Express Entry: IRCC Sends More Invitations For Permanent Residency

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has sent out more invitations to apply (ITA) for permanent residency through the Express Entry system. On April 28, IRCC invited 421 candidates who were part of a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw.

Candidates needed to have a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 727. They also had to create their Express Entry profile before 5:11 pm Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on September 9, 2024.

This draw marks the second one held in April 2025. Earlier, on April 14, another PNP draw invited 825 candidates who had a minimum CRS score of 764. So far this year, IRCC has issued 31,929 invitations through Express Entry.

Most draws in the last month have only focused on candidates from the PNP. There have been no category-based draws in April except for those who speak French. This change is very important for candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), who have not seen a specific draw since February 5, 2025.

Even though other priority categories have not seen draws yet this year, IRCC says it will still prioritize candidates from the CEC and those in priority groups for permanent residence in 2025.

The 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan aims to welcome 395,000 new permanent residents this year. Out of this number, 232,150 will come from economic immigration programs, including Express Entry.

The full list of draws this year shows a strong focus on French-speaking candidates and those nominated by provinces. For example, a French language proficiency draw on March 21 invited 7,500 candidates with a CRS score of 379. Another big French-speaking draw on February 19 invited 6,500 candidates with a minimum score of 428.

Meanwhile, draws targeting Provincial Nominee Program candidates have consistently required higher CRS scores, often above 700 points.

For people who receive permanent residence through Express Entry, good news awaits their families too. You can include your spouse, common-law partner, or dependent children in your application. Once approved, they also get permanent residence.

Dependents must either be under 22 years old and unmarried or, if older than 22, must have depended on parents financially because of a physical or mental condition since before turning 22.

Permanent residents and citizens can also sponsor their parents and grandparents through special programs like the Parents and Grandparents Program or invite them to visit Canada through the Super Visa program.

This year, IRCC continues to shape Canada's future by focusing on skilled workers who can help fill labor shortages, especially in provinces needing more support.