In this recent Express Entry draw, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) once again focused on PNP candidates. On July 21, 2025, 202 ITAs were issued to candidates who had received provincial nominations.
The cutoff was a CRS score of 788 or greater, with the profile having been submitted on or before June 5, 2025, at 11:50 p.m. (UTC).
Having been just the third Express Entry draw done in July, it shows strong evidence in favor of the government's continued preference toward provincial nominees in 2025.
Express Entry July 21 Draw Highlights
| Draw Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | CRS Cut-Off |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 21 | Provincial Nominee Program | 202 | 788 |
Summary of Express Entry Draws in 2025
So far in 2025, IRCC has issued 45,403 ITAs through multiple types of draws, including those for PNP, Canadian Experience Class (CEC), French-language proficiency, Healthcare & Social Services, and Education.
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | 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 |
Total Express Entry Draws by Category in 2025
| Draw Type | Total Number of Draws |
|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program | 13 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 7 |
| French-language Proficiency | 3 |
| Healthcare and Social Services | 2 |
| Education | 1 |
The majority of Express Entry draws in 2025 have targeted PNP candidates, highlighting Canada's growing reliance on provinces to meet local labour shortages.
Age 40+? Here’s How You Can Still Qualify for Express Entry
If you're over 40 and worried about your CRS score, don’t lose hope. Though age impacts your CRS, there are still strong pathways to Canadian permanent residency.
Age-Related CRS Points Breakdown
| Age | CRS Points |
|---|---|
| 20–29 | 110 |
| 30 | 105 |
| 35 | 70 |
| 40 | 50 |
| 45+ | 0 |
Candidates over 40 often score lower in the age category, but many still qualify through two key strategies:
1. Apply Through Category-Based Draws
Category-based Express Entry draws allow Canada to target candidates with in-demand skills or language abilities, even if their CRS scores are lower.
- Lowest CRS score in 2025 for a category-based draw: 379
- Common targeted occupations include healthcare, trades, French-speaking candidates, and more
This route is ideal for applicants with specialized experience but lower overall CRS scores.
2. Secure a Provincial Nomination (PNP)
Once a candidate is nominated by a province or territory, she or he automatically receives 600 bonus CRS points, which basically assures that she or he will get an ITA.
- Over 80 PNP pathways are open throughout Canada (except Quebec and Nunavut).
- These streams tend to be geared towards a region's labour market needs.
PNP nomination + Express Entry profile = one of the most successful methods of migration, particularly for people over 40 years of age.
Why Express Entry Remains the Most Popular Route to Canada PR
The Express Entry system continues to dominate Canada’s skilled immigration strategy because:
- It's fast-tracked, with many applicants receiving PR in under 6 months
- It’s flexible, allowing multiple draw types
- It supports integration through PNP and category-based draws
Whether you're a skilled worker, experienced professional, or someone with language skills, Express Entry offers multiple ways to qualify.
How Visa Solutions 4u Can Help You Immigrate via Express Entry
Visa Solutions 4u offers expert services to help you navigate the Express Entry system with ease.
Our assistance includes:
- CRS score evaluation and improvement strategy
- Full guidance on Express Entry profile creation
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) stream selection and application
- Support for category-based draws
- Step-by-step document preparation and ITA response
Whether you’re under 30 or over 45, our team ensures you make the most of every immigration pathway.
Conclusion: PNP Candidates Gain Momentum in 2025 Express Entry Rounds
Canada's Express Entry system is evolving rapidly now, and Provincial Nominee Program candidates seem likely to be leading the pack heavily in 2025. Provincial nominations remain a super hot route for Canadian permanent residency, with 13 PNP draws happening already this year amid thousands of ITAs issued.
Category-based draw systems and enhanced PNP streams surprisingly open new qualification pathways for individuals over 40 or those sporting subpar CRS scores.
Stay updated. Stay utterly fabulous and quite remarkably updated, meanwhile, somehow magically over time. Maintain eligibility pretty much always somehow.
