The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a new round of invitations under the Express Entry system on June 2, 2025. This draw — the 348th overall — specifically targeted candidates who had Provincial Nominations, part of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Quick Facts:
Tie-breaking rule: September 24, 2024 at 15:46:19 UTC
Draw Number: 348
Draw Type: PNP-only
Date of Draw: June 2, 2025
Number of Invitations: 277
Minimum CRS Score Required: 726
📅 Recent Draws Comparison (2025)
| Draw Date | Type | CRS Cutoff | Invitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 28 | STEM | 491 | 2,800 |
| May 21 | General | 502 | 3,000 |
| May 15 | Healthcare | 469 | 3,500 |
| Jun 2 | PNP | 726 | 277 |
What Does This Mean?
This draw was exclusive to Express Entry candidates who were nominated by a Canadian province or territory. Such candidates automatically receive a 600-point boost to their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, making them highly competitive.
The minimum CRS score required in this draw was 726, meaning the base score (before nomination) was likely around 126 — much lower than the usual cutoffs for other Express Entry draws like Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or Federal Skilled Worker (FSW).
Tie-Breaking Rule Explained:
IRCC uses a tie-breaking rule to prioritize profiles when multiple candidates have the same CRS score. For this draw, only those who submitted their profile before September 24, 2024 at 15:46:19 UTC were invited if their score was exactly 726.
What is the PNP (Provincial Nominee Program)?
The PNP allows provinces and territories to nominate individuals for permanent residence based on their skills, work experience, and ability to contribute to the local economy.
If you are nominated through a “base” PNP, you apply directly to IRCC. But if it’s an “enhanced” PNP tied to Express Entry, you get 600 points and enter the pool — making you almost guaranteed to get an ITA (Invitation to Apply).
Why is the CRS Score So High?
Because of the 600 bonus points from provincial nominations, the final CRS cutoffs in PNP draws are always high — typically above 700. These scores don’t reflect how strong your original profile is; they reflect your post-nomination score.
Recent Trends and What to Expect
IRCC continues to issue program-specific draws in 2025, including:
- PNP-targeted draws like this one
- Category-based draws (e.g. STEM, Healthcare)
- Federal Skilled Worker draws (FSW)
- Canadian Experience Class draws (CEC)
With immigration levels rising, expect more category-based and PNP draws throughout the year.
Timeline Comparison Table: Express Entry Draws 2025
| Draw # | Date | Type | CRS Cutoff | ITAs Issued | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 347 | May 28 | STEM Occupations | 491 | 2,800 | Category-based selection |
| 346 | May 21 | General | 502 | 3,000 | All-program draw |
| 345 | May 15 | Healthcare Occupations | 469 | 3,500 | Category-based draw |
| 348 | June 2 | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 726 | 277 | PNP candidates only – very competitive |
Who Should Pay Attention?
If you:
- Are currently in Canada under a work permit or study permit and want PR
- Have received a provincial nomination or are planning to apply for one
- Are trying to boost your Express Entry CRS score
Then staying up-to-date with draw trends like this is critical for planning your immigration strategy.
How to Prepare for PNP Streams:
- Research provinces that match your NOC and job experience.
- Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) to provinces with active PNP streams.
- Get your documents ready — especially language scores, ECA, and job offers if required.
- Be aware of deadlines and processing timelines for nomination and Express Entry.
This latest PNP draw is part of Canada’s strategy to help provinces fill labour shortages and support regional economic growth. With only 277 invitations issued, it was a highly competitive draw — but a clear reminder that provincial nominations remain a powerful pathway to permanent residency in Canada.
If you’re eligible for PNP, now might be the best time to apply and secure that 600-point CRS boost!
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