IRCC Announces New PNP Draw

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently issued 646 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency via the Express Entry system, with an emphasis on candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). To be eligible, candidates must have a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 750 and submit their Express Entry profile by July 23, 2024, at 5:41 p.m. Coordinated Universal Time.

 The Key Highlight –

•    ITA – 646 ( PNP)
•    CRS Score – 750 

The latest February 17, 2025 PNP Draw – Third Draw of the month

This draw, conducted on February 17, 2025, is the third of the month. It follows the PNP draw on February 4, which invited 455 candidates, and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw on February 5, which distributed 4,000 ITAs. Since the beginning of 2025, IRCC has focused its Express Entry draws on PNP and CEC candidates, with CEC draw numbers reverting to the higher levels observed in 2024.

Notably, no category-based drawings have been done for French speakers, healthcare workers, or tradespeople, despite the fact that the IRCC has identified these groups as priority categories for 2025. Furthermore, the IRCC has allocated 41,700 permanent resident landings to these categories this year as part of the Immigration Levels Plan for 2025-2027.

Summary of The Express Entry draw 2025

What   Should the Individuals with Low CRS score do to be selected?

Individuals with lower CRS scores should still consider applying via the Express Entry pool. CRS ratings can fluctuate, and being in the pool allows applicants to profit on these fluctuations. Furthermore, depending on the date of profile submission, completing an Express Entry profile early can benefit from tie-breaking procedures. Candidates can also improve their CRS scores over time by honing their language abilities, gaining more work experience, or acquiring a higher education qualification. An active profile allows for consideration in a range of immigration programs, including upgraded PNP streams and regional pilot programs, which increases the possibility of receiving an ITA.

What is the Express Entry System?

The Express Entry system, which went online on January 1, 2015, processes applications for permanent residency under a variety of economic immigration programs. It analyzes and ranks candidates using a points-based approach known as the Comprehensive Ranking approach (CRS), which takes into account factors such as age, education, language proficiency, and job experience. The approach aims to select applicants who are most likely to succeed economically in Canada.

Since its introduction, Express Entry has been the primary pathway for skilled immigrants seeking permanent residence in Canada. The approach allows the IRCC to conduct targeted draws based on economic goals, labor market demands, and regional immigration objectives. The recent preference for PNP and CEC candidates illustrates the IRCC's goal of promoting economic integration and addressing provincial labor issues.

Despite the focus on PNP and CEC applicants, category-based lotteries are set to resume later in 2025. The IRCC's decision to prioritize French speakers, healthcare workers, and tradesmen aligns with long-term labor market strategies and Canada's goal of supporting economic growth through skilled immigration.

Prospective applicants are advised to be informed about future draw trends and regulatory changes. Those with lower CRS scores should aim to improve their profiles by gaining more qualifications, honing their language abilities, or pursuing a provincial nomination. With ongoing policy changes, maintaining an active Express Entry profile is a good approach for maximising opportunities for Canadian permanent residency.