Dear future neighbour,
On September 2, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted Express Entry Draw #363, targeting candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
The round issued 249 Invitations to Apply (ITAs), with the lowest-ranked candidate achieving a CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) score of 772.
See below details of the September 2 Express Entry Draw
- Program: Provincial Nominee Program
- Date and Time: September 2, 2025
- Number of Invitations: 249
- Minimum CRS Score: 772
- Rank Required: 249 or above
- Tie-Breaking Rule: Applied to profiles submitted before August 28, 2025
See below summary of Express Entry Draws in 2025
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Cut-off CRS score |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 2 | Provincial Nominee Program | 249 | 772 |
| August 19 | Healthcare and social services | 2,500 | 470 |
| August 18 | Provincial Nominee Program | 192 | 800 |
| August 8 | French language proficiency | 2,500 | 481 |
| August 7 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,000 | 534 |
| August 6 | Provincial Nominee Program | 225 | 739 |
| July 22 | Healthcare and social services | 4,000 | 475 |
| July 21 | Provincial Nominee Program | 202 | 788 |
| July 8 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 518 |
| July 7 | Provincial Nominee Program | 356 | 750 |
| June 26 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 521 |
| June 23 | Provincial Nominee Program | 503 | 742 |
| June 12 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 529 |
| June 10 | Provincial Nominee Program | 125 | 784 |
| June 4 | Healthcare and social services | 500 | 504 |
| June 2 | Provincial Nominee Program | 277 | 726 |
| May 13 | Canadian Experience Class | 500 | 547 |
| May 12 | Provincial Nominee Program | 511 | 706 |
| May 2 | Healthcare and social services | 500 | 510 |
| May 1 | Education | 1,000 | 479 |
| 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 |
| February 19 | French language proficiency | 6,500 | 428 |
| February 17 | Provincial Nominee Program | 646 | 750 |
| February 5 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 521 |
| February 4 | Provincial Nominee Program | 455 | 802 |
| January 23 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 527 |
| January 8 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,350 | 542 |
| January 7 | Provincial Nominee Program | 471 | 793 |
IRCC continues to shift away from broad-based, all-program draws. Instead, the department has focused on PNP-specific, category-based, and occupation-targeted rounds.
See below latest CRS Score Distribution in the Express Entry Pool
As of September 1, 2025, there were 254,672 candidates in the Express Entry pool. The following outlines the distribution by CRS score range:
| CRS score range | Number of candidates |
|---|---|
| 601-1200 | 246 |
| 501-600 | 25,123 |
| 451-500 | 74,183 |
| 491-500 | 12,443 |
| 481-490 | 12,443 |
| 471-480 | 16,077 |
| 461-470 | 17,252 |
| 451-460 | 15,968 |
| 401-450 | 74,314 |
| 441-450 | 15,220 |
| 431-440 | 16,245 |
| 421-430 | 14,813 |
| 411-420 | 14,542 |
| 401-410 | 13,494 |
| 351-400 | 52,798 |
| 301-350 | 19,955 |
| 0-300 | 8,053 |
| Total | 254,672 |
Category-Based Draws in 2025
IRCC has also allocated clear quotas for certain categories in the second half of 2025. According to recent reports:
-
Education category: 3,000 ITAs planned (1,000 issued; 2,000 remaining)
-
Healthcare category: 8,000 planned (7,500 issued; 500 remaining)
-
Trades category: 3,300 planned (none issued yet)
This structured distribution ensures that immigration draws are strategically aligned with Canada’s workforce needs.
Francophone and CEC Contributions
Another highlight of 2025 has been the rise of Francophone draws. These rounds support Canada’s commitment to promoting French-speaking immigration outside Quebec.
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) also remains important, creating opportunities for skilled workers already in Canada. While fewer in number, CEC draws help temporary residents transition into permanent residency.
Implications for Candidates
The September 2 draw shows that PNP pathways remain highly competitive. With a cut-off CRS score of 772, candidates must continue to strengthen their profiles through higher language scores, more skilled work experience, or securing a provincial nomination.
Applicants are also advised to diversify their strategy. Category-based draws in healthcare, education, trades, or French language skills may provide better chances of receiving an ITA.
Finally, candidates should stay updated. IRCC has been sharing planned draw schedules with provinces, meaning opportunities are likely to follow a structured pattern in the months ahead.
Need help with your Canadian immigration process?
Whether you’re applying for a visitor visa, submitting a work permit or visa application, creating an Expression of Interest (EOI), setting up an Express Entry or Provincial Nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an Invitation to Apply, or simply want a professional review of your self-prepared application, we’re here to assist you.
Schedule a consultation or contact us at:
info@eseumohimmigration.com