Canada held its latest Express Entry draw on April 28, 2025, inviting 421 candidates through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) stream. This was a targeted draw, meaning only applicants who had received a provincial nomination were considered.
Since a PNP nomination gives candidates a significant 600-point boost to their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, the minimum CRS cut-off for this draw was 727. IRCC also applied the tie-breaking rule to profiles submitted before September 9, 2024, at 17:11:19 UTC — giving priority to those who had entered the pool earlier with the same score.
Details of This Draw -
✔️ Invitation Round: #343
✔️ Date of Round: April 28, 2025
✔️ Type of Draw: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
✔️ Number of ITAs Issued: 421
✔️ CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate Invited: 727
✔️ Tie-Breaking Rule: September 09, 2024 at 17:11:19 UTC
Unlike general draws that consider candidates from all Express Entry categories, this one was exclusively for those who had already received a provincial nomination. A provincial nomination gives a huge boost, an extra 600 points, to a candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. That’s why the minimum score required was 727 in this draw.
Why Is the PNP So Important?
Provincial Nominee Programs allow Canada’s provinces and territories to handpick skilled workers who match their local labour needs. If a province sees a shortage in specific jobs, it can nominate candidates who are ready to fill those gaps.
For immigrants, getting a PNP nomination doesn’t just increase their chances of receiving an ITA, it also improves their odds of settling in a region where their skills are truly in demand.
How Does This Impact Immigration?
This draw gives us some clear insights into where Canadian immigration is headed:
Greater focus on regional needs: By inviting only PNP candidates, Canada is signaling that it's leaning more on provinces to select the right talent for their local job markets.
Fewer all-program draws (for now): We’re seeing fewer invitations across all categories and more targeted selections, meaning candidates should consider PNP streams seriously.
PNP is now a strategic advantage: With 600 additional points at stake, applying through a Provincial Nominee Program is becoming one of the most reliable ways to get invited.
More planning, more opportunity: This transition urges would-be applicants to research specific provinces, understand what occupations are in demand there, and thus tailor their applications accordingly.
Better outcomes for immigrants: When newcomers go where they are needed most, they have better chances of finding stable jobs, settling down successfully, and contributing to long-term economic growth.
What Should Applicants Do Next?
If you're in the Express Entry pool or planning to enter soon, now is the time to explore PNP options seriously. Every province has its own set of eligibility criteria, streams, and occupations in demand. Getting aligned with the right provincial stream can dramatically improve your chances of receiving an ITA, especially while general draws remain limited.
