Maple News reports that on September 2, 2025, Canada held a new Express Entry draw focused exclusively on Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates. A total of 249 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score requirement of 772. This marks a decrease of 28 points compared to the last PNP-specific draw held on August 18, which invited 192 candidates.
This targeted draw continues Canada’s strategic use of Express Entry to fill in-demand labor gaps through its immigration system. The higher CRS threshold for PNP candidates reflects the additional 600 points these nominees receive upon provincial endorsement.
The September 2 draw follows recent category-based selections, including a healthcare and social services-focused draw on August 19 that invited 2,500 candidates with a significantly lower minimum CRS score of 470.
So far in 2025, Canada has conducted 33 Express Entry draws, including 16 focused on PNP applicants, eight draws for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates, and several others aimed at French speakers, healthcare workers, and those in education-related or STEM occupations. This reflective approach aligns with Canada’s strategy to target high-need sectors while supporting provincial immigration goals.
As of this latest round, 56,069 ITAs have been issued in 2025 through Express Entry. In comparison, 98,903 ITAs were issued in 2024, and 110,266 in 2023. The all-time record of 114,431 ITAs was reached in 2021, during which only CEC and PNP candidates were invited due to pandemic-related priorities.
The draw also adhered to the standard tie-breaking rule. In the event of multiple candidates with the same CRS score, only those who submitted their profiles before August 28, 2025, at 3:19 p.m. EST received invitations.
Candidates who receive an ITA now have 60 days to submit their complete permanent residence application. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) maintains a processing standard of six months for most Express Entry applications.
For employers looking to recruit skilled talent from abroad, Maple News recommends exploring options such as obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or leveraging PNP pathways for long-term workforce solutions.
As Canada continues to adapt immigration policies to meet labor market demands, Express Entry remains a key instrument for welcoming skilled newcomers.