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September 1, 2025

Dear future neighbour,

Ontario held five Provincial Nominee Program draws on August 28, 2025. The province sent out 468 invitations under the Employer Job Offer streams. These included the Foreign Worker, International Student, and In-Demand Skills categories. Only profiles created between July 2 and August 28, 2025 were considered.

See below results of the five draws

Stream Focus Invitations Min. EOI score
Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Northern Ontario 94 53+
Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker REDI communities 57 45+
Employer Job Offer: International Student Northern Ontario 236 66+
Employer Job Offer: International Student REDI communities 56 68+
Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills REDI communities 25 34+

Total invitations: 468
Profiles considered: July 2 – August 28, 2025

Two draws focused on Northern Ontario, and three draws focused on REDI communities. This shows Ontario is trying to bring more workers and students into regions outside the Greater Toronto Area.

The draws included different streams. Foreign Worker and International Student streams brought in people with Canadian job offers or study backgrounds. The In-Demand Skills stream gave a chance to workers in shortage occupations.

Candidates in Ontario

Northern Ontario covers the census divisions of Muskoka, Haliburton, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Manitoulin, Sudbury, Greater Sudbury, Timiskaming, Cochrane, Algoma, Thunder Bay, Rainy River, and Kenora.

See below list of 92 Occupations Selected for the Foreign Worker and International Student Streams in Northern Ontario

  • NOC 10019 – Other administrative services managers.
  • NOC 10022 – Advertising, marketing and public relations managers.
  • NOC 10029 – Other business services managers.
  • NOC 11100 – Financial auditors and accountants.
  • NOC 11101 – Financial and investment analysts.
  • NOC 11102 – Financial advisors.
  • NOC 11109 – Other financial officers.
  • NOC 11200 – Human resources professionals.
  • NOC 11202 – Professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations.
  • NOC 12101 – Human resources and recruitment officers.
  • NOC 12102 – Procurement and purchasing agents and officers.
  • NOC 12103 – Conference and event planners.
  • NOC 12200 – Accounting technicians and bookkeepers.
  • NOC 13100 – Administrative officers.
  • NOC 13102 – Payroll administrators.
  • NOC 13110 – Administrative assistants.
  • NOC 13201 – Production and transportation logistics coordinators.
  • NOC 20010 – Engineering managers.
  • NOC 21102 – Geoscientists and oceanographers.
  • NOC 21221 – Business systems specialists.
  • NOC 21222 – Information systems specialists.
  • NOC 21223 – Database analysts and data administrators.
  • NOC 21230 – Computer systems developers and programmers.
  • NOC 21233 – Web designers.
  • NOC 21234 – Web developers and programmers.
  • NOC 21300 – Civil engineers.
  • NOC 21301 – Mechanical engineers.
  • NOC 21310 – Electrical and electronics engineers.
  • NOC 22100 – Chemical technologists and technicians.
  • NOC 22101 – Geological and mineral technologists and technicians.
  • NOC 22210 – Architectural technologists and technicians.
  • NOC 22212 – Drafting technologists and technicians.
  • NOC 22213 – Land survey technologists and technicians.
  • NOC 22214 – Technical occupations in geomatics and meteorology.
