On July 22, Ottawa time, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) successfully conducted another high-profile targeted draw through its flagship immigration selection system, Express Entry.

This round issued a total of 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to candidates with professional backgrounds in healthcare and social services, marking a crucial step for them toward obtaining Canadian permanent resident status.

According to official information, candidates invited in this round had to meet the following two conditions:

• A Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of no less than 475;
• Must have created their Express Entry profile before March 13, 2025, at 1:08 p.m. Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). This "cut-off time" is the tie-breaking rule used by IRCC, meaning that among candidates with a CRS score of 475, only those who submitted their profile before this specific time and date received an invitation.

2025 Express Entry Draws: A Review and Trend Analysis

This draw was the fourth in July, continuing the month's trend of frequent invitations. Previously, IRCC held draws on July 21 (Provincial Nominee Program), July 8 (Canadian Experience Class), and July 7 (Provincial Nominee Program).

To date, IRCC has issued a cumulative total of 49,403 Invitations to Apply through the Express Entry system in 2025.

An overview of this year's draw trends reveals the following key characteristics:

• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Dominance: With 13 draws, the PNP has been the most frequently invited category.
• Category-based Draws are the Norm: In addition to traditional PNP and Canadian Experience Class (CEC, 7 draws), targeted draws for specific skills and backgrounds have become increasingly important. These include draws for French-language proficiency (3), Healthcare (3), and Education (1).
• A Recent Pattern Has Emerged: Since June 10, IRCC appears to have established a relatively consistent pattern of holding alternating PNP and CEC draws every two weeks.

Implications for Applicants: Category-Based Draws as a Key Immigration Pathway

For many candidates with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score below 500, the Express Entry "category-based selection" mechanism provides a vital pathway to immigration.

To be eligible for such draws, an applicant must have at least six months of full-time, continuous work experience in one of the designated priority occupations. Notably, this work experience can be gained either inside or outside of Canada, which opens up opportunities for professionals worldwide.

Analysis suggests that many of Canada's top employers are actively recruiting talent for occupations that qualify for these category-based draws to fill gaps in the domestic labor market. For professionals in healthcare, education, technology, trades, and those with French-language skills who aspire to immigrate to Canada, thoroughly understanding the eligibility requirements for targeted draws and creating an effective Express Entry profile early on will be key to success.

Summary of Express Entry draws in 2025

1. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): 13 draws
2. Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 7 draws
3. French-language proficiency: 3 draws
4. Healthcare and social services: 3 draws
5. Education: 1 draw