provincial nominations and higher CRS scores. This aligns with Canada’s immigration policies for 2025.
