Canadian Immigration Weekly Update: All-Program Express Entry Draw Returns, BC Targets Key Sectors
- Gagandeep Singh
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
For prospective immigrants around the world, the past week in Canadian immigration brought a wave of relief and strategic opportunity. After a period dominated by category-specific selections, a comprehensive Express Entry draw opened the door for a wider range of candidates. Meanwhile, British Columbia continued its targeted approach to building its workforce.
This week’s events are a crucial part of Canada's broader strategy to welcome over 485,000 new permanent residents in 2025. Let's dive deep into the developments that defined the week of June 16-20, 2025.
Express Entry: The Welcome Return of the All-Program Draw
The most significant news of the week was the all-program Express Entry draw held on June 19, 2025. This was a pivotal moment for many candidates who do not qualify for category-based selection.
Draw Type: All-Program
Invitations Issued: 1,582
CRS Score Cut-off: 545
What does an "All-Program" draw mean? Unlike category-based draws that target specific occupations or language skills, an all-program draw invites candidates from all three main economic immigration programs managed under Express Entry:
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For skilled workers with foreign work experience.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For individuals who already have skilled work experience in Canada.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For qualified skilled tradespersons.
Analysis of the CRS Score: A Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 545 is relatively high, reflecting the competitive nature of the Express Entry pool. This high threshold means that candidates with top scores in areas like language proficiency, education, age, and work experience were prioritized. For candidates currently in the pool, this draw serves as a benchmark. If your score is below this cut-off, it may be time to strategically assess how you can increase your points, whether through improving language test results, gaining more work experience, or pursuing further education.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): British Columbia's Strategic Focus
The Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) remain a cornerstone of Canada's immigration strategy, allowing provinces to select immigrants who meet their specific economic needs.
On June 18, 2025, British Columbia held another of its regular, targeted draws. By issuing over 70 invitations, the BC PNP demonstrated its surgical approach to addressing critical labour shortages.
Draw Details & Why These Sectors?
Childcare (min. score 93): Addresses the province's need for qualified early childhood educators.
Construction (min. score 93): Fills urgent labour gaps in a booming construction sector fueled by housing demands.
Healthcare (min. score 80): Supports the province's healthcare system by inviting doctors, nurses, and other health professionals.
Veterinary Care (min. score 80): A niche but critical field that the province has identified as needing more workers.
This targeted approach shows that having experience in a specific in-demand occupation can be a significant advantage, potentially providing a pathway to nomination even if a candidate's federal CRS score is not high enough for an Express Entry draw. A provincial nomination itself grants an additional 600 CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply in a subsequent federal draw.
Updates on Business Immigration
It was a quiet week for major federal announcements regarding the Start-up Visa (SUV) or Self-Employed Persons programs. However, this lack of news should not be mistaken for a lack of opportunity. Provincial entrepreneur streams continue to be a vital pathway for individuals looking to establish or purchase a business in Canada. These streams, while complex, are designed to attract investment and job creation. Aspiring business immigrants are encouraged to research the specific requirements of the province they intend to settle in, as criteria like net worth, investment amount, and business plans vary significantly.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect
This week's all-program draw may signal a return to a more regular cadence of invitations for all candidate types, though we can still expect category-based draws to continue. The high CRS score suggests that the competition remains stiff, reinforcing the value of securing a provincial nomination.
Candidates in the Express Entry pool and those considering immigration should remain proactive. This is the perfect time to ensure your profile is up-to-date, explore PNP options that align with your skills, and prepare your documents so you are ready to act when the next opportunity arises.
For the latest news, in-depth analysis of immigration trends, and professional guidance on your Canadian immigration application, please visit the news section on our website Elgin Immigration.
Comments