IRCC Conducts Largest Express Entry PNP Draw in More Than Six Months

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued a major update for candidates in the Express Entry system. On November 11, IRCC conducted its largest Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw since April, issuing 714 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence.

To qualify for this draw, candidates needed:

• A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 738
• An Express Entry profile created before 2:12 a.m. UTC on February 22, 2025
  
  

This draw marks the first Express Entry round for the month of November and comes shortly after the release of Canada’s new Immigration Levels Plan.

Express Entry Draw Trends in 2025

IRCC continues to rely heavily on targeted draws to meet Canada’s immigration priorities. Throughout 2025, the department has carried out a wide mix of draw types, including PNP, Canadian Experience Class (CEC), French-language proficiency, and occupation-focused rounds.

Summary of Express Entry Draws in 2025

A selection of key draws includes:

• Nov 11 – PNP: 714 ITAs, CRS 738
• Oct 29 – French: 6,000 ITAs, CRS 416
• Oct 28 – CEC: 1,000 ITAs, CRS 533
• Oct 27 – PNP: 302 ITAs, CRS 761
• Oct 15 – Healthcare & Social Services: 2,500 ITAs, CRS 472
• Oct 6 – French: 4,500 ITAs, CRS 432
• Sept 17 – Education: 2,500 ITAs, CRS 462
• Sept 18 – Trade: 1,250 ITAs, CRS 505
• Aug 19 – Healthcare & Social Services: 2,500 ITAs, CRS 470
• July 22 – Healthcare & Social Services: 4,000 ITAs, CRS 475
• June 26 – CEC: 3,000 ITAs, CRS 521
• April 14 – PNP: 825 ITAs, CRS 764
• March 21 – French: 7,500 ITAs, CRS 379
• Feb 19 – French: 6,500 ITAs, CRS 428
• Jan 23 – CEC: 4,000 ITAs, CRS 527

So far in 2025, a total of 81,223 ITAs have been issued across all Express Entry streams.

Focus of Express Entry Draws in 2025

IRCC has placed significant emphasis on PNP and targeted draws this year. The majority of rounds have been for PNP candidates, followed by CEC candidates and French-language proficiency draws. Additionally, occupation-specific draws continue to support priority sectors such as healthcare, education, and trades.

Number of Draws by Category

• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): 21
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 11
• French-language proficiency: 7
• Healthcare and social services: 5
• Education: 2
• Trade: 1
  
  

ITAs Issued by Category

• French-language category: 36,000
• Canadian Experience Class: 22,850
• Healthcare & social services: 9,792
• Provincial Nominee Program: 7,963
• Education: 3,500
• Trade: 1,250

French-language draws and CEC rounds continue to lead in total invitations issued.

Why This Draw Matters

This November 11 draw signals a continued commitment by IRCC to support provincial immigration needs. It also reflects Canada’s broader strategy under the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, which aims to balance economic immigration, support labour shortages, and manage application backlogs.

The draw also marks a return to higher PNP invitation numbers, with this being the largest PNP-specific draw since April 14.