Canada Holds First Express Entry Draw Under New Immigration Minister

Canada’s immigration system has made headlines once again with the first Express Entry draw conducted under the new Immigration Minister. Held on June 3, 2025, the draw issued 277 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This move reflects a strong continued emphasis on regional labor needs and signals the government's ongoing support for skilled worker immigration pathways.

So far in 2025, over 34,700 ITAs have been issued through various Express Entry streams, underscoring the critical role the system plays in Canada’s immigration strategy.

Significance of the First Express Entry Draw Under New Leadership

Policy Direction Under New Leadership

The June 3rd draw is the first under the guidance of Canada’s newly appointed Immigration Minister. By issuing invitations exclusively through the PNP stream, the minister appears to be reinforcing the government's focus on regional immigration. This move suggests that Canada's long-standing strategy of strengthening local economies through skilled immigration remains a top priority.

A Strong Focus on PNP Candidates

In 2025, Express Entry draws have largely focused on PNP candidates. This stream allows provinces to nominate individuals who meet their specific labor market needs. By doing so, candidates receive an additional 600 points toward their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, greatly enhancing their chances of being invited to apply for permanent residency.

Learn how Express Entry and PNPs work together here

The Role of CRS in Immigration Success

To receive an invitation in the latest draw, candidates needed a minimum CRS score of 726. This continues the trend of high CRS cut-offs in 2025, emphasizing the importance of a competitive profile. The CRS system awards points for key factors such as age, education, work experience, and language skills—elements that Canada values in future residents.

Canada uses the CRS system because it is backed by decades of research. Studies show that newcomers with high scores tend to integrate more successfully and contribute more significantly to the labor market.

Explore more about the Comprehensive Ranking System and Express Entry categories

Evidence That Express Entry Works

According to a 2020 IRCC report, Express Entry immigrants have consistently shown high employment rates, strong earnings, and low unemployment. These outcomes reflect the system’s ability to identify and invite individuals most likely to thrive in Canada’s workforce.

You can dive deeper into Canadian Experience Class outcomes here

How to Qualify for Future Express Entry Draws

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

To be considered for Express Entry, you must be eligible under one of the core programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, the Canadian Experience Class, or be nominated through a Provincial Nominee Program aligned with Express Entry.

Step 2: Improve Your CRS Score

Since CRS scores are increasingly competitive, consider taking action to improve your score. You can do this by improving your language test results, gaining additional work experience, completing another educational credential, or obtaining a provincial nomination.

A PNP nomination alone adds 600 CRS points, giving you a near guarantee of receiving an invitation.

Step 3: Stay Aligned With Draw Trends

In 2025, Canada has been holding frequent draws targeting PNP and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates, along with occasional category-based selections in sectors like education, healthcare, and French-language proficiency. Understanding these trends helps you tailor your profile for better chances.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

The first Express Entry draw under Canada’s new Immigration Minister signals that the country will continue to rely heavily on skilled immigration to meet its labor market goals. With a sharp focus on provincial needs, high CRS thresholds, and evidence-based selection, the Express Entry system remains one of the most powerful pathways to permanent residency.

If you're aiming to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry, now is the time to assess your eligibility and improve your CRS score.

Book a consultation with A2Zimmi’s expert team to get started on your Canada PR journey.