Canada’s 2025 PNP Express Entry Draw: 345 Invited
Canada Issues 345 New Express Entry Invitations in Latest PNP Draw — What It Means for Immigration in 2025
- IRCC invited 345 candidates in the latest Express Entry draw focused on Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applicants.
- Minimum CRS score required: 778, with profiles submitted before July 17, 2025.
- This marks the 19th PNP-specific draw of the year — the most frequent draw type so far in 2025.
- Express Entry continues to prioritize PNP, Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and French-speaking candidates.
- Over 70,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) have been issued through Express Entry in 2025.
- French-language and CEC draws have accounted for the largest share of ITAs this year.
Breaking Down the Latest PNP-Focused Express Entry Draw
On October 14, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held another targeted Express Entry draw — this time inviting 345 candidates through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) stream.
To be eligible for consideration in this round, applicants needed a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 778 and must have created their Express Entry profile before 7:58 p.m. UTC on July 17, 2025.
This draw stands out not only because of the high CRS cut-off score, but also because it’s the third Express Entry draw in October — following a 4,500-candidate French proficiency draw on October 6, and a 1,000-candidate Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw on October 1.
Express Entry in 2025: A Year Dominated by PNP Draws
So far this year, Express Entry has already seen 70,683 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued across various draw types. Among them, PNP draws have taken the lead, with this most recent one being the 19th PNP-specific draw in 2025. That’s more than any other category.
Why the focus on PNPs? It’s largely a response to changes in provincial immigration targets. After a significant reduction in provincial immigration allocations in 2024, the federal government appears to be leveraging PNPs more strategically to meet regional labour demands.
If you’re eyeing permanent residency through a PNP stream — like the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program — it’s a good idea to keep your Express Entry profile updated and competitive.
Quick Snapshot: 2025 Express Entry Draw Summary
Here’s a look at some of the key Express Entry draws that have taken place so far this year:
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | CRS Cut-Off |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 14 | PNP | 345 | 778 |
| October 6 | French Proficiency | 4,500 | 432 |
| October 1 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,000 | 534 |
| September 29 | PNP | 291 | 855 |
| September 18 | Trade Occupations | 1,250 | 505 |
| September 17 | Education | 2,500 | 462 |
Which Draw Types Are Most Common in 2025?
To date, IRCC has held a variety of draw types under Express Entry. Here’s the breakdown by number of draws this year:
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 19 |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 10 |
| French-language Proficiency | 6 |
| Healthcare and Social Services | 4 |
| Education | 2 |
| Trade Occupations | 1 |
Clearly, PNP continues to lead the pack — a trend we expect to continue through the rest of the year.
Who’s Receiving the Most Invitations?
While PNP draws are frequent, the largest number of ITAs are actually going to candidates in the French-language proficiency stream, followed by CEC applicants. Here’s how the invitations break down by stream:
| Draw Type | Total ITAs Issued |
|---|---|
| French-language Proficiency | 30,000 |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 21,850 |
| Healthcare and Social Services | 7,292 |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 6,947 |
| Education | 3,500 |
| Trade Occupations | 1,250 |
What This Means for You
If you’re aiming to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry, it’s essential to understand the trends. Right now, we’re seeing a strong preference for:
- French-speaking candidates
- Individuals already working in Canada through the CEC
- Applicants nominated through a Provincial Nominee Program
To increase your chances, focus on improving your CRS score and look into targeted streams like the Canadian Experience Class or priority occupation categories like healthcare, education, or trades.
Depending on your background and career goals, applying through a PNP — such as the Manitoba PNP — could be a smart strategic move.
Final Thoughts
The latest PNP draw confirms that IRCC is placing a heavy emphasis on provincial nominations and specific skill categories in 2025. With over 70,000 ITAs already issued and more draws expected in the coming months, now’s the time to ensure your Express Entry profile is up-to-date and competitive.
Curious about how your profile stacks up?
Use our Express Entry CRS calculator or contact us to speak with an immigration expert who can guide you through your options.
