Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its first Express Entry draw of the month on July 7, 2025, inviting 356 candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Applicants with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 750 were issued Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for Canadian permanent residency.
To be considered, candidates were required to have submitted their Express Entry profiles before March 19, 2025, at 4:09 a.m. UTC.
Latest Express Entry Draw Snapshot
Draw Number: #354
Draw Date: July 7, 2025
Draw Type: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Number of ITAs: 356
CRS Cut-off: 750
Tie-breaking Rule: March 19, 2025, at 4:09 a.m. UTC
PNP-Only Draw Kicks Off July Round
This PNP only draws signals a continuation of IRCC’s draw pattern observed throughout 2025, alternating between Canadian Experience (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) rounds. Just two weeks earlier, on June 26, IRCC invited 3,000 candidates through a CEC draw with a CRS cut-off of 521. With the July 7 draw, attention has shifted back to provincial nominees, who typically receive an additional 600 points added to their CRS scores upon nomination by a Canadian province or territory.
Such draws underscore IRCC’s ongoing strategy of welcoming skilled workers who are already aligned with regional labour market needs. Provincial nominations remain a powerful pathway for candidates with lower base CRS scores to secure Canadian permanent residency.
Draw Trends Reflect Labour Market Strategy
So far in 2025, IRCC has hosted a mix of general and targeted Express Entry draws aimed at addressing Canada’s labour market shortages. PNP and CEC candidates have received the majority of invitations this year, reflecting Canada’s focus on experienced talent already connected to the country’s workforce or regional needs.
Express Entry Draw Summary – 2025
2025 Express Entry Draws – Overview by Category
IRCC has issued over 42,201 ITAs in 2025 through a variety of draw types:
What to Expect in the Coming Months
With Express Entry draws occurring almost weekly in 2025, IRCC is expected to maintain its current rhythm of alternating CEC and PNP rounds, while also conducting category-based draws for priority sectors like healthcare, education, and French-speaking candidates.
Aspiring applicants are advised to keep their Express Entry profiles up to date, monitor recent CRS cut-offs, and stay alert to changes in category-based invitations, especially as Canada continues to refine its immigration strategy to meet economic and demographic needs.