IRCC issues more ITAs to PNP applicants in the latest draw. These ITAs were issued via the Express Entry system.

This move highlights IRCC’s ongoing commitment to welcoming skilled workers who can help fill labour market needs across Canada’s provinces and territories.

In the latest round, IRCC issued 202 ITAs to eligible Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates who met the following criteria:

  • They had a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 788
  • They created an Express Entry profile before 11:50 p.m., UTC, on June 5, 2025

Candidates who receive a provincial nomination gain a significant CRS score boost of 600 points, which explains the high CRS cut-off for this specific draw.

For many skilled workers abroad, securing a provincial nomination is one of the most effective ways to strengthen an Express Entry profile and increase the likelihood of receiving an ITA for permanent residence.

Summary Of Express Entry Draws In 2025

So far this year, IRCC has kept up a steady pace of draws across multiple categories. Below is a summary of all Express Entry draws conducted so far in 2025:

Date Draw Type Number Of ITAs Cut-Off CRS Score
July 21 Provincial Nominee Program 202 788
July 8 Canadian Experience Class 3,000 518
July 7 Provincial Nominee Program 356 750
June 26 Canadian Experience Class 3,000 521
June 23 Provincial Nominee Program 503 742
June 12 Canadian Experience Class 3,000 529
June 10 Provincial Nominee Program 125 784
June 4 Healthcare and social services 500 504
June 2 Provincial Nominee Program 277 726
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

This table reflects how Express Entry draws have consistently balanced between PNP-focused rounds, draws for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates, and targeted draws for French-language speakers, as well as occupation-specific draws like those for healthcare and education professionals.

Express Entry Draw Trends This Year

As IRCC issues more ITAs to PNP applicants in the latest draw, it is vital to note that so far in 2025, IRCC has issued a total of 45,403 ITAs through the Express Entry system. This demonstrates Canada’s strong commitment to bringing in qualified newcomers to help address skill shortages in priority sectors across the country.

Draw Type Number Of Draws
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) 13
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) 7
French-language proficiency 3
Healthcare and social services 2
Education 1

The trend shows that the PNP remains one of the most active streams, providing a critical pathway for candidates who may not have a competitive CRS score on their own. At the same time, the Canadian Experience Class continues to be popular for applicants who already have recent Canadian work experience, which is a major advantage in the Express Entry system.

More recently, IRCC has settled into a predictable pattern of alternating PNP and CEC draws about every two weeks. This helps candidates plan and prepare their profiles with a clearer sense of when new invitations might be issued.

Is 40 Years Of Age Too Old To Immigrate Through Express Entry? 

One common question from prospective immigrants is whether age will work against them in Express Entry. Age does indeed play a role in how CRS scores are calculated. Candidates between the ages of 20 and 29 receive the highest age-related points, i.e., a maximum of 110 points. However, once you turn 30, the points start to decline gradually each year.

By age 40, candidates receive about 50 CRS points for age. After age 45, age-related points drop to zero. While this can seem discouraging, age alone doesn’t disqualify you from Express Entry. Many older candidates still receive ITAs each year.

Two Strategies For Older Candidates

IRCC issues more ITAs to PNP applicants in the latest draw. However, there are two strategies for older applicants. Take a look!

Category-Based Draws

One option for older applicants is to target category-based draws. These draws prioritize candidates with in-demand skills, work experience in critical occupations, or strong French language proficiency — factors that can offset a lower CRS score.

For example, the lowest CRS cut-off for a category-based draw this year was 379 for French-language proficiency, which is significantly lower than the typical CEC or PNP cut-offs. If you have skills in healthcare, trades, agriculture, transport, or other in-demand occupations, you could be eligible for future draws with lower CRS thresholds.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Another excellent pathway for older applicants is the PNP. Most provinces and territories run Express Entry-aligned PNP streams (known as enhanced PNPs). Receiving a provincial nomination instantly adds 600 CRS points to your profile — a huge boost that almost always guarantees an ITA in the next draw.

Provinces design their PNPs to meet local labour needs, which means applicants with skills or experience that match provincial priorities have a strong chance to secure a nomination. PNPs can be a game-changer, especially for candidates whose age may otherwise push their CRS score below typical cut-off levels.

Final Thoughts

Canada’s Express Entry system continues to evolve to meet changing labour market demands and immigration goals. While age does affect your CRS score, strategic planning can open doors. Whether it’s through a provincial nomination or a targeted category draw, there are still great options for qualified candidates of all ages to achieve permanent residence in Canada.

Stay informed on the latest draws, check your eligibility, and consider working with a trusted immigration advisor to strengthen your profile for upcoming opportunities. With planning and persistence, Canada’s welcoming immigration system can help you build your future here.

CWRVisa, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at CWRVisa.ca.