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Tag Archives: #Permanentresidency

October 16, 2025

Dear future neighbour,

“Waiting for your PR to be approved feels like watching paint dry — except the paint is your entire future in Canada.”

If you’ve submitted (or are about to submit) your Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) application, you already know the excitement and the nerves that come with it. But here’s the thing: sometimes, delays aren’t IRCC’s fault. They’re caused by small but serious mistakes that could’ve easily been avoided.

Let’s save you months of waiting and a few gray hairs by walking through the most common PR application blunders and how to dodge them like a pro.

1. Submitting Incomplete or Inconsistent Documents

This one tops the list every single year.
Maybe you forgot to upload your spouse’s birth certificate, or your employment letters don’t line up perfectly with your work history. IRCC officers are sticklers for accuracy and they will pause your file if something doesn’t add up.

Avoid it:

  • Double-check that all mandatory forms and documents are uploaded.

  • Make sure dates, job titles, and employer names are consistent across documents (résumé, reference letters, pay stubs, etc.).

  • Keep a checklist handy (IRCC has one for each program).

 2. Missing Deadlines After an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Got an ITA through Express Entry? Congrats! But remember – you only have 60 days to submit your full PR application.

Many applicants get caught off guard scrambling for reference letters or translations at the last minute. IRCC doesn’t grant extensions for being “almost ready.”

Avoid it:
Start gathering your key documents before you get invited – things like police certificates, employment letters, and proof of funds can take weeks to secure.

3. Providing the Wrong Proof of Funds (or Not Updating It)

If your proof of funds doesn’t meet the minimum required amount or your bank statement is outdated, IRCC might flag your application. They want to see that your money is:

  • Readily available,

  • In your name (or your spouse’s, if applicable), and

  • Not borrowed or temporarily transferred.

Avoid it:

  • Check the latest required funds on Canada.ca.

  • Include an official bank letter, stamped statements, and clear summaries of balances.

  • Don’t move large sums into your account right before applying – it raises red flags.

4. Overlooking the Details in the Personal History Section

Your “Personal History” (travel, work, study, unemployment, etc.) should have no gaps. Even a one-month blank period can trigger a request for clarification.

Avoid it:
Map out your last 10 years (or since age 18) on paper before filling it in online. List every job, trip, and study period chronologically. Gaps = delays.

5. Errors in Name, Date of Birth, or Passport Information

Yes, this happens way more often than you’d think. Even a small typo (like “Jonh” instead of “John”) can cause your medicals or background checks to misalign with your application.

Avoid it:

  • Double-check every detail before submission.

  • Make sure all documents (passport, language test, ECA report) show the exact same name format.

If you changed your name (e.g., after marriage), include legal proof like a marriage certificate or name change document.

6. Delays in Medical Exams or Police Certificates

Your PR application won’t move forward until both medicals and police checks are cleared.
If your medicals expire mid-process (they’re valid for one year), IRCC may request new ones adding weeks or months.

Avoid it:

  • Book your panel physician appointment early.

  • Apply for police certificates from every country you’ve lived in for 6+ months since age 18.

  • Keep copies of everything you submit.

7. Forgetting to Translate Documents into English or French

IRCC only accepts documents in English or French. Submitting originals in another language (without certified translation) will stall your file immediately.

Avoid it:

  • Use certified translators approved in your country.

  • Include both the translation and a copy of the original document.

  • Avoid using machine or self-translation — IRCC doesn’t accept those.

8. Not Updating IRCC About Major Life Changes

Got married? Had a baby? Changed jobs or address? Those are big updates and IRCC must know about them before your application is finalized.
Failing to update them could cause inconsistencies or even refusal.

Avoid it:
Log in to your IRCC account and use the “Webform” to notify them of changes immediately.

9. Misunderstanding Program Requirements

Some people apply under the wrong program entirely. For example, they choose the Federal Skilled Worker Program instead of the Canadian Experience Class, even though they don’t have foreign work experience or language test scores that meet the cutoff.

