Canada Conducts First Express Entry Draw Under New Immigration Minister: What You Need to Know
On June 3, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its first Express Entry draw under the new Immigration Minister, Lena Metlege Diab. This draw, targeting candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) stream, marks a continuation of Canada’s commitment to bringing in skilled immigrants who can contribute to the labour market and fill critical gaps across provinces and territories.
This long-form update will guide you through:
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The key details of the June 3 Express Entry draw
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A summary of Express Entry activity in 2025
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A breakdown of the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
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Trends in Canada’s immigration strategy
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What this draw means for future candidates
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How you can assess your eligibility
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How Guide Me Immigration can help
📌 Key Details of the June 3, 2025, Express Entry Draw
In the latest draw, IRCC issued 277 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates who were already nominated through a Provincial Nominee Program. These candidates were selected from the Express Entry pool based on a minimum CRS score of 726.
🔍 Eligibility Criteria for This Draw:
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Must have received a provincial nomination under one of Canada’s PNP streams
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Must have had a CRS score of 726 or higher
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Must have submitted their Express Entry profile before 3:46 p.m. UTC on September 24, 2024
This was the first Express Entry draw under the new Immigration Minister, following a leadership change at IRCC in mid-May. While the draw format is familiar, the policy direction and tone going forward may shift based on Minister Diab’s long-term immigration vision.
📅 Summary of Express Entry Draws in 2025
Here’s a detailed summary of every Express Entry draw held in 2025 up to this point:
Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Cut-off CRS |
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June 3 | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 277 | 726 |
May 13 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 500 | 547 |
May 12 | Provincial Nominee Program | 511 | 706 |
May 2 | Healthcare and Social Services | 500 | 510 |
May 1 | Education | 1,000 | 479 |
April 28 | Provincial Nominee Program | 421 | 727 |
April 14 | Provincial Nominee Program | 825 | 764 |
March 21 | French Language Proficiency | 7,500 | 379 |
March 17 | Provincial Nominee Program | 536 | 736 |
March 6 | French Language Proficiency | 4,500 | 410 |
March 3 | Provincial Nominee Program | 725 | 667 |
February 19 | French Language Proficiency | 6,500 | 428 |
February 17 | Provincial Nominee Program | 646 | 750 |
February 5 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 521 |
February 4 | Provincial Nominee Program | 455 | 802 |
January 23 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 527 |
January 8 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,350 | 542 |
January 7 | Provincial Nominee Program | 471 | 793 |
✳ Total ITAs in 2025 (as of June 3): 34,717
This trend shows the IRCC’s current preference for candidates nominated through PNPs or those already in Canada (CEC candidates). We’ve also seen strong interest in those with French-language skills and in-demand occupations like education and healthcare.
🧠 Understanding the CRS: Why It Matters
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is the backbone of the Express Entry system. It assigns points to candidates based on various factors:
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Age
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Education
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Language proficiency in English and/or French
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Canadian and foreign work experience
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Job offers
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Provincial nominations
Why Does Canada Use the CRS?
Canada developed the CRS to ensure it selects immigrants most likely to succeed economically. Decades of research by the federal government have shown that newcomers with strong human capital attributes—like high education, language fluency, and work experience—integrate quickly and contribute significantly to the economy.
In 2020, IRCC released a report evaluating Express Entry immigrants since its launch in 2015. The findings were clear:
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High employment rates
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Above-average earnings
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Low unemployment
These outcomes affirm that CRS is effective in selecting top-performing immigrants.
📈 2025 Trends: Where Express Entry is Headed
The year so far reveals several key trends:
1. PNP Priority
Over half of all draws in 2025 have been PNP-specific. This supports provinces’ goals of filling labor shortages in key sectors like construction, IT, healthcare, and agriculture.
2. Return of CEC Draws
After a long pause, CEC draws resumed in 2025, showing Canada’s renewed focus on those with Canadian work experience. These candidates usually adapt faster, as they already live and work in the country.
3. Category-Based Draws
IRCC is using targeted draws based on occupation and language. For example:
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Education (May 1)
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Healthcare (May 2)
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French-language proficiency (March 6, March 21)
These categories allow Canada to fine-tune its selection based on current labor market needs.
💡 What Does This Mean for Future Applicants?
➤ More Opportunities for Specialized Candidates
If you are in healthcare, education, or have strong French-language skills, your chances of receiving an ITA are significantly higher.
➤ Provincial Nominations Are Crucial
With high CRS thresholds (700+), a PNP nomination gives you 600 extra CRS points, making it one of the best pathways to permanent residency.
➤ Canadian Experience is Valued
Candidates with previous or current Canadian work experience, especially in a skilled occupation, continue to be in demand.
✅ How to Improve Your CRS Score
Worried that your CRS isn’t high enough? Here are some ways to boost it:
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Improve language test scores (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF)
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Gain more work experience in your field
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Apply for a provincial nomination through a PNP stream
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Pursue additional education in Canada
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Get a valid job offer from a Canadian employer
🧾 Assess Your Eligibility Today
Whether you’re already in Canada on a work permit or living abroad, it’s essential to understand which Express Entry stream or PNP option suits you best.
Express Entry has 3 primary streams:
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Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
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Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
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Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Each has different eligibility criteria related to language proficiency, education, work experience, and adaptability.
📍 Contact Guide Me Immigration: Your Trusted Advisors
At Guide Me Immigration, we help individuals and families navigate Canada’s complex immigration pathways with confidence. Whether you’re applying through Express Entry, a PNP, or a study/work permit, our experienced team is here to assist you.
✅ Profile assessments
✅ CRS improvement strategies
✅ PNP application support
✅ Permanent residence pathways
✅ Work and study permit services
📍 Our Office Locations
Saskatoon
535 20th St W, Unit-C, Saskatoon, SK S7M 0X6
Regina
Unit 170 – 2410 Dewdney Ave, Regina, SK S4R 1H6
Dhaka
Apt-2D, H-396, R-6 Avenue 3, Mirpur DOHS, Dhaka 1216
📧 Email: info@guidemeimmigration.com
📞 Phone: +1 (306) 700 7440
🌐 Website: www.guidemeimmigration.com
🔚 Final Thoughts
The June 3 Express Entry draw underlines a continued focus on targeted immigration, aligned with Canada’s labor market needs. Whether you’re a skilled worker, an international graduate, or a Francophone professional, there’s a path for you.
Stay updated, stay prepared—and when you’re ready, Guide Me Immigration is here to help you succeed.
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