Canada Immigration News Podcast #84: Express Entry Draws, Saskatchewan Minimum Wage, and Proof of Funds Changes
Welcome to Canada Immigration News Podcast #84, where we break down the latest developments from the world of Canadian immigration. In this episode, we look at IRCC’s most recent Express Entry draws, a record-breaking CEC cut-off score, Saskatchewan’s wage hike, and updates to proof of funds requirements for Express Entry applicants.
Canada Invites 356 PNP Candidates in Express Entry Draw #354
On July 7, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held Express Entry draw #354, inviting 356 candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 750.
This draw required candidates to have submitted their Express Entry profiles before March 19, 2025, and continues Canada’s strategy to use PNP draws to support regional labor market needs. A PNP nomination gives candidates an automatic 600-point CRS boost, making it a key pathway for those with in-demand skills.
CEC Draw #355 Issues 3,000 Invitations with Record-Low Cut-Off Score
Just one day after the PNP round, IRCC conducted Express Entry draw #355 on July 8, 2025, targeting Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates. A total of 3,000 ITAs were issued, with a remarkably low CRS cut-off of 518, the lowest since September 2024.
Applicants needed to have created their profile before October 2, 2024, at 1:48 a.m. UTC. This draw highlights a positive trend for CEC hopefuls, with scores consistently falling: the previous two CEC draws had cut-offs of 521 and 529.
Saskatchewan Minimum Wage Rising to $15.35 by October 2025
In economic news relevant to newcomers, Saskatchewan will raise its minimum wage to $15.35/hour starting October 1, 2025. This follows the province’s indexation formula that adjusts wages based on inflation and average hourly wages.
This increase will benefit workers in entry-level positions across sectors like hospitality, agriculture, and retail. For prospective immigrants considering Saskatchewan, the new wage standard reflects a growing and stable local economy.
IRCC Updates Proof of Funds Requirements for Express Entry Applicants
As of July 7, 2025, IRCC has revised the proof of funds requirements for candidates applying under the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) and Federal Skilled Trades (FST) programs. The new figures are based on 50% of Canada’s Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) and vary by family size.
For example, a single applicant now needs to show $15,263 in available funds, while a family of four must demonstrate access to $28,362. Candidates already in the Express Entry pool have until July 28, 2025, to update their profiles without affecting their ranking.
These changes reflect new economic benchmarks and reinforce IRCC’s commitment to maintaining financial readiness as a core eligibility factor.
Trends in Express Entry Draws: A Balanced Approach
So far in 2025, IRCC has alternated between PNP and CEC draws, reflecting a balanced selection strategy. With CRS scores dropping and regular rounds of invitations, there is growing optimism among Express Entry candidates. IRCC has issued 45,201 ITAs through Express Entry so far this year.
If you're looking to boost your chances, consider retaking your language test, gaining Canadian work experience, or seeking provincial nomination in alignment with your occupation.
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