Dear future neighbour,
On January 7, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its first Express Entry draw of the year, issuing 471 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency. This draw was exclusively for candidates with provincial nominations under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Key Details of the Draw:
•Number of ITAs Issued: 471
•Minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score: 793
•Tie-breaking Rule: November 25, 2024
The elevated CRS cutoff reflects the additional 600 points awarded to candidates with a provincial nomination, indicating that without the nomination, the base CRS score would have been 193.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Overview:
The PNP allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who meet specific local labor market needs. A provincial nomination significantly enhances a candidate’s Express Entry profile by adding 600 CRS points, effectively guaranteeing an ITA in subsequent draws.
CRS Score Distribution as of January 7, 2025:
| CRS score range | Number of candidates |
|---|---|
| 601-1200 | 633 |
| 501-600 | 23,021 |
| 451-500 | 65,492 |
| 491-500 | 12,799 |
| 481-490 | 12,431 |
| 471-480 | 14,917 |
| 461-470 | 12,973 |
| 451-460 | 12,372 |
| 401-450 | 60,416 |
| 441-450 | 11,878 |
| 431-440 | 12,975 |
| 421-430 | 11,839 |
| 411-420 | 12,152 |
| 401-410 | 11,572 |
| 351-400 | 50,452 |
| 301-350 | 21,746 |
| 0-300 | 5,545 |
| Total | 227,305 |
This distribution underscores the competitive nature of the Express Entry system, with a substantial number of candidates in higher CRS brackets.
Implications for Future Applicants:
Given the competitive landscape, candidates are encouraged to enhance their CRS scores through various means:
•Language Proficiency: Improving scores in recognized language tests can boost CRS points.
•Educational Credentials: Pursuing higher education or obtaining Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs) for existing qualifications can add points.
•Work Experience: Gaining additional skilled work experience, particularly in Canada, can enhance a profile.
•Provincial Nomination: Securing a nomination through a PNP stream aligned with one’s skills and experience can add 600 CRS points.
•Job Offer: Obtaining a valid job offer from a Canadian employer can contribute additional points.
•Spousal Factors: Including a spouse’s language skills, education, and work experience can also increase the overall CRS score.
Conclusion:
The first Express Entry draw of 2025 highlights Canada’s ongoing commitment to leveraging the Provincial Nominee Program to address specific regional labor market needs. Prospective immigrants should remain proactive in enhancing their profiles to improve their chances in future draws.