  • NOC 22220 – Computer network and web technicians.
  • NOC 22221 – User support technicians.
  • NOC 22232 – Occupational health and safety specialists.
  • NOC 22233 – Construction inspectors.
  • NOC 22301 – Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians.
  • NOC 22302 – Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians.
  • NOC 22303 – Construction estimators.
  • NOC 22310 – Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians.
  • NOC 22311 – Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment).
  • NOC 22312 – Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics.
  • NOC 30010 – Managers in health care.
  • NOC 31101 – Specialists in surgery.
  • NOC 31102 – General practitioners and family physicians.
  • NOC 31202 – Physiotherapists.
  • NOC 31301 – Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses.
  • NOC 32100 – Opticians.
  • NOC 32101 – Licensed practical nurses.
  • NOC 32109 – Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment.
  • NOC 32111 – Dental hygienists and dental therapists.
  • NOC 33100 – Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants.
  • NOC 33101 – Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations.
  • NOC 33102 – Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates.
  • NOC 33109 – Other assisting occupations in support of health services.
  • NOC 41220 – Secondary school teachers.
  • NOC 41301 – Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies.
  • NOC 41405 – Education policy researchers, consultants and program officers.
  • NOC 42200 – Paralegals and related occupations.
  • NOC 42201 – Social and community service workers.
  • NOC 42202 – Early childhood educators and assistants.
  • NOC 42203 – Instructors of persons with disabilities.
  • NOC 43202 – By-law enforcement and other regulatory officers.
  • NOC 52113 – Audio and video recording technicians.
  • NOC 52120 – Graphic designers and illustrators.
  • NOC 70010 – Construction managers.
  • NOC 70012 – Facility operation and maintenance managers.
  • NOC 72011 – Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades and telecommunications occupations.
  • NOC 72013 – Contractors and supervisors, carpentry trades.
  • NOC 72014 – Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers.
  • NOC 72100 – Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors.
  • NOC 72200 – Electricians (except industrial and power system).
  • NOC 72201 – Industrial electricians.
  • NOC 72205 – Telecommunications equipment installation and cable television service technicians.
  • NOC 72310 – Carpenters.
  • NOC 72321 – Insulators.
  • NOC 72401 – Heavy-duty equipment mechanics.
  • NOC 72404 – Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors.
  • NOC 72410 – Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers.
  • NOC 72411 – Auto body collision, refinishing and glass technicians and damage repair estimators.
  • NOC 72422 – Electrical mechanics.
  • NOC 72429 – Other small engine and small equipment repairers.
  • NOC 72600 – Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors.
  • NOC 73100 – Concrete finishers.
  • NOC 73111 – Glaziers.
  • NOC 73201 – General building maintenance workers and building superintendents.
  • NOC 73209 – Other repairers and servicers.
  • NOC 73400 – Heavy equipment operators.
  • NOC 92100 – Power engineers and power systems operators.
  • NOC 92101 – Water and waste treatment plant operators.

