IRCC Invites More PNP Candidates in the Latest Express Entry Draw

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continues to issue invitations to apply (ITAs) through its Express Entry system. In the most recent draw, the focus was once again on candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This draw highlights IRCC’s ongoing strategy to support Canada’s labour market needs by encouraging applicants who already hold a provincial nomination.

Details of the August 18, 2025, PNP Draw

On August 18, 2025, IRCC issued 192 invitations to candidates who had received a provincial nomination. To be eligible for this round, applicants needed to:

• Have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 800; and
• Have created their Express Entry profile before 7:17 p.m. (UTC) on February 11, 2025.

The CRS cut-off score of 800 was significant because it marked the second-highest CRS requirement of the year, with only the February 4 PNP draw demanding a slightly higher score of 802.

Why the CRS Cut-Off Is Higher in PNP Draws

Candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program usually have higher CRS cut-offs because a provincial nomination adds 600 additional CRS points to their overall score. This ensures that those invited under PNP streams are highly competitive and strongly positioned to settle successfully in Canada. The higher cut-off in this draw reflects the strong pool of candidates with provincial nominations who are eager to transition to permanent residence.

Express Entry Trends in 2025

This latest draw was the fourth Express Entry round of August and the second PNP-specific draw of the month. It came shortly after other program-specific rounds, including a French language proficiency draw on August 8, a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw on August 7, and another PNP draw on August 6.

So far in 2025, IRCC has already issued 53,320 invitations to apply through the Express Entry system. The majority of these ITAs have gone to PNP candidates, which shows the government’s preference for applicants who are already connected to specific provinces and territories. Other draws this year have targeted CEC candidates, French-speaking applicants, and those working in priority occupations such as healthcare, social services, and education.

Breakdown of Express Entry Draws by Category in 2025

• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws: 15
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws: 8
• French-language proficiency draws: 4
• Healthcare and social services draws: 3
• Education draw: 1

This distribution highlights how IRCC is diversifying its selection to meet a broad range of immigration goals, while still maintaining a strong focus on provincial nominations.

Recent Draw Results

Here is a look at some of the most recent Express Entry draws this year:

(Several other draws have also been held earlier this year, covering multiple categories.)

What This Means for Express Entry Candidates

For candidates in the Express Entry pool, this draw reinforces the importance of exploring provincial nomination programs. A provincial nomination can significantly boost your CRS score, often guaranteeing an invitation to apply for permanent residence in Canada.

At the same time, IRCC is maintaining a balanced approach by inviting candidates across different streams. While CRS cut-offs for PNP draws remain very high due to the additional 600 points, CEC and French-language draws generally have lower cut-offs, giving other candidates strong opportunities to qualify.

Conclusion

The latest PNP-focused Express Entry draw once again highlights Canada’s commitment to selecting skilled immigrants who can contribute to provincial and territorial needs. With 53,320 invitations already issued in 2025, IRCC is on track to meet its ambitious immigration targets for the year.

If you are planning to apply through Express Entry, staying updated on draw trends is essential. Candidates should also consider provincial nomination opportunities, as they remain one of the most reliable pathways to receiving an ITA.