Canada continues to use the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) to target skilled immigrants as part of its immigration strategy. In its most recent Express Entry draw, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 228 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) strictly for PNP-nominees. The draw, held on September 15, 2025, reflects both Canada’s regional labour needs and its evolving criteria for selecting permanent residency candidates.
For many foreign nationals hoping for a pathway to settle in Canada, this PNP-specific draw offers a focused opportunity. Candidates who already have provincial nominations are given a significant advantage under Express Entry; this draw shows how provinces and territories remain central in selecting immigrants who can fill local skills gaps.
Details of the Draw
Date of Draw: September 15, 2025
Number of Invitations Issued (ITAs): 228
Minimum CRS Score Required: 746
Tie-Breaker Rule: Profiles created before 1:39 p.m. UTC on March 31, 2025, received priority among those with the cutoff score.
Comparison to Previous Draw: Lower than the September 2 PNP draw (249 ITAs, CRS 772).
Overview of the Draw
PNP-only Express Entry draws are designed to invite candidates who have secured a provincial nomination. A nomination signals that a province or territory has identified the candidate as a strong fit for its labour market and demographic needs.
Because a nomination adds 600 CRS points, these draws typically involve higher overall CRS cutoffs, but they also create a clear pathway for applicants who align with provincial priorities.
By holding this round, IRCC reinforced the critical role provinces play in immigration. Unlike category-based draws that target skills or language ability across Canada, PNP draws give provinces a direct say in shaping their workforce, ensuring local industries get the talent they urgently require.
Especially as the federal system adjusts CRS thresholds and selection rules, the PNP route continues to serve as one of the more predictable ways to receive an ITA.
Impact on Immigration Landscape
This latest draw has several important implications:
Accessibility for PNP Candidates Increases
Lowering the CRS threshold from 772 to 746 makes it slightly easier for nominees to secure ITAs, even if their core scores are modest. This helps individuals who may not have very high base CRS scores but are nominated by provinces, because nomination adds 600 points, getting close to or above the cutoff.
Reflection of Provincial Needs
Canada’s strategy increasingly emphasises regional labour demands. PNP draws allow provinces to nominate people who meet local criteria, such as specific occupations, language proficiency, work experience, or education.
Evolving CRS Rules
In 2025, changes like the removal of general job-offer CRS points (except in certain senior or specified roles) have affected how competitive candidates must be.
Signal for Prospective Immigrants
Aspiring immigrants watching these draws can see that having a PNP nomination significantly improves their chances. It suggests that focusing on provincial streams, aligning skills with provincial labour needs, and timing the Express Entry profile submission may be strategic priorities.