📰 What's New in Express Entry?
IRCC has ramped up targeted category-based draws in 2025—launching separate rounds for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates, healthcare, and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) applicants. All‑program draws have been put on hold since April 2024, leading to higher CRS thresholds overall.
📊 Latest Draw Highlights (June–July 2025)
| Draw # | Date | Round Type | CRS Cut-Off | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 357 | July 22, 2025 | Healthcare & Social Services | 475 | 4,000 |
| 356 | July 21, 2025 | PNP-specific | 788 | 202 |
| 355 | July 8, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 518 | 3,000 |
| 354 | July 7, 2025 | PNP-specific | 750 | 356 |
Earlier draws in June focused on Healthcare, PNP, and CEC, with scores ranging from 504 to 529.
📉 Year‑to‑Date Trends & Analysis
- • By July 24, IRCC had issued a total of around 49,400 ITAs in 2025, down from over 62,600 in 2024.
- • French-language‑draws made up 37% of all ITAs, while French‑language and Healthcare rounds surfaced as the most frequent category‑based draws.
- • The total Express Entry pool remains competitive: 256,000+ candidates as of late July.
🎯 Who's Inside the CRS Bracket?
As of June 22, 2025:
256,754 active Express Entry profiles
Score Distribution:
• 0–300: ~8,370
• 301–350: ~21,746
• 351–400: ~54,237
• 401–450: ~58,559
• 451–500: ~76,748
• 501–600: ~22,947
• 601–1,200: ~471 (mostly PNP nominees)
A CRS above 500 puts you in the top ~9% of candidates.
🔍 Why Are CRS Scores So High?
- Program caps: The 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan lowered total permanent resident targets, reducing overall intake
- No general draws: All-program rounds, which usually yield lower CRS thresholds by including FSWP applicants, have not been held since April 2024.
- PNP dominance: PNP candidates automatically add 600 CRS points; even small PNP draws force up average cut-off scores.
🚀 Strategy Tips for Applicants
Improve language scores
A one-band gain in IELTS/TEF can boost CRS by up to 30 points.
Add French proficiency
Even CLB 7 earns access to French‑language draws with sub‑400 CRS cut-offs.
Update work experience regularly
Monthly Canadian employment can help, especially in PNP‑linked profiles.
Apply for provincial nomination early
Quotas are shrinking and expected to exhaust by September 2025.
⏳ Processing & Backlog Status
- • Roughly 85% of Express Entry applications processed within 6 months, a significant improvement over 2024 performance.
- • Backlogs remain high: for PNP-associated applications, backlog is projected at ~29% by July 2025.
🧭 What Lies Ahead?
Expect sustained category-based draws, especially in Health, French-language, and CEC or PNP streams. All-program draws are unlikely until immigration targets rebound in 2026, as outlined in the upcoming 2026–2028 Levels Plan.
✅ Why This Matters for Your Clients
- • If your CRS is high (500+), you're well-placed for category-based draws.
- • If CRS is below 470, actions like additional language training, French ability, or pursuing a PNP nomination are critical.
- • With IRCC's reduced admission levels and rising CRS thresholds, early preparation and profile enhancements are essential to success