Latest Express Entry Draw: ITA Scores and Pathways -June 2025
Draw: June 4, 2025
In the latest Express Entry draw (#349), IRCC issued 500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency in a category-based draw targeting healthcare and social services occupations. The minimum CRS score required was 504, with a tie-breaker set for profiles submitted before March 31, 2025, at 06:47 UTC.
Express Entry Pathways
Express Entry manages three main federal economic immigration programs:
· Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For skilled workers with foreign work experience. Requires at least one year of skilled work experience, language proficiency (CLB 7), and a minimum of a high school education.
· Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For those with at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada. Ideal for temporary residents or international students with Canadian work experience.
· Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For skilled tradespeople with at least two years of experience in eligible occupations, a valid job offer, or a certificate of qualification.
Category-Based Draws
Introduced in 2023, category-based draws target specific skills to address labor market needs. Current categories include:
· Healthcare Occupations: For professionals like nurses and social workers (e.g., June 4 draw).
· STEM Occupations: For science, technology, engineering, and math professionals.
· Trade Occupations: For skilled trades like welders or carpenters.
· French Language Proficiency: For candidates with strong French skills (CLB 7).
· Education Professionals: A new category introduced in 2025, targeting teachers and educators (1,000 ITAs issued on May 1, CRS 479).
· Agriculture and Agri-Food: For roles in farming and food production.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Candidates with a provincial nomination receive an additional 600 CRS points, significantly boosting their chances of receiving an ITA. For example, a PNP-specific draw on June 2, 2025, issued 277 ITAs with a CRS cut-off of 726. Provinces like British Columbia and Ontario often align their PNP streams with Express Entry to prioritize in-demand occupations.
Key Trends and Tips
· CRS Scores: Recent draws show high CRS cut-offs (e.g., 726 for PNP, 504 for healthcare), reflecting a competitive pool of 255,030 candidates as of June 1, 2025.
· Improving Your Score: Boost your CRS by improving language test scores (e.g., IELTS or French), gaining Canadian work experience, or securing a provincial nomination.
· Stay Updated: Draws are unpredictable but typically occur biweekly on Wednesdays. Check IRCC’s official website for results and pool distribution.
Express Entry remains a dynamic and competitive pathway to Canadian permanent residency. To maximize your chances, ensure your profile is complete, explore category-based eligibility, and consider PNP options.