REDI Candidates

The draws focused on candidates who had job offers in Ontario communities such as Lambton, Lanark, and Leeds & Grenville.

The REDI program is a one-year initiative running until December 31, 2025. It provides a pathway to permanent residency for applicants with job offers in select Ontario communities.

For the Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills stream, only candidates with a minimum score of 34 and a job offer in one of the eligible NOC codes listed below received an invitation:

  • NOC 44101 – Home support workers, housekeepers and related occupations.
  • NOC 74203 – Other automotive mechanical installers and servicers.
  • NOC 75101 – Material handlers.
  • NOC 75110 – Construction trades helpers and labourers.
  • NOC 84120 – Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators.
  • NOC 94100 – Machine operators, mineral and metal processing.
  • NOC 94106 – Machining tool operators.
  • NOC 94111 – Plastics processing machine operators.
  • NOC 94140 – Process control and machine operators, food and beverage processing.
  • NOC 94201 – Electronics assemblers, fabricators, inspectors and testers.
  • NOC 95100 – Labourers in mineral and metal processing.
  • NOC 95106 – Labourers in food and beverage processing.

In these draws, invitations went to Foreign Worker and International Student stream candidates who met the minimum score requirement and had a job offer in the following NOC codes:

  • NOC 10019 – Other administrative services managers.
  • NOC 10022 – Advertising, marketing and public relations managers.
  • NOC 12200 – Accounting technicians and bookkeepers.
  • NOC 13100 – Administrative officers.
  • NOC 13102 – Payroll administrators.
  • NOC 13110 – Administrative assistants.
  • NOC 13200 – Customs, ship and other brokers.
  • NOC 21231 – Software engineers and designers.
  • NOC 21234 – Web developers and programmers.
  • NOC 22212 – Drafting technologists and technicians.
  • NOC 22213 – Land survey technologists and technicians.
  • NOC 22220 – Computer network and web technicians.
  • NOC 22221 – User support technicians.
  • NOC 30010 – Managers in health care.
  • NOC 31103 – Veterinarians.
  • NOC 31301 – Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses.
  • NOC 32101 – Licensed practical nurses.
  • NOC 32109 – Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment.
  • NOC 32124 – Pharmacy technicians.
  • NOC 33100 – Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants.
  • NOC 33102 – Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates.
  • NOC 42201 – Social and community service workers.
  • NOC 42202 – Early childhood educators and assistants.
  • NOC 72010 – Contractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades and related occupations.
  • NOC 72014 – Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers.
  • NOC 72100 – Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors.
  • NOC 72310 – Carpenters.
  • NOC 72311 – Cabinetmakers.
  • NOC 72410 – Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers.
  • NOC 72422 – Electrical mechanics.
  • NOC 72999 – Other technical trades and related occupations.
  • NOC 82030 – Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors.
  • NOC 92012 – Supervisors, food and beverage processing.

Key Details

Earlier in 2025, Ontario’s overall allocation for provincial nominations was cut by about 50% to 10,750 spots. Because of this, the province has been holding more targeted draws instead of larger, open ones. The August 28 draws continue that strategy after the big rounds held in June.

Next steps for candidates

If you received an invitation, you must log in to your OINP e-Filing Portal to apply. The deadline is listed in your ITA notice. Make sure to follow all instructions carefully.

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

August 20, 2025

Dear future neighbour,

On August 19, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a special Express Entry draw specifically targeting professionals within healthcare and social services occupations.

In this category-based round, 2,500 candidates were issued Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence in Canada. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 470.

See below details of August 19, 2025 draw

  • Date and time: August 19, 2025
  • Category: 37 Healthcare and Social Services Occupations (Version 2)
  • CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 470
  • Number of invitations issued: 2,500
  • Rank needed: 2,500 or above
  • Tie-breaking rule: April 23, 2025

See below summary of Express Entry draws so far in 2025

Date Draw Type Number of ITAs Cut-off CRS score
August 19 Healthcare and social services 2,500 470
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

 

See below CRS Score distribution in the pool

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 Does This Mean for Applicants?

  • The CRS threshold of 470 on August 19 suggests strong opportunities for candidates in healthcare and social services, even with moderate CRS scores.

  • It shows IRCC’s continued commitment to fast-tracking essential workers into communities across Canada.

  • Regular category-based draws help lower-scoring yet skilled applicants stay competitive, which may not be possible in broader draws focused only on top-ranked candidates.

 

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

August 1, 2025

Dear future neighbour,

Canada has officially launched its 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), inviting 17,860 eligible sponsors to apply for permanent residence on behalf of their parents and grandparents. The invitation round began on July 28, 2025, with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) set to issue invitations over a two-week period.

Why 17,860 Invitations for a Cap of 10,000 Applications?

Although IRCC aims to process up to 10,000 complete sponsorship applications, it issued 17,860 invitations to accommodate withdrawals and ineligibility, ensuring the application target is met. This strategic over-invitation helps offset non-responders and incomplete submissions.

See below details of PGP Invitation

Detail Information
Invitation Date July 28, 2025
Total Invitations Issued 17,860
Complete Applications Target 10,000
Eligibility Pool Interest to Sponsor forms submitted in 2020
Submission Window Within 60 days of ITA receipt
Processing Time ~24 months (outside Quebec); up to 48 months in Quebec
Alternatives Super Visa; Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C)

Who Was Eligible for the 2025 Invitation Round?

Only applicants from the 2020 Interest to Sponsor pool qualified. IRCC did not reopen the form for new submissions in 2025, maintaining consistency with prior intake strategies.

Eligible sponsors needed to:

  • Be at least 18 years old and a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act;

  • Reside in Canada throughout the process;

  • Demonstrate financial stability (Minimum Necessary Income) over the past three tax years (2022‑2024)

Invitation Timeline & Required Actions

  • July 28 – early August 2025: Invitations were sent via email, including to spam/junk folders so invitees were advised to monitor closely.

