Canada Invites 825 Candidates in Express Entry PNP Draw #342: CRS Cut-Off Jumps to 764
Ottawa, April 14, 2025 — In the latest round of Express Entry invitations, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 825 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This draw marks the 342nd Express Entry draw since the system's inception in 2015.
The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required to receive an invitation in this round was an exceptional 764, reflecting the high scores typically associated with PNP-specific draws, where nominated candidates receive an automatic 600-point boost.
Express Entry Draw #342 Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Draw Type | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) |
| Number of ITAs Issued | 825 |
| CRS Score Cut-off | 764 |
| Date of Draw | April 14, 2025 |
| Time of Draw | 13:49:47 UTC |
| Tie-breaking Rule | August 17, 2024 at 18:35:52 UTC |
What This Means for PNP Candidates
This draw specifically targeted candidates in the Express Entry pool who had received a provincial nomination, qualifying them under the Enhanced PNP stream.
Candidates who received ITAs in this draw had:
- Submitted an Express Entry profile,
- Received a nomination from a Canadian province or territory, and
- Had a final CRS score of 764 or higher after the nomination bonus.
The high CRS cut-off reflects the competitive nature of the PNP stream, which prioritizes candidates who are already pre-selected by provinces to meet specific labor market or demographic needs.
Tie-Breaking Rule Explained
IRCC uses a tie-breaking rule to determine the cut-off in cases where multiple candidates have the same CRS score. For this draw, candidates with a score of 764 or above who submitted their Express Entry profiles before August 17, 2024 at 18:35:52 UTC were invited.
This ensures a transparent and consistent selection process that honors earlier submissions.
What is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?
The PNP allows provinces and territories in Canada to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and who are interested in settling in a particular province. There are two types of PNP nominations:
- Base PNP: Application processed outside of Express Entry.
- Enhanced PNP: Linked to Express Entry, where the nominee receives 600 additional CRS points.
Popular provincial programs participating in the Enhanced PNP stream include:
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
- British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
- Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
- Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
- Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
IRCC is expected to continue holding category-based and PNP-specific draws, aligning with Canada's broader immigration targets outlined in the 2024–2026 Immigration Levels Plan. Key trends for 2025 include:
- Focused draws for healthcare, tech, and French-speaking candidates
- Increased provincial autonomy in selecting immigrants
- Emphasis on settlement outside of major urban centers
With 825 candidates invited in the April 14, 2025 draw, Canada continues to use the Express Entry system and PNP to bring in skilled immigrants who can contribute to regional and national economic growth. Candidates with provincial nominations remain in a strong position to receive ITAs, even in a competitive pool.
If you’re an Express Entry candidate with a CRS score below the general cut-off, pursuing a provincial nomination may be your most strategic move toward Canadian permanent residency.
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