IRCC INVITES 399 CANDIDATES IN NEW PNP-TARGETED EXPRESS ENTRY DRAW
Canada’s immigration system maintained its strategic focus on regional development on December 15, 2025, when IRCC conducted Express Entry draw #386. During this round, the Government of Canada issued a total of 399 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) specifically to candidates within the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), reinforcing the decentralization of economic growth.
The latest data highlights that this draw required a cut-off score of 731 points, reflecting the high competitiveness and the significant value of having a provincial nomination. This mechanism ensures that new residents settle in areas with specific labour needs, strengthening regional economies from coast to coast.
Key Express Entry PNP Results for December 2025
The federal and provincial governments recorded:
399 new Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued to nominated candidates.
731 CRS cut-off points, a two-point increase compared to the previous PNP-targeted draw.
237,302 profiles currently registered in the Express Entry pool.
Tie-breaking rule: October 18, 2025, at 7:18:52 UTC.
Year-to-date balance: 102,998 candidates invited through 56 draws so far in 2025.
Category Performance and Statistics:
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
10,898 ITAs granted specifically to PNP candidates throughout the year.
Direct focus on distributing the workforce according to the unique demands of each province.
Pool Statistics and Participation
A total of 56 invitation rounds executed by the federal government in 2025.
Provincial nomination continues to grant 600 additional points, virtually guaranteeing success for candidates selected by provinces within the Express Entry system.
The volume of registered candidates demonstrates that Canada remains a top destination for global talent.
Sectors Driving Growth Under Provincial Nomination
Canadian provinces continue to prioritize the selection of candidates in:
Healthcare and Social Assistance: Vital for provinces facing demographic challenges and requiring specialized medical staff.
Building and Support Services: Driven by the construction boom and the need for infrastructure in growing provinces.
Technology and Information: A key sector for tech-specific nomination streams looking for regional innovation. These sectors align with provincial immigration strategies that aim to fill critical skilled labour shortages through tailored programs.
Why PNP Remains a Strategic Choice for Skilled Workers
The provincial nomination pathway offers:
✔ A massive 600-point boost to the CRS profile.
✔ Immigration pathways designed for specific occupations in demand.
✔ Higher probability of receiving an ITA in targeted draws.
✔ Provincial support for labour and community integration.
✔ Flexibility for candidates who may not reach the cut-off in general draws.
This sustained performance makes provincial nomination an essential tool for securing permanent residency and economic stability in a specific region.
Canada Moves Toward 2026 with a Strong Regional Focus
With 102,998 candidates invited this year and increasingly close collaboration between Ottawa and the provinces, the system is prepared for a high-impact 2026. The success of the PNP highlights the critical need for skilled labour across the entire national territory.
Global Opportunities can help evaluate your eligibility for Canadian provincial immigration pathways and prepare a competitive application to secure your provincial nomination.