Canada’s pursuit of skilled immigrants is as targeted as ever, but the competition is clearly intensifying. In the latest Express Entry draw, the country extended a total of 291 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency, setting a minimum required score that has soared to 855.
The draw, which took place on September 29, 2025, specifically focused on candidates who had secured a nomination through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Score Rises Sharply
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score of 855 marks a significant jump compared to the previous PNP-specific draw.
- Latest Draw (September 29): 291 ITAs issued; CRS score of 855.
- Previous PNP Draw (September 15): 228 ITAs issued; CRS score of 746.
The increase of over 100 points signals that only the most highly-ranked provincial nominees were selected in this round.
Why the Score is So High
It’s important to understand that a CRS score over 600 in these PNP draws is not a sign of a general score increase for all applicants. Candidates who receive a provincial nomination are automatically awarded an extra 600 points added to their existing CRS score.
Therefore, an applicant with a “core” human capital score of 255 (which is generally low) can see their score catapulted to 855 upon receiving a PNP, making them a top-ranked candidate. The high cut-off merely reflects the increased competition among this elite group of provincial nominees.
The Tie-Breaker Rule
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) also applied a tie-breaking rule for this draw.
The timestamp was set at April 8, 2025, at 01:25:29 UTC. This means that candidates who had a CRS score of 855 were invited only if they had submitted their Express Entry profile before this specific date and time. This rule is used to rank candidates who are equally qualified but need to be separated for a limited draw size.
The Provincial Pathway to PR
The Provincial Nominee Program remains one of the most reliable and sought-after routes for permanent residency in Canada.
The program allows individual Canadian provinces and territories to nominate candidates who meet their specific local labour market needs. By securing a nomination first, candidates ensure they are not only eligible for PR but also receive the massive 600-point bonus that virtually guarantees an Invitation to Apply in a subsequent federal Express Entry draw.
Conclusion
The latest Express Entry draw reaffirms Canada’s commitment to attracting talent through the Provincial Nominee Program, allowing regional governments to fill their most pressing labor needs. While the 855 CRS score is intimidating, it underscores the value of the PNP route, where a provincial nomination acts as a golden ticket, securing a spot for permanent residency even amidst fierce competition. For aspiring immigrants, the strategic path remains securing that crucial provincial nomination.
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Disclaimer
This information is based on official data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Immigration rules, draw sizes, and minimum scores are subject to continuous change. All individuals are advised to check the official Canada.ca website and consult with a certified immigration professional for personalized advice and the most current information.