Avoid it:
Before applying, read the eligibility requirements carefully on the official IRCC website. If you’re unsure, consult a regulated immigration consultant (RCIC) — they can clarify your best path.

10. Ignoring IRCC Requests or Missing Emails

IRCC sometimes sends additional document requests or clarifications via your account or email. Missing them could mean your application gets closed as incomplete.

Avoid it:

  • Check your IRCC account and email (including spam) every few days.

  • Respond promptly — ideally within 48–72 hours.

  • Keep your contact info up to date at all times.

Need Professional Help with Your Application?

Ese Umoh Immigration is a certified RCIC consultancy, licensed to provide professional immigration guidance. We help applicants understand which program best fits their profile, prepare their documentation accurately, and avoid the kind of missteps that lead to delays or refusals.

Whether you’re applying for a visitor visa, work permit, or permanent residence, creating an Express Entry or Provincial Nominee profile, or preparing your application after an ITA, we’re here to help you get it right the first time.

Schedule a 30-minute / 60- minute consultation or contact us at:
info@eseumohimmigration.com

Let’s make sure your application doesn’t just get submitted – it gets approved.

 

October 15, 2025

“Choosing how to immigrate to Canada isn’t a one-size-fits-all. Think of it like choosing a route for a long road trip: one might be faster, another more scenic, another might stop in places you really want to see.”

If you’re exploring pathways to Canadian permanent residence, you’ve likely come across two big names: Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). They can overlap, they can intersect, and sometimes they work together—but they also differ in important ways. Knowing those differences can help you pick the path that best fits you.

Let’s break it down, compare side by side, and help you decide which path might suit your situation best.

What Are They, Exactly?

Express Entry

  • A federal immigration management system run by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

  • Designed to bring in skilled workers through three main “economic” immigration programs:

    1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

    2. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

    3. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

  • Applicants are evaluated using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) which assigns points based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language ability (English and/or French).

  • If your CRS score is above a cutoff in an Express Entry draw, you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

  • Processing tends to be relatively fast: IRCC aims to process many Express Entry PR applications in about 6 months after the ITA is submitted.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

  • Run by each province or territory in Canada (e.g. Ontario, British Columbia, Saskatchewan etc.), not by the federal government. Their goal is to meet local labour market needs.

  • Provinces set their own “streams” or “expressions of interest” systems, with specific eligibility requirements (for example: certain skills, occupations, job offer, provincial connection, or work history).

  • There are two broad types of PNP streams:

    1. Enhanced PNPs – these are linked to Express Entry. If nominated through an enhanced stream, you get 600 extra CRS points, which almost ensures you’ll receive an ITA in the next Express Entry draw.

    2. Base PNPs (or non-Express Entry streams) – these are not linked to Express Entry. You get a provincial letter/certificate of nomination, then apply to IRCC for PR via a separate route. No 600-point boost in CRS in these cases.

Key Differences at a Glance

Here are major contrast points that tend to matter most to people deciding between Express Entry vs PNP.

Factor Express Entry PNP (Base / Enhanced)
Who Runs It Federal government (IRCC) Provincial / Territorial governments + IRCC for final PR grant
Primary Criteria “Human capital” factors: age, education, work experience, language, etc. Specific provincial needs: certain occupations, job offers, tie to the province, labour gaps
CRS / Ranking Must compete in national pool; no provincial nomination = no automatic boost Enhanced PNP gives +600 CRS points; base PNP doesn’t affect CRS (for EE), but still could lead to PR via provincial route
Flexibility of Where to Live After PR, you’re free to live anywhere (outside of Quebec’s separate system) You are expected to settle in the nominating province. Enhanced PNPs typically expect you to keep ties to the nominating province.
Processing Time Usually faster (after ITA); often around 6 months for many Express Entry applications. Can be longer, especially with base PNP streams: sometimes 9-18 months or more including both provincial nomination step + federal PR application.
Cost / Fees Less complexity in terms of provincial fees; mostly federal fees for PR application. Provincial fees in addition to federal PR fees; might need to apply to the province first (which may carry fees), then IRCC.
Best for Who Applicants with strong CRS profile: good education, strong language test scores, solid work experience; someone wanting flexibility in where to live Applicants who may have lower CRS but match a province’s specific needs; those with a job offer or provincial connection; those willing to live in a specific province

Pros & Cons: What You Gain and What You Trade Off

Advantages of Express Entry

  • Faster processing once you get an ITA.