  • Once invited, sponsors had 60 days to submit a complete application through the Permanent Residence Portal or a representative portal

Processing Duration & Regional Differences

Processing time varies by location:

  • For applicants outside Quebec: approximately 24 months

  • For applications targeting Quebec: up to 48 months due to provincial requirements

What Invitees Should Do Now

If you received an ITA:

  • Gather documentation early—proof of income (CRA Notices of Assessment), identity, relationship, medical exams, and police certificates.

  • Submit both sponsorship and permanent residence application within 60 days.

  • Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria and complete every form accurately to avoid delays.

Alternatives if You Were Not Selected

If you did not receive an invitation:

  • You remain in the 2020 pool and may be invited in future draws.

  • Consider the Super Visa, which allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for up to five years per stay, with multiple entries over 10 years. While it doesn’t grant permanent residency, it offers greater flexibility.

  • In special hardship or caregiving situations, Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) applications may present another pathway.

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

July 9, 2025

Dear future neighbour,

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has continued its targeted Express Entry strategy with two new draws held on July 7 and July 8, 2025. These latest rounds of invitations reflect Canada’s ongoing focus on Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) applicants—two of the most sought-after immigration streams under the Express Entry system.

See below details of July 7 Express Entry draw:

  • Program: Provincial Nominee Program
  • Date and time: July 7, 2025
  • CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 750
  • Number of invitations issued: 356
  • Rank needed: 356 or above
  • Tie-breaking rule: March 19, 2025

This was a category-specific draw aimed solely at Express Entry candidates who had secured a nomination from a Canadian province or territory. The high minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 750 reflects the 600-point boost that comes with a provincial nomination.

PNP draws remain one of the fastest and most reliable pathways to permanent residency for candidates working in high-demand occupations across Canada.

See below details of July 8 Express Entry Draw

  • Program Targeted: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
  • Date of Draw: July 8, 2025
  • CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 518
  • Number of invitations issued: 3,000
  • Rank needed: 3,000 or above

The second draw, held on July 8, 2025, invited 3,000 candidates under the Canadian Experience Class—marking the third consecutive CEC-specific draw this summer.

This draw saw a slight drop in the minimum CRS score, down from 521 in the previous CEC round. The consistent number of invitations suggests that IRCC is ramping up efforts to transition more temporary workers and graduates already in Canada to permanent residency.

CEC draws continue to benefit international graduates and skilled foreign workers who have gained at least one year of Canadian work experience in a skilled occupation.

See below CRS Score Distribution in the Pool

The Express Entry pool had 256,224 candidates as of July 6, 2025, with the following breakdown::

CRS score range Number of candidates
601-1200 358
501-600 22,591
451-500 77,550
491-500 13,342
481-490 13,830
471-480 17,534
461-470 17,309
451-460 15,535
401-450 72,608
441-450 15,069
431-440 15,786
421-430 14,341
411-420 14,315
401-410 13,097
351-400 53,697
301-350 21,135
0-300 8,285
Total 256,224

Immigration Strategy and Planning

These two draws reflect IRCC’s deliberate shift toward targeted, program-specific invitations. The current Express Entry strategy, introduced in mid-2023, allows the department to invite candidates based on specific categories such as provincial nominations, in-Canada experience, healthcare occupations, STEM professionals, French speakers, and others.

As of July 8, 2025, IRCC has issued a total of 42,201 ITAs through Express Entry, across general, program-specific, and category-based draws.

What This Means for Candidates

  • PNP applicants should maintain high CRS scores and monitor provincial nomination opportunities closely.

  • CEC candidates with CRS scores above 510 may find improved chances in upcoming rounds, especially as IRCC balances scores to meet annual targets.

  • Category-based draws are expected to continue throughout 2025, focusing on Canada’s labor market needs and demographic goals.

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

July 1, 2025

Dear future neighbour,

The Government of Canada is working on a new immigration stream to bring more foreign workers into the agriculture and fish/seafood processing industries. This is meant to help fill jobs that are hard to staff with local workers.

