On February 17, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted Express Entry draw #336, issuing 646 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required for this draw was 750.
This draw marks an increase in the number of ITAs compared to previous PNP-specific draws in 2025. For instance, the February 4 draw issued 455 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 802, and the January 7 draw issued 471 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 793. The decrease in CRS scores over these draws suggests a slight decline in competitiveness among PNP candidates or an increase in the number of nominations issued.
In 2025, IRCC has been focusing Express Entry draws on PNP and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates. Notably, there has been an absence of category-based draws for French speakers, healthcare workers, and tradespeople, despite these groups being designated as priority categories in the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan.
Express Entry draws in 2025
Date | Draw Type | No. of ITAs | Cut-off CRS score |
February 17 | Provincial Nominee Program | 646 | 750 |
February 5 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 521 |
February 4 | Provincial Nominee Program | 455 | 802 |
January 23 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 527 |
January 8 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,350 | 542 |
January 7 | Provincial Nominee Program | 471 | 793 |
This strategic focus on PNP candidates aligns with Canada’s commitment to addressing specific regional labor market needs, allowing provinces and territories to nominate individuals who can contribute effectively to their local economies.
Overall, IRCC has issued a total of 11,601 ITAs in February 2025 alone, reflecting its commitment to meeting immigration targets for the year.
