Canada’s immigration system saw another significant development this week as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted one of the largest Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)–specific selection rounds of the year. With the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) requirements falling to their lowest point in nine months, many PNP candidates are now a step closer to permanent residency.
Also Read IRCC Holds a Large PNP Draw as CRS Scores Decline to the Lowest Level Since Early 2025
A Surge in Invitations for Provincial Nominee Program Candidates
In its latest Express Entry invitation round on 25th November, IRCC extended 777 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates nominated by provincial immigration programs.
Applicants needed a minimum CRS score of 699 to receive an invitation, and their profiles had to be submitted before September 6, 2025, at 1:16 a.m. UTC.
This draw marks the fourth round held in November alone and follows earlier selections targeting the Healthcare category, the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and another PNP-specific draw.
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Express Entry Trends in 2025: A Year Dominated by PNP and Targeted Categories
With this latest draw, Canada has now issued 87,476 ITAs in 2025 – an indicator of the country’s ongoing reliance on skilled immigration to support economic and demographic needs.
Key patterns emerging in 2025 Express Entry draws include:
- PNP draws continue to lead the system with 22 rounds so far, making it the most frequently used stream this year.
- CEC candidates received opportunities through 12 draws, reaffirming Canada’s efforts to transition in-country talent.
- French-language proficiency draws remain a major pathway, supported by 7 large rounds, often issuing thousands of invitations at once.
- Targeted occupation draws, especially in healthcare, social services, education, and trades, continue to shape the selection strategy.
Breakdown of ITAs Issued in 2025
A closer look at invitation distribution reveals where Canada is prioritising talent:
| Stream Type | Total ITAs Issued |
| French Proficiency | 36,000 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 23,850 |
| Healthcare & Social Services | 13,500 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 9,376 |
| Education | 3,500 |
| Trade | 1,250 |
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 22 |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 12 |
| French-language proficiency | 7 |
| Healthcare and social services | 6 |
| Education | 2 |
| Trade | 1 |
The French category leads with 36,000 ITAs, demonstrating Canada’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Francophone immigration outside Québec. Meanwhile, CEC and healthcare-focused draws are also strongly represented, aligned with labour shortages in essential sectors.
Month-by-Month Activity: November Continues a High Pace of Selection
The latest PNP round contributes to an already active month. November has featured:
- November 25 – PNP | 777 ITAs | CRS 699
- November 14 – Healthcare | 3,500 ITAs | CRS 462
- November 12 – CEC | 1,000 ITAs | CRS 533
- November 10 – PNP | 714 ITAs | CRS 738
This consistent activity shows Canada’s intent to maintain high Express Entry draw frequencies while balancing general and category-based draws.
Why CRS Scores Are Dropping
The significant decrease in CRS requirements for the latest PNP draw-down to 699 signals:
- Higher nomination volumes from provinces
- Larger draw sizes compared to previous PNP rounds
- A strategic shift toward accelerating the processing of provincial nominees, who already meet regional labour demands
This reduced cutoff gives nominated candidates a better chance of becoming permanent residents more quickly.
What This Means for Aspiring Immigrants
With a mix of broad and targeted draws, candidates across various backgrounds, especially those with provincial nominations, Canadian work experience, or French-language abilities, stand a strong chance in upcoming rounds.
The remainder of the year is expected to follow similar trends, with IRCC focusing heavily on:
- Labour market shortages
- Support for provinces’ economic priorities
- The expansion of category-based selection
- Continued emphasis on French-speaking newcomers
