Canada continues its strong immigration momentum with a new round of invitations through the Express Entry system. In the latest draw held on April 28, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited 421 candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
This marks another chapter in IRCC’s recent focus on provincial nominees, an approach that strengthens regional economies across Canada.
Also Read Canada Issues 421 New Invitations Under Express Entry for PNP Nominees
April 28 Express Entry Draw: Key Insights
Applicants selected in this draw needed to have:
- A minimum CRS score of 727, and
- An active Express Entry profile submitted before September 9, 2024, at 5:11 p.m. UTC.
Unlike general draws that invite candidates from all categories, this selection was exclusively for those nominated by a province or territory — giving them a decisive advantage in the Express Entry pool.
Express Entry Activity So Far in 2025
Throughout the first months of 2025, IRCC has been consistently holding draws but has shown a particular preference for PNP and French-speaking candidates. Here’s a snapshot of the year’s Express Entry invitations:
| Date | Draw Type | ITAs Issued | CRS Cut-off |
| April 28 | Provincial Nominee Program | 421 | 727 |
| April 14 | Provincial Nominee Program | 825 | 764 |
| March 21 | French Language Proficiency | 7,500 | 379 |
| March 17 | Provincial Nominee Program | 536 | 736 |
| March 6 | French Language Proficiency | 4,500 | 410 |
| March 3 | Provincial Nominee Program | 725 | 667 |
| Feb 19 | French Language Proficiency | 6,500 | 428 |
| Feb 17 | Provincial Nominee Program | 646 | 750 |
| Feb 5 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 521 |
| Feb 4 | Provincial Nominee Program | 455 | 802 |
| Jan 23 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 527 |
| Jan 8 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,350 | 542 |
| Jan 7 | Provincial Nominee Program | 471 | 793 |
To date, 31,929 ITAs have been issued across all categories in 2025.
Interestingly, there have been no category-specific draws so far for in-demand occupations (such as healthcare or STEM) that were introduced under category-based selection reforms in 2023 — apart from selections favoring candidates proficient in French.
Focus on PNP and Future Outlook
The trend toward prioritizing PNP candidates is clear. While Canadian Experience Class (CEC) applicants saw their last draw in early February, they have since been waiting for fresh opportunities.
IRCC has stated that it intends to balance its draws moving forward, ensuring that CEC candidates and those falling within priority occupations will receive more invitations later in the year.
This strategy supports Canada’s broader objective of distributing immigration benefits across the country — not just in major cities but also in regional areas that require skilled workers.
Canada’s Immigration Goals for 2025
Under its 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada is set to welcome 395,000 new permanent residents this year. Economic immigration programs, including Express Entry and the PNP, will make up the bulk of admissions, with 232,150 spaces allocated.
By targeting provincial nominees and French speakers early in the year, Canada is actively working to meet both labor market needs and population growth objectives across its diverse provinces and territories.
Family Reunification: Who Can Join an Express Entry Applicant?
Applicants approved through Express Entry aren’t just moving to Canada alone — they can bring their families too. Individuals can include in their permanent residence application:
- Their spouse or common-law partner,
- Dependent children,
- And even dependent children of their spouse or partner.
According to IRCC, a dependent child is defined as:
- Being under 22 years of age and unmarried,
- Being 22 years or older but unable to support themselves financially due to a long-standing mental or physical condition.
Later on, successful immigrants can also apply to sponsor parents or grandparents under family reunification programs such as the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) or invite them through the Super Visa pathway.
What It Means for Aspiring Immigrants
The latest developments make it clear: candidates hoping to secure an ITA soon should consider provincial nomination pathways to increase their chances.
With more PNP draws and potentially new category-based selections anticipated later this year, Express Entry remains a dynamic and competitive route for skilled individuals seeking a future in Canada.