What Is This New Stream?

  • It’s a special immigration program that will help farms and food-processing companies hire foreign workers.

  • It will focus on seasonal farming jobs, seafood processing, and fruit/vegetable processing.

  • The goal is to solve long-term labour shortages in these industries.

When Will It Start?

  • The program is being developed now and is expected to launch in 2027.

  • Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is working on it together with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).

Why Is This Happening?

  • Canada had a similar program before, called the Agri-Food Pilot, which helped workers in farming and food processing get permanent residency.

  • That program closed to new applications in February 2025, and there’s no direct replacement yet.

  • Employers still need workers, especially in rural and seasonal jobs that Canadians don’t often take.

  • This new stream will help protect workers and make it easier for them to move between jobs in the same sector.

What Can Workers and Employers Expect?

For Workers For Employers
A chance to work legally in farming or food processing A new way to hire international workers
Better job security and possibly easier job changes A solution to hard-to-fill jobs
A possible path to permanent residency in the future Less red tape and more targeted hiring

What’s Next?

  • More information will be released before the program launches.

  • IRCC may open consultations with employers, worker groups, and the public to help shape the final rules.

  • The government is also working on new protections for temporary foreign workers to reduce abuse and unfair treatment.

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

June 10, 2025

Dear future neighbour,

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a targeted Express Entry draw today, June 10, 2025, issuing 125 Invitations to Apply (ITAs). This round was limited exclusively to candidates with a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination.

See below details of latest Express Entry Draw

  • Category: Provincial Nominee Program
  • Date and time: June 10, 2025
  • CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 784
  • Number of invitations issued: 125
  • Tie-breaking rule: September 12, 2024

See below summary of Express Entry draws in 2025

Date Draw Type Number of ITAs Cut-off CRS score
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

So far in 2025, IRCC has already granted 35,342 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through the Express Entry system.

The Express Entry draw held today is the third one this month. It came after the second draw targeting healthcare and social services occupations on June 4, as well as a PNP-specific draw conducted on June 2. These draws represent the first three rounds since Lena Diab assumed her role as the new Immigration Minister.

See below latest CRS Score distribution in the pool

CRS score range Number of candidates as of June 9 Candidates (June 1) Change
601-1200 102 274 -172
501-600 24,823 24,650 +173
451-500 76,090 75,330 +760
491-500 13,101 12,906 +195
481-490 13,366 13,145 +221
471-480 17,093 16,866 +227
461-470 17,077 17,027 +50
451-460 15,453 15,386 +67
401-450 71,668 71,068 +600
441-450 14,911 14,768 +143
431-440 15,614 15,490 +124
421-430 14,211 14,089 +122
411-420 14,026 13,850 +176
401-410 12,906 12,871 +35
351-400 53,926 53,714 +212
301-350 21,705 21,682 +23
0-300 8,339 8,312 +27
Total 256,653 255,030 +1,623

Throughout this year, the majority of Express Entry draws have been aimed at PNP candidates. The remaining invitations have gone to candidates within the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), individuals demonstrating French-language proficiency, and applicants from Express Entry’s designated priority categories:

Draw Type Number of Draws
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) 10
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) 4
French-language proficiency 3
Healthcare and social services 2
Education 1

Require assistance with crafting an Expression of Interest, setting up an express entry or provincial nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an invitation to apply, or simply reviewing your self-prepared application? Schedule a consultation or reach out via email at info@eseumohimmigration.com

May 14, 2025

Dear future neighbour,

On May 13, 2025, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) finally held an Express Entry draw for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program after a long wait of more than three months.

Another surprise was the low number of invitations issued. Only 500 candidates received Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in this draw, which is a very small figure compared to past draws.

See below details of the CEC Express Entry Draw On May 13

  • Category/Program: Canadian Experience Class
  • Date and time: May 13, 2025
  • CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 547
  • Number of invitations issued: 500
  • Rank needed: 500 or above
  • Tie-breaking rule: May 21, 2024

The good news is that the CEC draw has resumed. This gives a fresh chance for candidates with Canadian work experience to apply for permanent residency. However, the not-so-good news is that the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cutoff score jumped to 547. This is the highest CRS score seen so far in 2025, making it much harder for many candidates to qualify.

