April 14, 2025, marked a notable shift in Canada's immigration view. Canada just held its first Express Entry draw of the month, and it came with a sharp focus: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates only. In the first Express Entry draw of the month, 825 candidates with a Provincial Nomination were invited to apply for permanent residency.
The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 764. But what truly set this draw apart was the timing—it came just days after a major change to CRS scoring, where IRCC officially removed bonus points for arranged employment under most Express Entry programs.
The details of this draw -
✔️ Invitation Round: #342
✔️ Date of Round: April 14, 2025 at 13:49:47 UTC
✔️ Type of Draw: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
✔️ Number of ITAs Issued: 825
✔️ CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate Invited: 764
✔️ Tie-Breaking Rule: August 17, 2024, at 18:35:52 UTC
This Draw Follows a Big CRS Policy Shift
This round was also the first since Canada changed how CRS points are calculated, removing the bonus points that used to be awarded for arranged employment. Candidates without a job offer will no longer be at a disadvantage, especially if they’re targeting categories like French-language proficiency or have strong provincial backing.
While PNP candidates are still very strong contenders, those who were dependent on job offers to improve their scores are adjusting to the new reality now. Express Entry is starting to favor core human capital more—factors like age, education, language ability, and Canadian work experience are taking center stage again.
What Happens Now for Those Invited?
If you receive an ITA in this draw, you’ll have 60 days to submit a full PR application. That means gathering documents like:
Your passport
Proof of work experience
Medical and police clearance
Settlement funds
Impact of the CRS Changes
Previously, Express Entry applicants with arranged employment could gain up to 50 or 200 additional CRS points. This gave them a significant edge, even over highly skilled candidates without job offers. For most streams, the new model weighs long-term potential against short-term employment ties, which many see as a fairer and more democratic way.
What to Expect Next
IRCC is expected to hold more category-based draws in the coming weeks. These could target candidates with French language ability, in-demand work experience, or academic backgrounds aligned with Canada’s current economic priorities.
With the first quarter of 2025 now behind us, people wanting to immigrate should keep an eye on:
Upcoming PNP invitations
Category-based Express Entry draws
Continued evolution of the CRS scoring system
Canada is changing how it chooses immigrants. It’s focusing more on people with the right skills who can meet the needs of each province.
