IRCC Issues 399 Express Entry Invitations in Latest PNP Draw

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted a fresh round of invitations under the Express Entry system, focusing exclusively on Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates. In this draw, 399 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued to candidates who had already secured a provincial nomination.

This draw highlights Canada’s continued emphasis on welcoming skilled workers who meet regional labor market needs through provincial immigration pathways.

Key Highlights of the Latest Express Entry PNP Draw

Here are the important details candidates should know:

• Program: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
• Number of ITAs Issued: 399
• Minimum CRS Score Required: 731
• Profile Submission Cut-off:
  Express Entry profiles must have been created before 7:18 a.m. (UTC) on October 18, 2025

Candidates meeting both the CRS score and profile submission time were eligible to receive an invitation.

Why the CRS Cut-Off Is High in PNP Draws

A CRS score of 731 may seem high compared to general Express Entry draws. However, this is expected for PNP-specific rounds.

Here’s why:

• Provincial nominees automatically receive 600 additional CRS points
• The base CRS score before nomination is often much lower
• PNP draws prioritize candidates aligned with provincial labor shortages

This makes the Provincial Nominee Program one of the most reliable pathways for candidates with moderate CRS scores.

What Is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?

The Provincial Nominee Program allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate skilled workers who:

• Match local workforce requirements
• Intend to live and work in that specific province
• Have the skills, education, and experience needed by regional employers

Once nominated, candidates can apply for permanent residence through Express Entry or non-Express Entry streams.

Who Benefited the Most from This Draw?

This draw primarily benefits candidates who:

• Already secured a provincial nomination
• Have strong ties to a specific Canadian province
• Work in high-demand occupations
• Created their Express Entry profile before the stated cut-off date

For such candidates, receiving an ITA significantly speeds up the path to permanent residency.

What Happens After Receiving an ITA?

Once an ITA is issued, candidates must:

1. Submit a complete permanent residence application
2. Upload required documents (medical, police clearance, proof of funds, etc.)
3. Pay the applicable IRCC fees
4. Respond within the deadline set by IRCC

A well-prepared application increases the chances of faster processing and approval.

What This Draw Means for Future Applicants

This latest PNP draw signals that:

• Canada continues to rely on provinces to meet regional workforce needs
• PNP remains a strong option for candidates with lower base CRS scores
• Timely profile creation and provincial engagement are critical

Candidates without a provincial nomination should actively explore PNP streams aligned with their occupation and experience.

How to Improve Your Chances in Future PNP Draws

If you were not invited in this round, consider these steps:

• Research province-specific nomination streams
• Improve language scores to increase CRS
• Gain relevant work experience in in-demand occupations
• Create or update your Express Entry profile promptly
• Seek professional guidance for province selection and documentation

The issuance of 399 ITAs in the latest Express Entry PNP draw reinforces Canada’s commitment to skilled immigration through provincial pathways. With a CRS cut-off of 731, this draw once again proves that a provincial nomination can be a game-changer for permanent residence applicants.

Staying informed, acting early, and choosing the right immigration strategy are key to success under Canada’s evolving immigration system.