Canada has conducted a new Express Entry draw aimed at Provincial Nominee Program candidates, issuing 345 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates on October 15. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 778 points, 77 lower than the previous PNP draw on September 29, which issued 291 ITAs.
CRS scores are higher for PNP draws because candidates with a provincial nomination receive an extra 600 points.
The most recent draw before October 15 was for candidates with French language proficiency, issuing 4,500 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 432 on October 6.
So far in 2025, the following draws have been conducted:
- 19 PNP draws
- 10 CEC draws
- Six French language proficiency draws
- Two draws targeted at education occupations
- Four draws targeted at healthcare and social services occupations
- One draw targeted at trade occupations
In 2024, Canada conducted the following draws:
- Nine all-program draws
- 11 draws targeted at French speakers
- One draw targeted at transport jobs
- One draw targeted at agriculture and agri-food occupations
- Three draws targeted at healthcare occupations
- One draw targeted at STEM occupations
- 14 PNP draws
- 10 CEC draws
- Two draws targeted at trade occupations
Canada has now issued 70,716 ITAs through Express Entry in 2025 after issuing 98,903 in 2024.
IRCC issued 110,266 ITAs in 2023, after inviting 45,115 candidates in 2022.
IRCC issued a record 114,431 ITAs in 2021, all to Canadian Experience Class and Provincial Nominee Program candidates. It beat the previous record of 107,350 set in 2020.
The latest draw saw the tie-breaking rule implemented on July 17, 2025 at 3.58pm EST. If more than one candidate had the minimum CRS score, only those who submitted their Express Entry profiles before this date and time received invitations.
This was the 42nd round of invitations under Express Entry in 2025 and the 372nd overall.
Candidates have a 60-day window to submit their applications, which will usually be processed within the six-month standard.
What Can Employers Do To Recruit Foreign Workers?
Employers are encouraged to consider securing an LMIA or nomination under provincial nomination programs (PNPs) to ensure long-term retention of employees.
At immigration.ca we provide Canadian employers with unparalleled immigration legal services and can help with the recruitment of foreign nationals.
We bring qualified candidates to Canada in the shortest time possible. Employers in a wide range of industries can directly benefit from our unique position as one of Canada’s leading immigration firms in the industry to meet both their recruitment and immigration requirements.
Interested employers wishing to seek our assistance are invited to contact us here for further information.
What Should Candidates Do Next?
Securing an approved offer of employment is highly recommended as one of the best pathways to guaranteeing an ITA in the next round of invitations.
Find out whether you qualify for Canada by completing our free online evaluation. We will provide you with your evaluation results within 1-2 business days.
Resources:
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