Canada Resumes Express Entry CEC Draws; New Immigration Minister May Steer Policy Changes
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a new draw for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates within the Express Entry system on May 13, local time. This marked the resumption of such draws after an interruption of over three months.
A total of 500 invitations to apply (ITAs) were issued in this selection round. To be eligible, candidates needed to meet two key criteria: first, a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 547; and second, their Express Entry candidate profile must have been created and submitted before 5:26 p.m., Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on May 21, 2024.
Overview of Express Entry Draws in 2025
This CEC draw was the fourth Express Entry draw conducted this month. Previously, IRCC held draws for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates (May 12), candidates in the healthcare and social services category (May 2), and the education category (May 1).
According to the data provided, IRCC has issued a total of 34,440 ITAs through the Express Entry system so far in 2025. The Express Entry draws in 2025 have primarily focused on PNP candidates, with the remaining invitations allocated to CEC candidates, candidates with French-language proficiency, and those in Express Entry's priority categories.
Summary of Express Entry draws in 2025:
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Cut-off CRS score |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 13 | Canadian Experience Class | 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 |
Number of Express Entry Draws by Category in 2025:
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 8 |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 4 |
| French-language proficiency | 3 |
| Education | 1 |
| Healthcare and social services | 1 |
New Leadership in Canadian Immigration Policy and Future Outlook
Notably, the May 13 CEC draw was also the final Express Entry candidate selection under the previous Immigration Minister, Rachel Bendayan. Future immigration draws and related decisions will be overseen by the new Minister of Immigration, Lena Metlege Diab.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the latest cabinet shuffle on May 13, officially appointing Ms. Lena Metlege Diab as the new federal Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.
With the new minister's appointment, a series of immigration policy adjustments previously advocated by Prime Minister Carney are expected to be actively pursued. These core policy directions include:
- Stabilization of new permanent resident levels: Aiming to stabilize Canada's annual intake of new permanent residents at 1% of the country's population by 2027.
- Increase to Canada's francophone immigration levels: A commitment to increasing the number of French-speaking immigrants to Canada to support and promote Francophone communities.
- A revamp of the country's Global Talent Stream (GTS): Overhauling the existing Global Talent Stream program to attract the "best and brightest" global talent to meet Canada's labour market needs.
- A reduction in Canada's temporary resident levels: Plans to reduce the number of temporary residents in Canada, including work permit and study permit holders.
More specific details and implementation timelines for Canada's new immigration policies are anticipated to be clarified once Minister Diab receives and publicly releases her government mandate letter. The immigration sector is closely watching for policy updates that may be announced in the coming weeks and months.
Quebec Expands PSTQ Invitations, Issuing 273 ITAs in First-Ever Draw for Intermediate and Manual Skills Stream
On July 31, 2025, Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration (MIFI) issued 273 invitations to apply for permanent selection through its Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ). This draw is particularly significant as it is the first time the province has specifically targeted candidates under the "Intermediate and Manual Skills" stream, marking a steady expansion of the program's scope. The initiative aims to provide an immigration pathway for workers already in Quebec who possess specific work experience and French-language skills, in order to address labor shortages in various regions of the province.
08/18/2025
Super Visa: Canada's 'Fast Track' Alternative for Parent and Grandparent Reunification
For many families hoping to reunite with parents or grandparents in Canada, the limited lottery for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) presents a significant hurdle. This article provides an in-depth analysis of Canada's Super Visa program, which serves as an attractive alternative by offering a long-term visitor visa with year-round applications. The report details the core differences between the Super Visa and the PGP, outlines eligibility criteria and application procedures, and offers professional strategies to address common reasons for refusal, helping applicants increase their chances of success.
08/17/2025
New Trends in Canada's Provincial Nominee Programs: Multiple Provinces Issue Targeted Invitations, Focusing on Key Sectors and Strategic Talent
Recent Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws across Canada reveal a growing trend towards highly targeted invitations for specific industries and communities. Manitoba issued a small number of high-scoring invitations through a strategic initiative; Alberta focused on construction and tech workers with two targeted, low-score draws; and Newfoundland and Labrador invited nearly 400 candidates through its provincial and Atlantic programs. These actions underscore a nationwide shift towards using immigration to precisely fill specific economic and community needs.
08/15/2025
Canada's Express Entry May See Major Overhaul: Three New Occupational Categories Proposed to Attract Global Top Talent
The Canadian federal government is contemplating a significant reform of its flagship immigration program, Express Entry, by proposing three new selection categories for 2026 targeting senior managers, scientists and researchers, and military personnel. The move aims to more strategically attract top-tier talent capable of driving Canada's economic growth, enhancing its global competitiveness, and supporting national security. The proposal is now open for public consultation until September 3, 2025. These adjustments not only signal a shift in Canada's future immigration strategy but could also have far-reaching implications for the study choices and post-graduation career paths of international students.
08/15/2025
Major Overhaul to Canada's Express Entry: Upfront Medical Exams Mandatory from August 21, 2025
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced a pivotal change to its Express Entry system. Effective August 21, 2025, all candidates applying for permanent residence through this stream will be required to complete their Immigration Medical Exam (IME) before submitting their application. This marks a significant shift from the current "apply-then-test" model to a new "upfront medical" protocol, directly impacting future applicants' timelines and preparatory strategies.
08/13/2025
Prairie Provinces Surge! 2025 Guide to Immigrant Jobs in Canada: Saskatoon, Calgary, and Regina Claim Top Spots
According to the latest BMO Labour Market Report Card released on July 11, 2025, the landscape for immigrant employment in Canada is undergoing a significant transformation. Saskatoon, Calgary, and Regina have emerged as the top three cities for newcomers to find a job, driven by strong employment growth and falling unemployment rates. The report not only highlights the economic vitality of the Prairie provinces but also provides an invaluable guide for skilled workers and prospective immigrants planning their move to Canada.
08/13/2025
Canada's Latest Express Entry Draw Targets French-Speaking Talent, Inviting 2,500 Candidates
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its third Express Entry draw of the month on August 8, 2025, once again issuing invitations to candidates with French-language proficiency. A total of 2,500 candidates received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in this round, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 481. This draw again highlights the Canadian immigration system's continued emphasis on candidates with specific skills and language abilities, particularly the demand for French speakers.
08/11/2025
Manitoba PNP Update: First August Draw Focuses on "Strategic Recruitment" with a Cut-off Score of 724
The central Canadian province of Manitoba held its first provincial nominee draw of the month on August 7, 2025. In its 251st Expression of Interest (EOI) draw, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) issued 37 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) to skilled workers. Notably, this was not a general draw but one that specifically targeted candidates directly invited by the provincial government through a "Strategic Recruitment Initiative," with a minimum required score of 724. Invited candidates were primarily from the Francophone community and local employer-sponsored programs.
08/11/2025
CRS Score Rises Significantly in New Canadian Experience Class Draw
On August 7, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a new Express Entry draw targeting candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) stream. A total of 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 534. Compared to the last CEC draw, this round saw a significant drop in the number of invitations issued and a corresponding increase in the score requirement, reflecting the heightened level of competition among candidates.
08/11/2025
IRCC's First August Express Entry Draw Results Released, Provincial Nominee Program Favored Again
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its first Express Entry draw of the month on August 6, 2025. This draw exclusively targeted candidates with a provincial nomination, issuing a total of 225 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to individuals with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 739. This round once again highlights the Canadian immigration system's strong emphasis on the Provincial Nominee Program and continues the 2025 trend of focusing on specific candidate categories.
08/07/2025
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