See below details of all CEC Express Entry Draw in 2025

Date Round type Invitations issued CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited
May 13, 2025 Canadian Experience Class 500 547
February 5, 2025 Canadian Experience Class 4,000 521
January 23, 2025 Canadian Experience Class 4,000 527
January 8, 2025 Canadian Experience Class 1,350 542

This May 13 draw marks the fourth Express Entry draw of the month. Earlier in May, IRCC held two draws focused on specific job categories—healthcare and education—as well as a draw for candidates nominated by provinces under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

See below 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

See below CRS Score Distribution in the pool as of May 13

CRS score range Number of candidates
601-1200 28
501-600 22,435
451-500 73,741
491-500 12,429
481-490 12,704
471-480 16,641
461-470 16,691
451-460 15,276
401-450 69,673
441-450 14,439
431-440 15,241
421-430 13,718
411-420 13,589
401-410 12,686
351-400 53,684
301-350 22,069
0-300 8,452
Total 250,082

So far in 2025, IRCC has issued a total of 34,440 ITAs through the Express Entry system. While that number sounds promising overall, the high CRS score and low invitation count in the latest CEC draw show that the path to Canadian permanent residency is still highly competitive.

Need Help with Your Canadian Immigration Journey?

Whether you’re looking to:

  • Apply for a visitor visa
  • Submit a work permit or visa application
  • Create an Expression of Interest
  • Set up your Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Program profile
  • Prepare your application after receiving an Invitation to Apply
  • Or just want a professional review of your self-prepared application

—we’ve got you covered!

Book a consultation today or reach out to us at info@eseumohimmigration.com. Let’s make your move to Canada smoother and stress-free!

May 6, 2025
May 6, 2025

Dear future neighbour,

Foreign nationals participating in the International Experience Canada (IEC) program no longer need to exit Canada to receive a new work permit, thanks to an updated policy from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). As long as applicants meet certain conditions, their work permit can now be delivered by mail within Canada.

Who Qualifies?

To be eligible for the mailed work permit:

  • The applicant must have been in Canada with a valid IEC permit when applying for another round of participation.

  • They need a valid Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction and must request the permit before it expires.

  • Their legal status in Canada must be maintained during the entire process.

This temporary measure remains in effect until December 1, 2025.

Applicants not meeting these criteria must still leave and return to Canada—but not via the U.S. or Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, due to the recent flagpoling restrictions introduced in December 2024.

Why the Change?

Previously, IEC participants had to leave and re-enter Canada to activate a second IEC work permit. While some could combine this with travel plans, others wishing to stay continuously found it inconvenient—especially after IRCC limited the flagpoling option at land borders.

This change offers a smoother transition for those seeking an extension, allowing continued stay and employment without disruption. However, applicants should apply early, as processing may take four to six weeks or longer.

About IEC

IEC enables youth from over 30 partner countries to work and travel in Canada for up to two years, fostering cultural exchange and professional growth. The program includes:

  • Working Holiday

  • Young Professionals

  • International Co-op (Internship)

A POE Letter of Introduction is required before entering Canada to activate the work permit.

If you need help with visa applications, permit renewals, or setting up your immigration profile, contact info@eseumohimmigration.com or schedule a consultation.

May 6, 2025

Dear future neighbour,

On May 5, 2025, Thunder Bay, Ontario, expanded its Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) by announcing a list of  designated employers authorized to recruit foreign workers for permanent residency.

