July 2025 delivered a flurry of policy tweaks, four invitation rounds and fresh data on application processing times.
Four Invitation Rounds
IRCC ran four draws totalling 7,558 Invitations to Apply (ITAs):
-
7 July – PNP-only: 356 ITAs | CRS 750
-
8 July – Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 3,000 ITAs | CRS 518
-
21 July – PNP-only: 202 ITAs | CRS 788
-
22 July – Category-based (Healthcare & Social Services): 4,000 ITAs | CRS 475
The pattern reinforces IRCC’s dual priorities: supporting provincial labour needs and fast-tracking candidates with in-Canada experience or critical skills. Notably, the healthcare-focused draw accounted for more than half of July’s invitations and set the month’s lowest CRS cut-off at 475.
Applicants working in Canada or in priority occupations (especially healthcare) continue to enjoy a competitive edge, while PNP nominees must still meet elevated CRS thresholds.
New Proof of Funds Table
On 7 July 2025, IRCC updated the minimum settlement-fund amounts used for the Federal Skilled Worker and Federal Skilled Trades programs. Candidates had until 28 July to amend existing profiles or risk removal from the pool. Alexander Immigration had promptly updated applicable profiles following the new funds guidelines, and therefore, all our clients continue to remain in the pool without any removal.
New funds minimums now start at $15,263 for a single applicant, rising to $23,360 for a family of three and $40,392 for a family of seven, with $4,112 for each additional person.
Current Processing Times
IRCC’s internal data reflect the below processing timelines:
| Stream | Average processing time | Trend vs. June |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class | 5 months | No change |
| Federal Skilled Worker | 7 months | +1 month |
| PNP via Express Entry | 8 months | +3 months |
Achieving a CLB 9 or higher on language tests is now nearly essential to remain competitive in express entry. If you have not yet attained CLB 9, we strongly encourage you to consider retaking your language test as soon as possible.
Additionally, foreign skilled work experience continues to play a significant role in boosting CRS scores beyond the 500 range. For those without a provincial nomination, strong French language ability, or a high CRS score under the Canadian Experience Class, getting qualifying work experience (minimum 6 months) in one of the targeted occupation categories may be a viable strategy.
Wish you all the best and success with your Canadian immigration goals.