Canada’s Express Entry system continues to prioritize immigration candidates with strong ties to the provinces. In the most recent round of invitations held on June 23, 2025, 503 candidates received Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 742, marking a notable decrease of 42 points from the previous PNP draw on June 10, which saw only 125 ITAs issued.
This draw underscores the ongoing importance of PNPs in Canada’s immigration strategy, providing skilled workers with a pathway to permanent residency supported by specific provincial needs.
Context: Recent Trends in Express Entry
Before this PNP-focused draw, the last Express Entry round took place on June 12, when 3,000 ITAswere issued to candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) stream. That draw required a significantly lower CRS score of 529, reflecting how different categories are used to meet varying labour and demographic priorities.
As of mid-2025, the distribution of draws reflects a shift toward targeted selection, with the following breakdown:
- 11 PNP draws
- 5 CEC draws
- 3 French-language proficiency draws
- 2 draws for healthcare and social services occupations
- 1 draw for education-related occupations
This approach builds on patterns established in 2024, where IRCC issued a total of 98,903 ITAsacross a variety of categories, including:
- 14 PNP draws
- 10 CEC draws
- 11 French-speaking draws
- Targeted draws for healthcare, STEM, trades, agriculture, transport, and all-program rounds
Canada has consistently used category-specific draws to meet regional labour shortages, respond to demographic changes, and promote linguistic diversity.
Historical ITA Numbers: A Broader Picture
The June 23 draw marks the 22nd round of invitations in 2025 and the 352nd draw since Express Entry was launched in 2015. Here’s a look at the number of ITAs issued in recent years:
- 2021: 114,431 (all issued to CEC and PNP candidates – a record high)
- 2022: 45,115
- 2023: 110,266
- 2024: 98,903
While total invitations may vary year to year, one trend remains consistent: candidates with provincial nominations or Canadian work experience continue to see strong outcomes.
How the Tie-Breaking Rule Applies
In the June 23 draw, IRCC applied the tie-breaking rule using the date and time of May 30, 2025, at 2:44 p.m. EST. This means that if multiple candidates had the minimum score of 742, only those who created their Express Entry profiles before this timestamp were invited.
How Jain Immigration Law Can Help
At Jain Immigration Law, we help individuals and employers navigate Canada’s evolving immigration system with confidence. Whether you’re aiming for Express Entry, seeking a provincial nomination, or trying to determine your best path to permanent residency, we can guide you every step of the way.
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