IRCC CONDUCTED AUGUST’S FIRST EXPRESS ENTRY DRAW FOR PNP CANDIDATES

On August 6, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted Express Entry draw #358, specifically targeting candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). A total of 225 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued to candidates who had secured a provincial nomination—reinforcing Canada's focus on regional labour market needs.

The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required for this draw was 739 points, marking a 49-point decrease from the previous PNP-targeted round. The drop in cut-off suggests increased accessibility for nominated candidates, despite the high competition inherent in PNP draws due to the automatic addition of 600 CRS points from a nomination.

The tie-breaking rule was set for April 23, 2025, at 06:35:51 UTC, meaning candidates who met the minimum score and submitted their profiles before this date were prioritized. As of August 5, 2025, the Express Entry pool included 256,585 active profiles.

So far in 2025, Canada has issued 49,628 ITAs through Express Entry, with 6,278 going to PNP candidates. These draws continue to play a vital role in attracting skilled immigrants aligned with specific provincial economic strategies.

If you're aiming to immigrate through a provincial nomination, contact Global Opportunities to learn how to strengthen your profile and increase your chances of selection.