IRCC holds second Express Entry draw for PNP candidates

Asheesh Moosapeta
Updated: Feb, 4, 2025
  • Published: February 4, 2025

Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has extended more invitations to apply (ITAs) to candidates in the Express Entry pool.

The department issued 455 ITAs to candidates in a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw.

Candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 802 and to have submitted an Express Entry candidate profile before 7:39 pm Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) on December 7, 2024 to be invited.

Get a Free Express Entry Assessment

Today's draw is the fourth of the year and follows two Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws and a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw earlier this month.

To date IRCC has issued 6,276 ITAs through the Express Entry system in 2025.

Summary of Express Entry draws in 2025

DateDraw TypeNumber of ITAsCut-off CRS score
June 12Canadian Experience Class3,000529
June 10Provincial Nominee Program125784
June 4Healthcare and social services500504
June 2Provincial Nominee Program277726
May 13Canadian Experience Class500547
May 12Provincial Nominee Program511706
May 2Healthcare and social services 500510
May 1Education1,000479
April 28Provincial Nominee Program421727
April 14Provincial Nominee Program825764
March 21French language proficiency7,500379
March 17Provincial Nominee Program536736
March 6French language proficiency4,500410
March 3Provincial Nominee Program 725667
February 19French language proficiency 6,500428
February 17Provincial Nominee Program 646750
February 5Canadian Experience Class4,000521
February 4Provincial Nominee Program455802
January 23 Canadian Experience Class4,000527
January 8Canadian Experience Class1,350542
January 7Provincial Nominee Program471793

Since July of 2024, the immigration department has chosen to emphasize candidates who qualify for PNP, CEC and category-based selection draws for ITAs. This is inline with IRCC's annual Immigration Levels Plan, which newly allocates admissions for candidates in Canada, and those who have the relevant professional and language skills to meet the country's economic and demographic goals—through the federal immigration system.

In 2025 the priority categories through Canada's Express Entry system are:

  • Healthcare;
  • Trades; and
  • French-langauge proficiency.

How does Express Entry function?

Express Entry is a applicant management system that manages three of Canada's largest economic immigration programs:

Express Entry also works on a candidate-applicant system. If newcomers are eligible for one of the three Express Entry-managed programs, they must first complete and submit a candidate profile. From here, newcomers are candidates in the Express Entry candidate pool. Candidates are scored according to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and assigned a CRS score based on their human capital factors, skills transferability, and other criteria. The candidates with the highest CRS scores stand the best chance of receiving an ITA.

Once candidates receive an ITA, they will have 60 days to respond with a complete application for permanent residence (PR), which will require more documents like a police clearance certificate and proof of funds, depending on a newcomer's situation. Once an application of PR is submitted the candidate now becomes an applicant. IRCC will aim to process the PR application within six months. If successful newcomers can receive PR status after this process, and must land in Canada to officially complete the process.

Here’s a simplified step-by-step guide through the Express Entry process:

Step 1: Determine your eligibility for Express Entry. Each of the three programs managed by Express Entry has specific minimum criteria. You must meet the eligibility requirements of at least one.

Step 2: Complete your language testing, and collect all other needed documentation to submit an Express Entry candidate profile (including an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if needed). At this time you can also check to see if you meet the requirements for an Express Entry category based on your professional experience or language ability.

Step 3: Submit your candidate profile on the IRCC website, and receive a CRS score.

Step 4: Wait in the candidate pool until IRCC holds a draw you are eligible for, based on your CRS score, and the time you created your candidate profile (as well as your inclusion in an Express Entry category, if applicable).

Step 5: If you receive an ITA, submit a completed electronic application for PR (with all necessary documentation) to IRCC and pay the required fees within 60-days of receiving the invitation. Depending on your situation you may need to submit a medical exam and/or police certificates as part of your application. IRCC will acknowledge receipt of your application by issuing an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) online.

Step 6: Provide your biometrics if requested to do so by IRCC.

Step 7: Wait for IRCC’s final decision on your application. If approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and, if required, a permanent resident visa, allowing you to complete your landing in Canada. Once you have landed and signed your COPR you are a permanent resident of Canada.

For more information on the Express Entry process, visit our dedicated webpage.

Get a Free Express Entry Assessment

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