Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted another Express Entry draw, this time inviting 228 candidates through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). To receive an invitation in this round, applicants were required to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 746 and must have submitted their Express Entry profile before 1:39 p.m. UTC on March 31, 2025.
This draw, held mid-September, marks the fourth Express Entry draw of the month. It follows closely on the heels of another PNP-focused selection on September 2, and is part of a recurring trend of targeted draws that prioritize provincial nominees and high-demand occupation categories.
As of now, IRCC has issued a total of 57,297 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in 2025 through various Express Entry draws. These invitations have largely been distributed among PNP candidates, Canadian Experience Class (CEC) applicants, individuals with strong French language skills, and those in priority sectors such as healthcare, education, and social services.
This year, IRCC has held 16 PNP draws, far outpacing other selection streams. The CEC has seen 9 rounds, French-language proficiency has been targeted in 5 draws, and healthcare-focused selections have occurred 4 times. There has only been one draw targeting education-related candidates so far in 2025.
The emphasis on PNP candidates reflects Canada’s commitment to addressing regional immigration needs. By nominating individuals who are already aligned with provincial labor market strategies, PNP helps ensure a better match between newcomers and local job demands.
CRS cut-off scores for PNP draws have remained relatively high, often exceeding 700 points, due to the automatic addition of 600 points that PNP nominees receive once selected by a province. This makes CRS scores for these candidates significantly higher than those in other categories, such as CEC or targeted occupation draws.
Overall, the Express Entry system continues to adapt to evolving immigration objectives, balancing federal selection with regional talent requirements. Candidates interested in improving their chances may consider pursuing a provincial nomination, especially if their occupation aligns with specific regional demands.
Stay with Maple News for up-to-date coverage on Canada’s immigration policies and Express Entry developments.