Express Entry Trends Continue — New Targeted Draw and New Immigration Minister for Canada

Canada’s immigration system remains highly dynamic, particularly within the Express Entry framework, which continues to serve as a key pathway for skilled workers. On the same day as a new targeted draw for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Canada appointed a new Minister of Immigration, signaling potential policy adjustments and renewed attention to strategic immigration priorities.

Current Express Entry Developments

1. Latest Targeted Draw for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
   1. A total of 500 candidates received Invitations to Apply (ITA) under the CEC category;
   1. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 547, highlighting the consistently high level of competition;
   1. Eligibility was restricted to candidates who submitted their Express Entry profiles before May 21, 2024, at 17:26 UTC, reflecting strict data cut-off enforcement.
2. Forecast for Future Express Entry Rounds
   1. Should IRCC continue holding regular draws with gradually increasing ITA numbers, a moderate reduction in CRS cut-off scores may be anticipated;
   1. As of mid-2025, 34,440 ITAs have been issued, including:
      1. A majority allocated to Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates;
      1. A portion reserved for French-speaking applicants;
      1. A limited number directed to CEC candidates.

The latest draw marks the fourth invitation round conducted in May, reinforcing expectations of more consistent processing cycles.

Leadership Changes — New Minister of Immigration

1. Appointment of Lena Metlege Diab
   1. Ms. Diab holds a legal background and has over 8 years of experience managing immigration policy in Nova Scotia;
   1. She has served as a federal Member of Parliament representing Halifax since 2021;
   1. She is recognized for her proactive involvement in refugee resettlement programs, regional immigration strategies, and initiatives aimed at attracting newcomers to Canada.
2. Planned Immigration Policy Priorities under the New Minister
   1. Reduction in the volume of temporary permits, with a specific focus on limiting student and work permits;
   1. Increased emphasis on attracting French-speaking immigrants;
   1. Updates and improvements to the Global Talent Stream to facilitate the arrival of high-skilled professionals;
   1. Stabilization of annual permanent residency levels at approximately 1% of Canada’s total population.
3. Emerging Controversies
   1. Media reports have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, given that Ms. Diab’s family holds substantial rental property investments in Halifax;
   1. Critics suggest that higher immigration levels contribute to increased demand for rental housing, raising questions about potential political biases favoring landlords.

Conclusion

The appointment of a new Immigration Minister and the resumption of targeted Express Entry draws reflect Canada’s ongoing evolution in immigration management. The sector is expected to remain highly active, with imminent policy directions to be clarified upon release of the new ministerial mandate letter from the Prime Minister.

Applicants are advised to:

• Monitor official IRCC updates regularly;
• Ensure their Express Entry profiles remain valid and competitive;
• Reassess personal eligibility in light of changing language requirements and policy adjustments;
• Remain aware of broader political developments, particularly concerning temporary residence programs and evolving provincial nomination strategies.