Express Entry: IRCC Issues More PNP Invitations In Latest Draw

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 228 new invitations to apply for permanent residence this week through the Express Entry system. The invitations targeted candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

To qualify, applicants needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 746. They also had to create an Express Entry profile before 1:39 p.m. UTC on March 31, 2025.

Details of Recent Draws
This draw marked the fourth in September. On September 4, IRCC held a French-language draw, issuing 4,500 invitations with a minimum CRS score of 446. The day before, 1,000 Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates received invitations with a CRS cut-off of 534. On September 2, 249 PNP candidates were invited with a CRS cut-off of 772.

The September 15 draw lowered the required score compared with the earlier PNP draw but remained competitive.

Express Entry Trends in 2025
So far this year, IRCC has issued 57,297 invitations through Express Entry. The program has focused heavily on PNP draws, with 17 rounds held in 2025. Nine draws targeted the CEC, five were for French-language candidates, four were healthcare and social services draws, and one focused on education.

PNP draws consistently required higher CRS scores compared with other categories, reflecting the advantage nominees gain through provincial endorsement. For example, earlier this year, scores in PNP rounds reached as high as 802. By contrast, French-language candidates saw cut-offs as low as 379 in March.

Why the Numbers Matter
The variation in CRS cut-offs shows how targeted draws shape immigration opportunities. Candidates with French-language skills or work experience in healthcare and education have often received invitations with lower CRS requirements. Meanwhile, PNP candidates benefit from nomination points but still face higher score thresholds.

The September 15 draw also highlighted IRCC’s ongoing balance between PNP allocations and category-based draws. With more than half of this year’s invitations going to PNP and French-language candidates, immigration trends show a strong emphasis on regional needs and bilingualism.

Looking Ahead
The frequency of draws suggests IRCC is working steadily to meet immigration targets while managing the flow of applicants across categories. The department has not confirmed if more large-scale draws will follow in September, but patterns from previous months show alternating PNP, CEC, and French-language rounds.

For candidates, staying competitive requires maintaining a high CRS score and monitoring updates closely. Those with provincial nominations or strong language skills continue to hold a clear advantage.