Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) launched its first Express Entry draw of June on June 3rd local time, following the appointment of the new Immigration Minister. This draw specifically targeted candidates who had already received a Provincial Nomination (PNP), issuing a total of 277 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence.

IRCC announced that to be invited, candidates needed to meet the following criteria: firstly, have a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 726; secondly, they must have created their Express Entry profile before 3:46 p.m. Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on September 24, 2024. This tie-breaking rule ensures that in cases of identical scores, candidates who submitted their profiles earlier are prioritized.

Express Entry Draws in 2025: Review and Trends

This draw was the first of the month. Previously, IRCC conducted several draws in May, including a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw on May 13 (500 ITAs, CRS 547), a PNP draw on May 12 (511 ITAs, CRS 706), and category-based selections for healthcare and social services (May 2, 500 ITAs, CRS 510) and education (May 1, 1,000 ITAs, CRS 479).

To date in 2025, IRCC has issued a total of 34,717 ITAs through the Express Entry system. Analyzing the distribution by draw type, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates remain the primary recipients of invitations. Among the draws conducted in 2025:

The data indicates that PNPs hold a distinct advantage in draw frequency, reflecting the close collaboration between the federal government and the provinces and territories in attracting talent that meets specific regional labour market needs.

The CRS System: Cornerstone of Canada's Skilled Immigrant Selection

Canada uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to select skilled worker candidates most likely to succeed in its labour market. This system benefits both Canada and the immigrants it admits. The CRS is a detailed and evidence-based scoring and ranking method that allows IRCC to welcome immigrants who are most likely to contribute strongly to Canada's labour market.

The CRS scoring criteria are based on decades of Canadian government research into the labour market outcomes of immigrants. This research shows that newcomers who are young or middle-aged and possess strong work experience, education, and language skills tend to integrate successfully into Canada’s workforce and achieve positive development.

Further evidence supports the government’s research and confirms that the CRS is the right and effective tool for selecting Express Entry candidates. In a report published in 2020, IRCC examined in detail how immigrants invited through the Express Entry system since its launch in 2015 have fared in the Canadian labour market. The report found that, thanks to the CRS's scientific scoring structure, Express Entry immigrants generally enjoy high employment rates, stable income levels, and low unemployment rates. These positive outcomes are compelling proof of the CRS system's effectiveness.

Summary of Express Entry draws in 2025