Dear future neighbour,
Canada’s immigration system is getting tougher and more selective. The Express Entry program, which manages skilled worker applications for permanent residency, saw several important updates this August. From higher score requirements to new health exam rules.
On August 18, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited 192 candidates through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score was 800, one of the highest of the year.
See below summary of August 18th Express Entry draw
- Program: Provincial Nominee Program
- Date and time: August 18, 2025
- CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 800
- Number of invitations issued: 192
- Rank needed: 192 or above
- Tie-breaking rule: February 11, 2025
See below summary of Express Entry draws in 2025
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Cut-off CRS score |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 18 | Provincial Nominee Program | 192 | 800 |
| August 8 | French language proficiency | 2,500 | 481 |
| August 7 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,000 | 534 |
| August 6 | Provincial Nominee Program | 225 | 739 |
| July 22 | Healthcare and social services | 4,000 | 475 |
| 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 |
General candidates face more competition, while French speakers and provincial nominees still have strong chances.
New Medical Exam Rule
Starting August 21, 2025, Express Entry applicants must complete their Immigration Medical Exam (IME) before submitting their application.
Previously, medicals were done later in the process. Now, skipping this step means your application won’t even be accepted. Applicants are being advised to book exams early to avoid delays.
See below CRS Score distribution in the pool as at August 17, 2025
| CRS score range | Number of candidates |
|---|---|
| 601-1200 | 188 |
| 501-600 | 22,930 |
| 451-500 | 75,011 |
| 491-500 | 12,409 |
| 481-490 | 12,349 |
| 471-480 | 17,035 |
| 461-470 | 17,339 |
| 451-460 | 15,879 |
| 401-450 | 73,920 |
| 441-450 | 15,116 |
| 431-440 | 16,222 |
| 421-430 | 14,639 |
| 411-420 | 14,488 |
| 401-410 | 13,455 |
| 351-400 | 53,461 |
| 301-350 | 20,424 |
| 0-300 | 8,179 |
| Total | 254,113 |
What’s Coming Next
IRCC is also planning new category-based draws that focus on specific skills. In 2026, a brand-new stream called “Leadership & Innovation” will launch. It will prioritize:
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Senior managers
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Scientists and researchers
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High-ranking military officers
This could give experienced professionals a much faster path to Canadian permanent residency.
What Applicants Should Do
-
Boost your CRS score – Language tests, more work experience, and provincial nominations can help.
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Consider category-based opportunities – French proficiency and in-demand jobs have lower cut-offs.
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Get medical exams done early – It’s now mandatory before applying.
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Stay updated – The 2026 Leadership & Innovation stream could open new doors.
August proved that Express Entry is becoming more competitive and more selective. Candidates with French skills, provincial nominations, or strong professional experience have the best chances. With the new medical exam rule and future pathways like the Leadership & Innovation stream, staying prepared and informed is more important than ever.
Need help with your Canadian immigration process?
Whether you’re applying for a visitor visa, submitting a work permit or visa application, creating an Expression of Interest (EOI), setting up an Express Entry or Provincial Nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an Invitation to Apply, or simply want a professional review of your self-prepared application, we’re here to assist you.
Schedule a consultation or contact us at:
info@eseumohimmigration.com