June 2025 Express Entry Draws: New Categories and Trends

Canada continues to refine its immigration system to meet labor market demands. The latest Express Entry 2025 system updates reflect a strategic shift toward category-based selection. In June 2025, new trends have emerged, particularly in the Education category draws and Healthcare draws, transforming how Invitations to Apply (ITAs) are distributed.

This guide takes a look at new trends and updates for Express Entry draws in June 2025.

Summary of June 2025 Express Entry Draws

June 2025 saw several draws, some general and others category-specific. Over 12,000 ITAs were issued across various draws, with significant representation in the healthcare and education fields. Here’s a breakdown of the most essential draws:

• June 5: General draw – 3,200 ITAs, minimum CRS score 496
• June 12: Healthcare draw – 2,800 ITAs, CRS score as low as 435
• June 18: Education category draw – 2,400 ITAs, minimum CRS score 440
• June 25: French-speaking candidates – 2,000 ITAs, CRS score 425
• June 28: Tech-focused draw (STEM) – 1,800 ITAs, CRS score 450

These draws demonstrate a clear shift in IRCC’s strategy to support essential services and regional development.

Healthcare Draws

Canada’s healthcare sector has long faced shortages, especially in rural and remote areas. With the Healthcare draws introduced in May 2025, the Express Entry system now prioritizes physicians, nurses, personal support workers, medical technologists, and more.

The June 12 healthcare draw was notable for its low CRS scores (starting at 435) and its high number of ITAs. These scores are significantly lower than general draws, giving skilled healthcare workers a better chance to immigrate without needing extremely high points.

Healthcare opens doors for internationally trained professionals who may not have previously secured an ITA through general rounds. This change reflects Canada's commitment to strengthening its healthcare system through immigration.

Education Category Draws

Another game-changing update in Express Entry 2025 is the addition of the Education category draws. These draws are aimed at teachers, early childhood educators, and administrators, roles in high demand across Canadian provinces.

The June 18 draw marked a milestone by issuing 2,400 ITAs specifically to education professionals, with CRS scores as low as 440. For context, this is well below the 490+ typically seen in general draws. Key benefits of the Education category draw include:

• Supports Canada’s growing student population
• Reduces staffing gaps in primary and secondary education
• Offers a fast-track to PR for educators with overseas experience

This trend suggests a long-term investment in social infrastructure by attracting those who will shape future generations.

CRS Score Trends

Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS scores) are still central to the Express Entry process. However, Express Entry 2025 indicates that category-based draws allow skilled candidates with lower CRS scores to compete successfully. Here's a closer look.

• General Draw CRS: Averages 495–505
• Healthcare Draw CRS: Averages 430–440
• Education Draw CRS: Averages 435–445

These trends are promising for skilled professionals in targeted sectors. Candidates once sidelined by high CRS thresholds now have an alternative path to PR.

How ITAs Are Being Prioritized in Express Entry 2025

IRCC is now balancing ITA distribution between general and category-based draws. While general draws remain part of the system, targeted ITAs now account for over half of all monthly invitations. In June 2025, over 7,000 ITAs went to category-based candidates and approximately 5,000 ITAs were issued through general and French-speaking draws. This clearly shows the growing influence of Canada's category-based immigration approach.

Who Benefits Most From These Changes?

Candidates most likely to benefit from the 2025 trends include:

• Healthcare professionals with recognized foreign credentials
• Educators with relevant experience and certifications
• French-speaking applicants with additional language points
• STEM professionals seeking opportunities in tech hubs like Toronto and Vancouver

If you belong to any of these sectors, now is the ideal time to update your Express Entry profile and monitor upcoming draws closely.

Preparing For Future Express Entry Draws

To take advantage of these new Express Entry 2025 opportunities, applicants should:

• Update your NOC code to ensure it reflects your actual occupation
• Monitor the draw calendars published by IRCC regularly
• Improve your CRS score by enhancing language results, gaining Canadian work experience, or completing additional education
• Consider provincial nomination programs (PNPs), especially those aligned with healthcare and education
• Consult an RCIC or immigration expert to explore tailored pathways

Being proactive and informed is key to making the most of these evolving trends.

FAQs

Who Benefits Most From the 2025 Category-based Draws?

The new targeted draws benefit skilled professionals in healthcare, education, STEM, and French-speaking applicants the most.

How Many ITAs Were Issued in June 2025?

In June 2025, over 12,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued for general and category-specific Express Entry draws.

Do Category Draws Give Skilled Immigrants a Better Chance?

Yes, category draws offer skilled immigrants with lower CRS scores a more competitive path to Canadian permanent residency.