Express Entry Update: 345 PNP Candidates Invited in Latest Draw as Provincial Selections Continue to Dominate

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 345 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in its most recent Express Entry draw, targeting candidates nominated through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). The draw required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 778 and applied to profiles created before 7:58 p.m. (UTC) on July 17, 2025.

This latest round is the 19th PNP-focused draw of 2025 and underscores a continuing trend: provincial nominations are now the most frequent pathway in Express Entry as Canada rebalances allocations across categories to meet labour market and regional goals.

What happened in the latest draw

• Date of draw: October 14, 2025
• Draw type: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
• Invitations issued: 345 ITAs
• Cut-off CRS score: 778
• Profile creation deadline for eligibility: before 7:58 p.m. UTC, July 17, 2025

Why this draw matters

PNP draws have become the backbone of Express Entry activity in 2025. With tighter federal allocations last year and a policy emphasis on matching specific provincial labour needs, provinces continue to nominate candidates whose skills and job offers fit local demand. A provincial nomination carries a large CRS boost — typically 600 points — which explains the very high cut-off score in this draw.

Bigger picture: Express Entry activity in 2025

So far in 2025 IRCC has issued 70,683 ITAs through Express Entry. The year’s draw pattern shows a clear focus on the following streams (number of ITAs to date):

• French category: 30,000
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 21,850
• Healthcare and social services: 7,292
• Provincial Nominee Program: 6,947
• Education: 3,500
• Trade: 1,250

Multiple large-category draws took place in October before this PNP round — notably a major French-language draw earlier in the month and a Canadian Experience Class draw on October 1 — reflecting IRCC’s strategy of balancing targeted category selections with provincial priorities.

Recent 2025 draw snapshot (representative highlights)

The Express Entry calendar in 2025 has included mixed draw types and varying sizes. Selected highlights this year include: large French-category draws, numerous PNP rounds, repeated CEC draws, and sector-specific rounds for health and education—demonstrating IRCC’s multi-track approach to meet labour market goals and immigration targets.

What candidates should understand

• If you hold a provincial nomination: Expect your CRS score to be functionally guaranteed above most cut-offs because a nomination adds a large fixed score. Candidates with nominations should apply promptly once nominated.
• If you are aiming for PNP selection: Provincial programs continue to be an effective route to ITA, particularly for candidates with specific in-province job offers, work experience, or ties to a province.
• If you are in the Express Entry pool: Track draw types closely. Category-based draws (French, healthcare, education, trade) periodically open opportunities for candidates who meet specific requirements even with lower CRS scores.
• Profile deadlines matter: Every draw specifies profile creation cut-offs; ensure your Express Entry profile is active, accurate, and up to date.

Practical guidance for prospective applicants

1. Consider provincial streams — research PNPs that match your occupation, work experience and regional ties. Many provinces publish targeted occupations and employer-driven streams.
2. Keep documentation ready — once you receive an ITA, you usually have 60 days to submit a complete application. Prepare employment letters, language test results, educational credential assessments and IDs in advance.
3. Monitor category draws — if you have French proficiency, health experience, or education credentials targeted by IRCC, these category draws may be advantageous.
4. Use authorized help if needed — consider a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer for complex cases, especially when provincial nomination rules or employer offers are involved.

Outlook

With 19 PNP draws already held this year and provincial nominations accounting for a major share of Express Entry activity, provinces are likely to remain influential in Canada’s immigration landscape through the remainder of 2025. Candidates with clear provincial ties, employer support, or proficiency aligned to targeted categories remain best positioned to receive ITAs.

For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!