  • Flexibility to settle anywhere in Canada (once you’re a permanent resident) outside Quebec.

  • Transparent program; relatively predictable scoring metrics.

Downsides of Express Entry

  • It can be very competitive. If your CRS score isn’t high, you might wait longer, or never get an ITA in certain draws.

  • Certain work experience or occupations might not get you high CRS points (or may not qualify under Express Entry programs).

Advantages of PNP

  • More pathways: you don’t always need a super high CRS score if your profile aligns with what a province needs.

  • Enhanced PNP nominations give a big CRS boost (600 points) making getting an ITA far more likely.

  • Some base PNP streams are more lenient with respect to job offers, language scores, or specific experience. They may be better suited for people who don’t meet Express Entry thresholds.

Downsides of PNP

  • Longer overall timeline if base PNP or if the provincial nomination step plus federal approval takes time.

  • You may need to show commitment to live and work in the nominating province. If you relocate too soon, it might be viewed negatively.

  • Provincial fees + more administrative steps. More complexity in satisfying province-specific criteria.

How They Can Work Together

It’s not always Express Entry vs PNP—sometimes it’s Express Entry + PNP.

  • Many PNP streams are “enhanced,” meaning they are linked to the Express Entry system. If you apply under an enhanced PNP stream and receive a provincial nomination, you instantly get 600 extra CRS points in your Express Entry profile. That almost guarantees an ITA, assuming everything else is in order.

  • If you are in the Express Entry pool already, you can keep your profile active while also monitoring PNP streams for which you qualify. If a province nominates you, then that boosts your Express Entry profile.

When One Path Might Be More Wise Than the Other

Here are some typical scenarios, with suggestions of which path might make more sense. Of course, everybody’s situation is unique, but this can give you a framework.

Situation Express Entry Likely Better PNP Might Be Better
You have a high education level, excellent language scores, solid skilled work experience ✔ You may get an ITA quickly through EE draws without needing provincial nomination Might be overkill — unless you want to settle in a specific province
You want flexibility in where to live in Canada ✔ EE gives you that freedom after landing You’ll likely need to commit to a province under PNP
Your CRS score is lower than recent EE draw cutoffs (or likely to be) PNP (especially enhanced) may boost your CRS or provide alternate route Strong option for applicants willing to move to less popular provinces
You have a job offer in a certain province, or already have ties to a province (work, living, education) PNP streams often value these; could give you a faster nomination Good match for PNP gives leverage
You can’t afford long wait times and want speed Express Entry tends to be faster once everything is ready Base PNP may take longer; enhanced PNP better but still usually slower than EE after ITA

Practical Checklist: What to Do Next If You’re Deciding

  1. Calculate your CRS score using current criteria. See how high or low you are relative to recent draws.

  2. Research your province(s) of interest – check their PNP streams: what jobs are in demand, whether there are enhanced streams, what their eligibility is.

  3. Get your credentials evaluated (e.g. education, language tests) so you have firm data on what you bring.

  4. Create an Express Entry profile if you are eligible. Even if you plan to go PNP, having an EE profile gives you more options (especially for enhanced PNPs).

  5. Keep documents ready (job offer letters, language results, educational credential assessments, etc.) both EE and PNP processes will ask for paperwork.

  6. Evaluate costs and timelines — province fees, federal fees, processing time, required commitments.

  7. Stay up to date — immigration rules, draw cutoffs, and PNP stream availability shift over time. What was possible last year may have changed already.

 

Express Entry and PNP aren’t rivals so much as they are tools in your toolkit. You want the tool that fits your situation: your profile, where you want to live, how quickly you want to move, and what resources you have. Sometimes the smartest strategy is using them together (Express Entry + Enhanced PNP).

