Canada Holds Second Express Entry Draw for PNP Candidates in 2025

February 4, 2025 – Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted another Express Entry draw, focusing on candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). In this round, 455 invitations to apply (ITAs) were issued to eligible candidates. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 802, and applicants needed to have submitted their profiles before December 7, 2024, at 7:39 PM Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) to be considered.

This latest draw marks the fourth Express Entry round of the year, following two draws for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and a previous PNP-focused draw earlier in January. Altogether, IRCC has extended a total of 6,276 ITAs through Express Entry so far in 2025.

A Snapshot of 2025 Express Entry Draws

• February 4: 455 ITAs, CRS cut-off: 802 (PNP)
• January 23: 4,000 ITAs, CRS cut-off: 527 (CEC)
• January 8: 1,350 ITAs, CRS cut-off: 542 (CEC)
• January 7: 471 ITAs, CRS cut-off: 793 (PNP)

Since mid-2024, IRCC has increasingly focused on candidates who fit the criteria for PNP, CEC, and other category-based selection draws. This approach aligns with Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan, which sets annual admission targets and prioritizes applicants with specific skills, language abilities, and work experience to meet Canada’s economic and demographic needs.

2025 Express Entry Priorities The categories receiving special attention in 2025 are:

• Healthcare
• Skilled trades
• French-language proficiency

How Express Entry Works The Express Entry system oversees three major immigration pathways:

1. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
2. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
3. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

To participate, applicants must first submit an online profile to enter the candidate pool. Each profile receives a CRS score, determined by factors such as age, education, work experience, and language skills. Those with the highest scores are invited to apply for permanent residence during draws held by IRCC. After receiving an ITA, candidates have 60 days to submit a complete application, including all necessary documents. IRCC aims to process these applications within six months, granting successful applicants permanent resident status in Canada.

The Steps in the Express Entry Process

1. Confirm your eligibility for one of the Express Entry streams.
2. Gather required documents, such as language test results and educational credentials.
3. Submit your profile to receive a CRS score.
4. Wait for a draw that matches your CRS score and profile details.
5. If invited, submit a full permanent residence application within 60 days.
6. Provide biometrics if requested.
7. Await IRCC’s final decision. If approved, you’ll receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and become a permanent resident upon landing in Canada.