Express Entry: IRCC Holds Second October Draw, Invites 302 PNP Candidates

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continues its immigration drive this month. The department held another Express Entry draw focused on Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates. This draw took place on October 27 and brought invitations to 302 hopeful newcomers.

Each invited candidate received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in Canada. To receive an invitation, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 761. They also needed to have submitted their Express Entry profile before 2:14 a.m. UTC on September 26, 2025.

Second PNP Draw of October

This is the second PNP draw in October. The previous one took place on October 14 and invited 345 candidates with a higher CRS cut-off of 778. The latest draw shows IRCC’s steady focus on attracting skilled workers nominated by provinces to fill local job needs.

IRCC has also conducted several category-based draws this month, including one for healthcare and social services workers on October 15 and another for French-speaking candidates on October 6. These draws reflect the government’s aim to meet Canada’s regional and language-based labour demands.

Express Entry Results So Far in 2025

So far in 2025, IRCC has issued a total of 73,485 invitations through the Express Entry system. The largest share of invitations went to French-language candidates, followed by those in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Healthcare, PNP, education, and trade categories made up the rest.

Here’s how the year has shaped up so far:

• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): 20 draws
  
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 10 draws
  
• French-language Proficiency: 6 draws
  
• Healthcare and Social Services: 5 draws
  
• Education: 2 draws
  
• Trade: 1 draw

Year’s Trends Show Strong Provincial Focus

The numbers reveal that IRCC has leaned heavily toward PNP draws this year. Provinces continue to play a key role in choosing skilled workers suited for their economies. The focus on PNP candidates helps Canada spread immigration benefits across smaller cities and rural areas, not just large urban centres.

IRCC has also emphasized category-based selection to fill jobs in areas like health care, education, and trades. This approach ensures that skilled newcomers meet specific labour shortages.

A Pathway for Skilled Workers

The Express Entry system remains one of the most popular routes to permanent residency in Canada. Candidates earn points based on age, work experience, education, and language skills. Provincial nominations add 600 points to a candidate’s CRS score, often guaranteeing an ITA.

The latest draw continues Canada’s goal of welcoming diverse, skilled workers who can contribute to its economy and communities.