Newly Designated Employers in Thunder Bay

The following employers have been officially designated under the RCIP:

Designated Employers Addresses
14786068 Canada Inc. Circle K 3 Balsam Street
1000661225 Ontario Inc. Circle K A- 1500 James street South
Clara Industrial Services Limited 1130 Commerce Street
Golden Wok 106 May St S
Great Canadian Oil Change 1160 Memorial Ave
Guac Mexi Grill 570 Harbour Expressway, Unit 2
Inspired Cabinetry & Granite Inc 146 Gore St West
JKS Enterprises – Diamond Taxi 113 Leith Street
Kasper Bus Lines 947 Memorial Ave
Lakehead Roofing & Metal Cladding Ltd. 1190 Russell Street
Land of Spices 707 Memorial Avenue, Unit 1
Lowerys, Limited 540 Central Avenue
Mahmowenchike Family Development Centre 150 Redwood Avenue West
Maltese Grocery Ltd 301 Pearl Street
Northern Turf Equipment 710B Balmoral St
Outlaws Burgers & Fries 801 Central Ave
Scott Family Dental 276 Park Ave
Shelter House 420 George St
Shoppers Drug Mart -681 & 1312 194 N. Court St
-1312 – 572 Arthur St W
SLR Contracting Corp. 105 May St N Unit 7
Spadoni Leasing Limited 450 Sifton Ave
Thundermaple Asian Food Co 777 Memorial Ave
Village Market 336 Wardrope Ave
Wasabi Restaurant 538 Arthur St West

These employers span various sectors, including retail, manufacturing, food services, transportation, and construction, reflecting Thunder Bay’s commitment to addressing labor shortages across multiple industries.

RCIP Overview

The RCIP is an employer-driven immigration initiative designed to attract skilled foreign workers to Thunder Bay by facilitating their pathway to permanent residence. Employers within the Thunder Bay Census Metropolitan Area can apply for designation through the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC). Once designated, these employers can offer jobs to eligible foreign workers and submit recommendation applications on their behalf.

Candidate Eligibility Criteria

To be considered under the RCIP, candidates must:

  • Secure a valid job offer from a designated employer in Thunder Bay.
  • Have at least one year (1,560 hours) of relevant work experience within the past three years.
  • Demonstrate language proficiency through an approved English or French language test.
  • Possess a Canadian educational credential or its foreign equivalent.
  • Provide proof of sufficient settlement funds for themselves and any accompanying family members.

It’s important to note that the list of designated employers is subject to change as the RCIP progresses.

Thunder Bay became the second RCIP community to publish its list of approved employers. Timmins, which also takes part in the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP), had released its employer list the week before.

So far, seven out of the 14 RCIP communities have identified their key sectors and in-demand jobs. These include:

  • Claresholm

  • Timmins

  • Brandon

  • Sault Ste. Marie

  • Thunder Bay

  • North Okanagan-Shuswap

  • North Bay

Require assistance with securing a visitor visa for Canada, seeking professional aid in submitting a visa or work permit application, crafting an Expression of Interest, setting up an express entry or provincial nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an invitation to apply, or simply reviewing your self-prepared application? Schedule a consultation or reach out via email at info@eseumohimmigration.com

April 15, 2025

Dear future neighbour,

On April 14, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a new round of invitations through the Express Entry system, targeting candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

See below details of latest Express Entry Draw:

Date: April 14, 2025
Category: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Number of Invitations: 825
Lowest CRS Score Invited: 764
Tie-Breaking Rule: August 17, 2024

This latest draw marks the first one for April and follows a series of notable developments in Canada’s immigration landscape. It comes shortly after the March 21 category-based selection for French-speaking candidates, and the March 17 PNP-specific draw. Importantly, it is also the first draw since the removal of CRS points previously awarded for arranged employment—a change that may significantly impact the scores and competitiveness of candidates in the pool.

See below details of Express Entry draws in 2025

Date Draw Type Number of ITAs Cut-off CRS score
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

So far in 2025, Canada has issued 31,508 ITAs through Express Entry. According to the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, the federal government aims to admit 124,680 new permanent residents via Express Entry this year.

Require assistance with securing a visitor visa for Canada, seeking professional aid in submitting a visa or work permit application, crafting an Expression of Interest, setting up an express entry or provincial nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an invitation to apply, or simply reviewing your self-prepared application? Schedule a consultation or reach out via email at info@eseumohimmigration.com

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