Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has continued its series of targeted Express Entry draws, with recent invitations extended primarily to candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This comes alongside an update to the minimum funds required for certain Express Entry applicants.
The most recent draw, Express Entry Draw #355, held on July 8, 2025, saw IRCC issue 3,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates eligible under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for the lowest-ranked candidate invited in this draw was 518. A tie-breaking rule of October 2, 2024, at 1:48:36 UTC was applied.
Just prior to this, on July 7, 2025, Express Entry Draw #354 invited 356 Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates with a minimum CRS score of 750.
These draws align with the recent trend from IRCC, which has largely focused on program-specific or category-based selections throughout 2025, rather than general "all-program" draws. This strategy aims to address specific labour market needs and prioritize candidates with Canadian work experience or those nominated by a province or territory.
Key Trends in 2025 Express Entry Draws:
Continued Focus on CEC and PNP: The alternation between CEC and PNP draws has been a consistent theme, indicating IRCC's strategy to prioritize in-Canada candidates and those who have provincial nominations.
Category-Based Selection Remains: While not featured in the very latest draws, category-based draws targeting specific occupations (like healthcare, STEM, trades, and the newly introduced education category) and French language proficiency have also been a significant part of the 2025 Express Entry landscape. The transport category was notably removed in 2025, with an increased emphasis on occupations addressing Canada's evolving labour needs.
Higher CRS Scores for PNP: PNP draws typically exhibit higher CRS cut-off scores due to the additional 600 points a provincial nomination adds to a candidate's profile.
Updated Proof of Funds Requirement:
In a separate but significant update, IRCC has increased the minimum settlement funds required for applicants under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). As of July 7, 2025, a single applicant now needs to show CAD $15,263 (approximately Rs 9.5 lakh), up from $14,690. The amount increases with family size. Applicants must ensure their Express Entry profiles reflect these updated figures by July 28, 2025, to maintain eligibility. Notably, candidates applying under the Canadian Experience Class or those with a valid job offer in Canada are exempt from this proof of funds requirement.
Immigration experts suggest that the current trends reflect Canada's commitment to a more targeted immigration approach, aligning with the country's economic and demographic goals for 2025 and beyond. Prospective immigrants are advised to stay informed on draw patterns and eligibility criteria to maximize their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply for Canadian permanent residence.
