IRCC Issues Additional Invitations to PNP Candidates Through Express Entry
In the latest draw conducted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), a total of 646 invitations to apply (ITAs) were issued to candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) category under the Express Entry system.
The candidates who received invitations were required to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 750. In addition, they had to ensure their Express Entry profiles were created before 5:41 pm Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) on July 23, 2024.
Overview of Recent Express Entry Draws
This recent draw on February 17, 2025, marked the third Express Entry draw of the month. The previous draws were focused on inviting candidates under the PNP category and Canadian Experience Class (CEC). On February 4, 2025, 455 candidates were invited through a PNP draw, while on February 5, a large-scale CEC draw saw 4,000 ITAs being issued.
Since the beginning of 2025, IRCC has prioritized PNP and CEC candidates in its Express Entry draws. CEC draws, in particular, have seen larger numbers of ITAs, reminiscent of the more substantial selections seen in 2024.
What stands out in 2025 is the exclusion of category-based draws aimed at French speakers, healthcare workers, and tradespeople—groups that IRCC previously deemed priority categories for Express Entry. The federal government has allocated 41,700 permanent resident spots to these groups in 2025, as part of the Immigration Levels Plan for 2025-2027.
Key Dates and Draw Summary for 2025
The following table summarizes the Express Entry draws that have taken place so far in 2025:
| Date | Draw Type | Number 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 |
Is Joining the Express Entry Pool Worthwhile with a Low CRS Score?
For many candidates with lower CRS scores, entering the Express Entry pool can seem discouraging. However, it is often still beneficial to submit your profile, even if your CRS score doesn’t immediately meet the threshold for a draw.
Here are several reasons why entering the Express Entry pool can be valuable, even with a low CRS score:
- Score Fluctuations: CRS scores can fluctuate, and what might seem like a low score at the moment could be sufficient in the future. Candidates in the pool can take advantage of these fluctuations without needing to submit a new profile.
- Tie-Breaking Rule: Candidates must submit their Express Entry profile before the deadline specified in the ministerial instructions (known as the tie-breaking rule). If you miss the deadline, you won’t be considered for that particular draw, but being in the pool from the start will ensure you are eligible for future draws.
- Improvement of CRS Score: While in the pool, candidates can improve their CRS score by improving language proficiency, gaining more work experience, or upgrading educational qualifications. If your score increases, you don’t need to submit a new profile—you can simply update your existing one with new documentation.
- Multiple Pathways for Eligibility: While in the Express Entry pool, candidates are also considered for other immigration programs, such as enhanced Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) or region-specific pilot programs. This gives candidates the opportunity to gain eligibility for multiple immigration pathways, which can increase the chances of receiving an ITA.
By remaining in the pool, candidates maintain their eligibility for a wider range of immigration options, improving their chances of securing a permanent residence invitation to Canada.
Conclusion
With 2025 shaping up to be another year of strategic Express Entry draws, candidates should continue to monitor draw results and ensure their profiles are active within the pool. Even if you have a low CRS score initially, entering the Express Entry pool can be the first step toward a successful immigration journey.
For those considering applying or improving their CRS score, consulting with an immigration expert can help navigate the complexities of the Express Entry system.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
