225 PNP Candidates Invited in Latest Canada Express Entry Draw
Latest Express Entry Draw: IRCC Issues 225 Invitations to PNP Candidates
- IRCC held a new Express Entry draw, inviting 225 Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates.
- Candidates needed a minimum CRS score of 739 and a profile submitted before April 23, 2025.
- This marks the first Express Entry draw in August 2025.
- So far in 2025, over 49,600 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) have been issued across various draw types.
- PNP draws continue to dominate the Express Entry landscape this year.
- IRCC maintains a bi-weekly pattern of PNP and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws.
Canada’s Express Entry system continues to move full steam ahead in 2025, with the latest draw targeting candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). On August 1st, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 225 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to hopeful immigration candidates who had provincial nominations.
Let’s break down what this means, who was selected, and what trends we’re seeing in Express Entry draws this year.
Details of the August 1st Express Entry Draw
This latest round of invitations was specifically for candidates in the PNP stream. To receive an ITA in this draw, applicants were required to meet two key criteria:
- A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 739
- An Express Entry profile created before 6:35 a.m. UTC on April 23, 2025
As is typical with PNP draws, the CRS cutoff is quite high. That’s because candidates nominated by a province or territory receive an automatic boost of 600 points in the Express Entry system. So, even if your base score is in the 130s or 140s, a nomination can send you soaring above the 700 mark—making you far more competitive in the pool.
Why Are PNP Draws So Important?
The PNP allows provinces and territories to nominate skilled immigrants who can help meet local labour market needs. In many cases, candidates aligned with provincial programs—such as the Manitoba PNP—can significantly improve their chances of receiving an ITA through Express Entry.
For example, if you’re already working or studying in Manitoba, or have close family living there, you might be eligible to apply for a provincial nomination. That added 600-point CRS bonus can be the difference between waiting in the Express Entry pool and receiving an actual invitation to apply for permanent residence.
How Does This Draw Fit into the 2025 Express Entry Landscape?
With this latest draw, IRCC has now issued a total of 49,628 ITAs in 2025. A quick glance at the trends shows that PNP-focused draws have dominated the year so far, with 13 separate rounds targeting provincially nominated candidates.
Here’s how the draw types break down by number so far in 2025:
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 13 |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 7 |
| French-language proficiency | 3 |
| Healthcare and social services | 3 |
| Education | 1 |
As you can see, the emphasis on PNP draws reflects Canada’s ongoing strategy to support immigration pathways that align with local and regional economic needs.
Recent Draw Highlights
The August 1st draw follows a series of busy weeks in July. Here are a few noteworthy draws from last month:
- July 22: 4,000 ITAs issued to Healthcare and Social Services professionals (CRS cut-off: 475)
- July 21: 202 ITAs issued in another PNP draw (CRS cut-off: 788)
- July 8: 3,000 ITAs issued under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) (CRS cut-off: 518)
IRCC seems to be following a bi-weekly pattern of alternating between PNP and CEC draws, a trend that has been fairly consistent since early June. This regularity offers candidates a bit of predictability—something that’s always appreciated in the sometimes-unpredictable immigration process.
What Should You Do If You’re in the Pool?
If you’re currently in the Express Entry pool and your CRS score is below the recent cut-offs, all hope is not lost. Here are a few strategies to boost your chances:
- Consider provincial nomination: Research programs like the Manitoba PNP and others that align with your background or job experience.
- Improve your language scores: Taking another IELTS or CELPIP test could raise your CRS points.
- Gain more Canadian work experience: If you’re already working in Canada on a valid permit, additional experience can boost your score in future CEC draws.
And don’t forget—category-based draws targeting French-language speakers and workers in priority sectors (like healthcare, tech, and early childhood education) are also part of IRCC’s current strategy. If you fall into one of these categories, you may have a different competitive advantage.
Final Thoughts
The Express Entry system remains one of the fastest and most popular ways to immigrate to Canada. But with competition heating up and CRS scores rising—especially in PNP draws—it’s more important than ever to stay informed, prepared, and proactive.
If you’re wondering how your current profile stacks up, you can check your CRS score and explore ways to boost it.
Need help understanding your options? Whether you’re a skilled worker, student, or someone looking to make Canada your new home, it’s never too early to get expert guidance. Contact us today to start your journey!
