On September 29, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted the 369th Express Entry draw, issuing 291 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 855, and the tie-breaking rule applied to candidates who submitted their profiles before April 8, 2025, at 01:25:29 UTC. The draw targets candidates nominated by provinces, reflecting IRCC’s strategy of aligning immigration selection with provincial labour market needs and economic priorities.
Key Highlights of the September 29 Draw
Draw Number: 369
Program Targeted: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Number of ITAs Issued: 291
Minimum CRS Score: 855
Tie-Breaking Rule: April 8, 2025, 01:25:29 UTC
Focus: Candidates with provincial nominations
Overview of the Draw
The September 29 round is a PNP-specific draw, designed to prioritize candidates nominated by provinces to meet regional economic and labour needs. Key insights include:
High CRS Cut-Off: Only candidates with strong profiles are invited; the 855 CRS threshold reflects the advantage provided by provincial nominations.
Automatic CRS Boost: Each provincial nomination adds 600 points, making it significantly easier for candidates to secure an ITA compared to general draws.
Sectoral Focus: Provinces nominate candidates based on local labour market demands, often targeting healthcare, skilled trades, technology, and agriculture sectors.
Strategic Timing: This draw follows the September 15 PNP round and shows IRCC’s deliberate scheduling of PNP-specific draws to balance regional and federal labour needs.
Fairness in Selection: The tie-breaking rule ensures candidates who submitted their profiles earlier are prioritized, maintaining transparency and equity.
Competitive Advantage: PNP candidates can fast-track their permanent residency applications, making them highly sought-after in the Express Entry pool.
Impact on Canada’s Immigration Landscape
Retention of Skilled Talent: Candidates nominated by provinces are often already familiar with local work environments, enabling faster integration into the workforce.
Filling Labour Gaps: PNP draws help provinces address acute shortages in critical sectors, contributing to economic stability and growth.
Program-Specific Strategy: The focus on program-specific draws allows IRCC to balance national immigration targets with provincial priorities, unlike broader federal draws.
Higher Chances for Nominees: Provincial nominations provide a significant CRS advantage, giving candidates a faster route to permanent residency.
Future Prospects Of This Draw
Prospective PNP candidates should maintain updated profiles and remain prepared for upcoming draws.
High CRS scores and provincial nominations remain critical for securing ITAs. Observers expect IRCC to continue alternating between program-specific and general draws to meet economic and labour market demands.
By issuing 291 ITAs to high-scoring PNP candidates, Canada ensures that skilled talent supports regional economies while demonstrating the growing importance of program-specific draws in the nation’s immigration landscape.