New Express Entry Draw: Canada Continues to Prioritize PNP Candidates – Is This Your Chance?
July 21, 2025 – Ottawa: In its latest move under the Express Entry system, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 202 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a draw targeting candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
This draw—held on July 21—continues Canada’s recent trend of prioritizing candidates nominated by provinces and territories, as immigration policies shift focus to regional labour market needs. Candidates needed a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 788, and must have submitted their Express Entry profile on or before June 5, 2025, at 11:50 p.m. UTC.
Express Entry in 2025: What the Numbers Say
To date, IRCC has issued 45,403 ITAs across all Express Entry categories this year. Here’s how the draw types break down so far:
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 13 |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 7 |
| French-language proficiency | 3 |
| Healthcare & Social Services | 2 |
| Education | 1 |
The current Express Entry strategy shows a strong preference for candidates already supported by provincial or territorial programs. PNP candidates receive 600 extra CRS points, making them prime candidates for invitations.
Is Express Entry Still an Option for Applicants Aged 40+?
Absolutely. While age does affect CRS points, those over 40 still have two strategic pathways to increase their chances:
1. Category-Based Draws
These targeted draws invite individuals based on specific occupations or skills in high demand (e.g., healthcare, trades, French language). Cut-off scores for these draws are often much lower than general draws—as low as 379 in 2025 so far.
2. Provincial Nomination (PNP)
All provinces (except Quebec and Nunavut) offer more than 80 streams for skilled workers. A nomination through these programs gives you a 600-point boost, making you highly competitive.
Recent Express Entry Draws – At a Glance
| Date | Type of Draw | ITAs Issued | CRS Cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 21 | Provincial Nominee Program | 202 | 788 |
| July 8 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 518 |
| July 7 | Provincial Nominee Program | 356 | 750 |
| June 26 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 521 |
| June 12 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 529 |
| June 4 | Healthcare & Social Services | 500 | 504 |
| May 1 | Education | 1,000 | 479 |
With draws occurring nearly every week, Express Entry remains one of Canada’s most active and dynamic immigration systems.
What This Means for You
If you’re a skilled worker—especially in a targeted field or already holding a provincial nomination—now is the time to act. Create or update your Express Entry profile, seek out PNP pathways, or qualify for category-based draws to improve your chances.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
