Blog

Dear future neighbour,

In draw #374, IRCC issued 302 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) stream, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 761.

That’s a drop of 17 points from the previous PNP-specific draw earlier this month (October 14, 2025), where the cut-off stood at 778.

What This Draw Means

This latest round highlights Canada’s ongoing strategy of targeted draws inviting candidates who best meet specific labour market needs rather than pulling randomly from the general pool.

Because this was a PNP-only draw, it means that only candidates who had already received a provincial nomination were eligible. These nominations automatically give applicants an extra 600 CRS points, significantly boosting their chances of receiving an ITA.

The tie-breaker rule for this draw was applied to candidates who submitted their Express Entry profiles before September 26, 2025

A Closer Look at the Numbers

As you can see, Canada is maintaining an active draw schedule alternating between category-based, language-focused, and PNP-specific rounds.

Why This Draw Matters

This draw reaffirms a few important trends in Canadian immigration:

1. Regional Priorities Matter – Provinces continue to play a big role in selecting immigrants that fit their local labour needs.

2. PNP = A Powerful Route – With +600 CRS points from a nomination, even candidates with mid-range scores can get invited.

3. Slight CRS Decline – The 17-point drop hints that IRCC might be opening the door to more provincial nominees as part of its 2025-2026 immigration goals.

4. Early Profile Advantage – Submitting your profile early (and keeping it updated) helps you stay within tie-breaker windows.

What This Means for Future Applicants

If you’re considering Express Entry, here’s how you can take advantage of the current trend:

• Pursue a Provincial Nomination (PNP) – Explore programs like Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), or British Columbia PNP.

• Optimize Your CRS Score – Work on your language test results, education credentials, and work experience to increase competitiveness.

• Monitor Category-Based Draws – Canada regularly invites candidates with French-language proficiency or experience in high-demand sectors like healthcare, tech, and trades.

• Stay Prepared – Keep your documents (ECA, IELTS/TEF results, job offers, etc.) up to date so you can act fast when invited.

The Bigger Picture

IRCC’s category-based and PNP-focused draws show Canada’s commitment to targeted immigration – selecting candidates who can fill critical labour shortages across the country.

For applicants, this means diversifying your pathways is key: combine a strong Express Entry profile with a provincial strategy for the best chance at success.

See below quick summary of October 27 draw

• Draw Number: 374

• Date: October 27, 2025

• Stream: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

• ITAs Issued: 302

• Minimum CRS: 761

• Tie-Breaker: September 26, 2025

Canada’s Express Entry system continues to evolve, and this draw proves that PNP nominations remain one of the most reliable routes to permanent residency.

If you’re preparing to immigrate to Canada, now’s the perfect time to boost your CRS score, explore provincial options, and keep an eye on future draws.

See below summary of Express Entry draws in 2025