Key Highlights
Canada’s Express Entry system marked a significant day on June 3, 2025, because it was the first draw to happen under the new Immigration Minister. Policy analysts and people who want to migrate to Canada pay close attention to what this event might reveal about the country’s new skilled migration strategies. Below is more clarification about the draw, its circumstances, what it could mean for those applying, and the whole immigration system.
Overview: June 3, 2025 Express Entry Draw
The new Immigration Minister was in place when Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its first Express Entry draw on June 3, 2025. The draw just involved candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) stream, meaning attention was placed on employment in regional areas and cooperation between the provinces and the federal government.
Key Details:
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277 people were given Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in this CECRA draw.
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A candidate needs a Minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score of 726
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On September 24, 2024, 3:46 p.m. UTC is the cut-off for candidates who want to apply to this round.
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Under this category, the application is accepted only through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Many notice this draw due to its high CRS score, which happens because PNP nominees are given a 600-point bonus, pushing the base human capital score for accepted candidates up to 126 before nomination.
Also Read: Manitoba PNP EOI Draw #246: 30 Skilled Workers Invited in May 2025
Context: Recent Express Entry Trends
A range of different Express Entry rounds happened in May before the June 3 draw.
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May 1: 1,000 ITAs are available for people looking to work in education (CRS 479).
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May 2: 500 ITAs are allocated for healthcare and social services through the Canadian Experience Class (CRS 510).
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May 12: 511 invitations sent to PNP candidates (CRS 706)
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May 13: 500 more invitations were sent out through the Canadian Experience Class (CRS 547).
Through this draw, IRCC has distributed 34,717 ITAs in 18 draws this year, and most recipients were PNP candidates. As well, some draws have emphasised Canadian Experience Class (CEC), being proficient in French, educational achievements and expertise in healthcare and social services.
Why a PNP-Only Draw?
PNP-specific draws occur regularly in Express Entry, which lets provinces and territories find candidates right for their needs. The method helps economic development in regions and supports addressing skill shortages there.
The emphasis on PNPs in the first draw under the new minister suggests that Canada will keep relying on provinces to choose immigrants, regardless of what other changes are made in immigration policy.
CRS Cut-Off: Understanding the High Score
Set at 726, the CRS cut-off is deliberately made so as to be higher than usual. As a result of getting a nomination from PNP, applicants are awarded 600 points, so only 126 base points were required to get invited. It makes sure that highly qualified applicants with provincial ties are chosen.
Since it requires candidates to apply by September 24, 2024, if applicants have the same CRS score, the rule ensures everyone is judged on a fair and equal basis.
Also Read: Carney’s Immigration Mandate: Canada’s New Path for 2025 and Beyond
Express Entry in 2025: By the Numbers
The express entry in 2025 has the following numbers:
|
Draw Type |
Number of Draws |
ITAs Issued |
|
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) |
9 |
Majority |
|
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) |
4 |
Significant |
|
French-language Proficiency |
3 |
Notable |
|
Education Category |
1 |
1,000 |
|
Healthcare & Social Services |
1 |
500 |
Total ITAs issued in 2025 so far: 34,717.
What Does This Mean for Express Entry Candidates?
The meaning for these Express Entry candidates can be understood below:
1. For PNP Candidates:
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Getting nominated provincially is a useful way to earn a large number of CRS points and have higher chances of receiving an ITA.
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People should watch the provincial nominee streams and check their Express Entry profiles regularly.
2. For Other Express Entry Candidates:
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The emphasis on PNPs does not stop CEC, Federal Skilled Worker or category-based draws from happening in the future.
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Job seekers should keep updating their resumes and checking out all the available paths, for example, local nomination programs and skills in language.
3. For all Applicants:
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The long-term strategy of the new minister for Express Entry is not fully clear yet. It is important for the candidates to monitor changes in laws and look for trends.
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Constantly updating your profile and acting fast when you are eligible is very important.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect Under the New Minister
Even though the first draw after an immigration minister replacement was PNP-specific, it’s still too soon to predict future directions. When a new CEO takes over, the draw regularity, the audience targeted or CRS limits can change.
Things you should be monitoring on a regular basis:
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How often will Powerball drawings be held: every two weeks or with a different schedule?
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Will There Be Changes to Draws?: Will more specific categories be added or enlarged to support particular jobs or abilities?
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How will the new minister juggle what each province, employer, and federal organisation requires?
Currently, this highlights that having strong cooperation between provinces and the federal government is still key in Canadian immigration and staying active as things change is important.
Also Read: Canada Issues 421 PNP Express Entry ITAs in April 2025 Draw
Conclusion
The first Express Entry draw held on June 3, 2025, by the new Immigration Minister maintains Canada’s dedication to teamwork among provinces and ensuring jobs are filled with locally needed skills. A high CRS amount allowed just 277 provincial nominee candidates. This further indicates that the PNP draw is very effective. While the new minister introduces their policies, candidates need to stay focused, engaged and be prepared for any changes in the immigration process.
To learn more about the latest immigration news, TerraTern should be your choice!
