In a significant development for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted the second-largest PNP-specific Express Entry draw of the year, Maple News reports.
The November 25 draw resulted in 777 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) being issued to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 699. This marks the lowest CRS requirement for a PNP draw in the past nine months, offering a promising opportunity for provincial nominees aiming for permanent residency in Canada. Candidates were only considered if they had created their Express Entry profiles before 1:16 a.m. UTC on September 6, 2025.
This PNP-focused draw is the fourth of November, following earlier rounds dedicated to healthcare occupations, Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates, and other PNP applicants. These focused draws align with IRCC’s commitment to managing immigration through category-based selection under the revamped Express Entry system.
As of late November, Canada has issued a total of 87,476 ITAs via Express Entry in 2025, a number that highlights the country’s continued focus on skilled immigration to support long-term economic growth. Among the draws conducted to date, 24 were PNP-specific, making it the most common draw category this year, followed by CEC with 15 draws and French-language proficiency with nine.
The substantial volume of PNP draws indicates IRCC’s strong reliance on provincial immigration programs to meet localized labour needs and demographic goals. This reflects the broader immigration strategy of empowering provinces to select candidates who best match their regional labour requirements.
Compared to earlier 2025 draws, the 699 cut-off score in this round is a notable decrease from previous PNP draws, where scores often hovered above 730. This lower threshold suggests a growing inclusiveness and flexibility in Canada’s immigration targets.
With December still underway, more draws may be held before the year concludes. Candidates in the Express Entry system are encouraged to monitor these developments closely and ensure their profiles remain updated and competitive.
Maple News will continue to provide timely updates on major immigration policy changes, trends, and Express Entry results, serving newcomers, applicants, and stakeholders across Canada’s immigration landscape.