Canada PNP Express Entry Draw: 399 Invited with CRS 399
Express Entry Update: 399 PNP Candidates Invited in Latest IRCC Draw
- IRCC issued 399 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a recent Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw
- The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 399
- Candidates needed to have submitted their Express Entry profile before October 18, 2025
- This draw is part of a busy December, including multiple category-based draws
- Over 106,000 ITAs have been issued through Express Entry so far in 2025
- PNP draws continue to play a central role in Canada’s immigration strategy
Canada’s Express Entry system continues to move full steam ahead, with the latest draw focusing on Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates. On December 15, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited 399 Express Entry candidates who had received a provincial nomination.
It’s an encouraging signal for skilled workers hoping to immigrate through the PNP stream — especially with the CRS cut-off score dropping to 399, one of the lowest for PNP-based draws this year.
Details of the December 15 Express Entry PNP Draw
Here’s what we know about the latest draw:
- Draw Date: December 15, 2025
- Draw Type: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Number of ITAs Issued: 399
- Minimum CRS Score Required: 399
- Profile Submission Deadline: Before 7:18 a.m. UTC on October 18, 2025
This draw came right on the heels of other high-volume draws this December, including one for healthcare professionals and another for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Clearly, IRCC is ramping up efforts to meet its 2025 immigration targets.
Busy December: A Closer Look at Recent Draws
December has been jam-packed with Express Entry activity. Here’s a look at the recent draws leading up to this PNP-focused one:
- December 8: The largest PNP draw of the year
- December 10: A massive CEC draw inviting 6,000 candidates with a minimum CRS of 520
- December 11: A healthcare and social services draw focusing on key occupations
- December 15: This latest PNP-specific draw with 399 ITAs
These frequent draws show IRCC’s commitment to selecting candidates from a wide range of occupational and program categories, ensuring that the immigration system supports Canada’s labour market needs.
Express Entry in 2025: Where Do Things Stand?
As of mid-December, IRCC has issued a total of 106,998 Invitations to Apply through Express Entry. That’s a strong number, reflecting the government’s continued focus on bringing in skilled talent from around the world.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the number of draws by category so far this year:
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 22 |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 14 |
| French-language proficiency | 8 |
| Healthcare and social services | 6 |
| Education | 2 |
| Trade | 1 |
And when we break down the total ITAs by stream, French-speaking candidates and CEC applicants are leading the way:
| Draw Type | ITAs Issued to Date |
|---|---|
| French-language proficiency | 42,000 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 30,850 |
| Healthcare and social services | 13,500 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 9,376 |
| Education | 3,500 |
| Trade | 1,250 |
Why PNP Draws Matter More Than Ever
The Provincial Nominee Program is a key part of Canada’s immigration system. It allows provinces and territories to nominate candidates who meet their specific economic and labour needs. Once nominated, these candidates receive an additional 600 CRS points — virtually guaranteeing an invitation in a future Express Entry draw.
In 2025, the frequency and size of PNP draws demonstrate just how valued provincial nominees are. For those who may not have high CRS scores on their own, securing a nomination is a game-changer.
For example, if you’re interested in moving to Manitoba, you might want to explore the Manitoba PNP and see how your profile stacks up.
Final Thoughts: Should You Consider the PNP Route?
If you’ve been exploring Express Entry but find your CRS score isn’t quite high enough, don’t worry — there are still options. Provincial nomination is one of the most effective ways to boost your chances of getting an ITA.
The latest draw shows that even candidates with scores below 400 can receive invitations when backed by a provincial nomination. That’s a huge opportunity for people with in-demand skills, work experience, or strong ties to specific provinces.
Thinking about applying through Express Entry? Make sure your profile is competitive and explore PNP opportunities that might be a great fit for your background and goals.
Stay tuned — with the year-end approaching, IRCC could still have more surprises in store!
