Canada Holds First Express Entry Draw Following CRS Changes, Invites 825 PNP Candidates
In a significant development for immigration hopefuls, Canada conducted its first Express Entry draw on April 10, 2025, after making changes to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) earlier this year. The draw targeted candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), inviting 825 individuals to apply for permanent residency.
To receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in this round, candidates required a minimum CRS score of 764 — a notably high threshold, reflecting the additional 600 points that nominees receive through a provincial nomination. As per Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), only those who had created their Express Entry profiles before August 17, 2024, at 6:35 pm UTC were considered eligible for this draw.
This PNP-specific draw highlights Canada’s continued focus on attracting skilled immigrants who have already secured provincial nominations. These nominations indicate that a specific province or territory sees the candidate as a strong fit for its labor market and economic needs.
The CRS updates, which came into effect earlier this year, aim to better align immigration with Canada’s long-term workforce and demographic goals. The recalibrated system places greater emphasis on skills, work experience, and adaptability while maintaining provincial nominations as a key component.
Key Points to Know:
- CRS Score: Minimum score required was 764
- Profile Creation Deadline: August 17, 2024, 6:35 pm UTC
- PNP Draw: 825 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued
Candidates who received an ITA now have 60 days to submit their complete permanent residence applications. As Canada continues to refine its immigration strategy, further draws are expected in the coming weeks, potentially targeting other categories such as healthcare, STEM, and trades.
