By Sanjay Prasher (SP), M.B.A, CICC
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) | Member, College of Immigration & Citizenship Consultants (CICC)
Licensed by the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) | Gold Member, CAPIC
On April 28, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its 7th Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)-specific draw of the year, issuing 421 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 727 or higher. This brings the total ITAs issued in 2025 to 31,929, reflecting Canada’s strategic focus on provincial economic needs.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Draw Type | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) |
| ITA Issued | 421 |
| Minimum CRS Score | 727 |
| Tie-Breaking Rule | Profiles submitted before September 9, 2024, at 17:11:19 UTC |
Why This Matters:
PNP candidates receive +600 CRS points for a provincial nomination, making them top contenders in Express Entry draws.
Thunder Bay, North Bay, and other regions are prioritizing skilled workers in healthcare, trades, and tech through PNPs like the RCIP.
Here’s a snapshot of CRS scores and ITA numbers this year:
| Draw # | Date | ITAs Issued | CRS Score | Draw Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 343 | April 28, 2025 | 421 | 727 | PNP |
| 342 | April 14, 2025 | 825 | 764 | PNP |
| 341 | March 21, 2025 | 7,500 | 379 | French Proficiency |
| 340 | March 17, 2025 | 536 | 736 | PNP |
Key Takeaways:
PNP Draws: CRS scores remain high (727–802), emphasizing provincial nominations.
Category-Based Draws: French-language and healthcare draws have lower CRS cutoffs (379–428).
IRCC typically holds draws every two weeks, often on Wednesdays. The next draw is anticipated on April 30, 2025, likely targeting:
French Proficiency (CRS: 380–420)
Healthcare Occupations (CRS: 400–450)
STEM Professions (CRS: 500–550)
Pro Tip: Boost your CRS score by improving language test results or securing a provincial nomination.
Invites top-ranking candidates across all programs (FSW, CEC, FSTP, PNP).
2025 Example: Draw #335 (CEC) with a CRS cutoff of 521.
Targets candidates in a single program (e.g., PNP or CEC).
2025 Example: Draw #343 (PNP-only).
Focuses on sectors like healthcare, French proficiency, or STEM.
2025 Categories:
French-language proficiency
Healthcare occupations
STEM, trades, transport, agriculture
| CRS Range | Number of Candidates |
|---|---|
| 601–1200 | 416 |
| 501–600 | 20,708 |
| 451–500 | 72,523 |
| 401–450 | 68,267 |
| 351–400 | 53,640 |
Insight: Over 72,000 candidates are in the 451–500 range, making this bracket highly competitive.
667 (Draw #338 on March 3, 2025).
Retake language tests (IELTS/CELPIP) for higher points.
Secure a provincial nomination (+600 CRS).
Gain additional work experience or education.
Yes! French-language draws had CRS cutoffs as low as 379 in 2025.
Categories are updated annually. Follow IRCC’s announcements for 2026 updates.
At CTIVCI, we help candidates:
Target PNPs aligned with their occupation.
Prepare for language tests (French/English).
Submit error-free applications to avoid delays.
Book a Consultation with Sanjay Prasher: “Your pathway to Canada starts here.”
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