On May 12, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted Express Entry Draw #346, targeting only candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) stream. This draw is part of Canada’s ongoing effort to support provinces and territories in attracting skilled workers who meet local labor needs.
Draw Results Snapshot
- Program targeted: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Number of invitations issued: 511
- Minimum CRS score required: 706
- Date and time of draw: May 12, 2025, at 14:14:40 UTC
- Tie-breaking rule: March 4, 2025, at 22:35:42 UTC
This means only candidates with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 706 or higher received an invitation to apply (ITA). If multiple candidates had a score of 706, those who submitted their profiles before the tie-breaker timestamp were prioritized.
hy the CRS Score Is So High in PNP Draws
The CRS score of 706 may seem high, but candidates invited under the PNP stream automatically receive 600 additional points upon being nominated by a province. This means a candidate only needed a base CRS score of 106 to qualify after receiving a provincial nomination.
Provincial nominations significantly increase a candidate’s chances of receiving an ITA, making this pathway highly attractive for individuals with lower base scores.
Which Provinces Participate in PNP?
Canadian provinces and territories (except Quebec and Nunavut) operate PNPs aligned with Express Entry. Some popular PNP streams include:
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
- British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
- Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
- Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
- Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
Each province selects candidates who meet local labor market needs, often prioritizing occupations in demand, job offers, or connections to the province.
Who Should Pay Attention?
This draw is especially relevant for:
- Candidates with CRS scores below 500 who are struggling to receive an ITA in general draws.
- Skilled workers already living or working in a province and eligible for nomination.
- Business owners or entrepreneurs applying under PNP entrepreneur streams (e.g., BC PNP EI Base).
- International students and workers with employer support in a specific province.
What Can You Do to Boost Your Score?
If your CRS score isn’t high enough for general draws, consider these steps:
- Apply for a PNP stream in a province where your job or skills are in demand.
- Secure a job offer from an eligible employer in a participating province.
- Improve your language score (IELTS or TEF).
- Add Canadian education or work experience, if eligible.
- Complete a credential assessment if you haven’t already.
This draw was issued under the Ministerial Instructions Respecting Invitations to Apply for Permanent Residence under the Express Entry System, in accordance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
Express Entry Draw #346 highlights the vital role provincial nomination plays in Canada’s immigration strategy. With 511 candidates invited at a CRS cut-off of 706, it emphasizes the advantage of earning a nomination to secure a fast-tracked path to permanent residency.
Whether you’re a skilled worker, international student, or experienced entrepreneur, a PNP nomination can make all the difference.
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