IRCC Conducts One of the Largest PNP-Focused Express Entry Draws of 2025 as CRS Drops to a Nine-Month Low
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted one of its most significant Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws of the year, issuing 777 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates in the Express Entry pool. This latest selection round reflects Canada’s continued emphasis on admitting skilled workers who have already been nominated by provinces looking to fill labour market shortages and support long-term economic growth.
Key Requirements for this Draw
To be selected in this round, candidates were required to have:
• A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 699, marking the lowest PNP CRS cut-off in nine months.
• An Express Entry profile created before September 6, 2025 at 1:16 a.m. UTC.
This draw marks the second-largest PNP-only selection of the year, signaling IRCC’s sustained focus on regional labour needs and its commitment to supporting provincial immigration strategies.
Express Entry Draw Trends Throughout 2025
The year 2025 has seen a dynamic mix of draw types, including PNP-specific rounds, Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws, category-based selections, and large French-language proficiency draws.
The detailed breakdown of draws this year shows how Canada has strategically balanced invitations across priority groups:
Draw Activity Highlights in 2025
• PNP draws lead the year with 21 rounds, emphasizing provincial labour market shortages across the country.
• CEC candidates benefited from 12 draws, continuing Canada’s preference for those with established local experience.
• French-language draws accounted for 7 major rounds, supporting bilingualism and addressing workforce needs in francophone communities.
• Healthcare and social services draws were held 6 times, showcasing the urgent national demand for healthcare professionals.
• Additional draws occurred for Education (2 draws) and Trades (1 draw).
Total ITAs Issued in 2025
As of this latest draw, IRCC has issued 87,476 ITAs through the Express Entry system this year.
Breakdown of ITAs by Category
• French-language proficiency: 36,000
• Canadian Experience Class: 23,850
• Healthcare & social services: 13,500
• Provincial Nominee Program: 8,599
• Education category: 3,500
• Trades category: 1,250
These figures highlight Canada’s continued push for bilingual talent, experienced workers already integrated into the Canadian labour market, and critical-sector professionals who can address countrywide staffing shortages.
November: A Busy Month for Express Entry
This PNP draw is the fourth Express Entry selection in November, following:
• A large Healthcare & Social Services draw on November 14
• A CEC draw on November 12
• Another PNP-focused draw on November 10
The frequency of draws indicates that IRCC is working aggressively to meet immigration targets for 2025 while addressing sector-specific shortages and provincial needs.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