If you prepare well, meet the requirements, keep informed, and present your best case – either path can lead you to Canadian permanent residence.

Need Help Deciding or Applying?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or want professional guidance:

Whether you’re creating an Express Entry or provincial nomination profile, applying through work permits, visitor visas, or submitting after receiving an Invitation to Apply—we can help you navigate this with confidence.

Schedule a 60-minute / 30-minute consultation or contact us at:
info@eseumohimmigration.com

Let’s tailor your pathway together so it matches your goals and gets you closer to making Canada your home.

 

 

October 15, 2025

Dear future neighbour,

Canada continues its steady pace of Express Entry draws this fall, with the latest round taking place on October 14, 2025. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 345 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) stream marking Express Entry Draw #372.

If you’re an aspiring immigrant keeping an eye on CRS trends, here’s everything you need to know about this draw and what it means for your Express Entry journey.

Key Highlights from the October 14 Express Entry Draw

Detail Information
Draw Number #372
Date of Draw October 14, 2025
Program Type Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Number of Invitations Issued 345
Minimum CRS Score Required 778
Tie-Breaker Date July 17, 2025

Since PNP candidates automatically receive a 600-point CRS boost after being nominated by a province or territory, the actual base CRS score (before nomination) for these candidates was roughly around 178.

What This Draw Tells Us

1. PNP Draws Continue to Dominate Fall 2025

This is the latest in a series of program-specific draws focusing on provincial nominees. With provinces like Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia ramping up their nomination quotas this year, IRCC’s focus on PNP candidates reflects Canada’s goal of addressing regional labour shortages and distributing immigration benefits across provinces.

2. CRS Score Eases Slightly

Compared to the last PNP draw on September 29, which had a cutoff of 855 CRS points, the October 14 draw saw the threshold drop by 77 points. This could signal a gradual easing as more nominations are issued by provinces and IRCC balances draw frequencies across categories.

3. IRCC Maintains a Varied Draw Strategy

This month alone, Canada has conducted draws for:

  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC) on October 1 (1,000 ITAs, cutoff 534)

  • French-language category on October 6 (4,500 ITAs, cutoff 432)

  • PNP-specific draw on October 14 (345 ITAs, cutoff 778)

This pattern shows IRCC’s ongoing effort to diversify invitations and meet the 2025 immigration targets across multiple skill categories.

See below Summary of Express Entry draws in 2025

Date Draw Type Number of ITAs Cut-off CRS score
October 14 Provincial Nominee Program 345 778
October 6 French language proficiency 4,500 432
October 1 Canadian Experience Class 1,000 534
September 29 Provincial Nominee Program 291 855
September 18 Trade 1,250 505
September 17 Education 2,500 462
September 15 Provincial Nominee Program 228 746
September 4 French language proficiency 4,500 446
September 3 Canadian Experience Class 1,000 534
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

What This Means for Express Entry Candidates

If you’re in the Express Entry pool, here are key takeaways from the latest draw:

  1. Provincial Nomination = Big Advantage
    Securing a provincial nomination remains one of the fastest and most reliable ways to receive an ITA. That 600-point bonus can turn an average CRS score into a guaranteed invitation.

  2. Keep an Eye on Category-Based Draws
    Even if your CRS score isn’t high enough for PNP or general draws, IRCC is increasingly selecting candidates based on occupation or language ability (like trades, education, and French-speaking proficiency).

  3. Update Your Profile Regularly
    Make sure your Express Entry profile is up to date including new work experience, language test results, or educational upgrades — to stay competitive as draw patterns shift.

  4. Don’t Rely on One Stream
    PNP draws are great, but many successful candidates are now being invited through French language or occupation-specific draws. Staying flexible increases your chances.

Looking ahead, analysts expect IRCC to hold at least one more draw in late October, potentially targeting either:

  • Healthcare or Education occupations, or

  • Another general all-program draw to clear backlogs.

With Canada aiming to welcome more than 485,000 new permanent residents in 2025, it’s likely we’ll continue to see frequent and diverse Express Entry draws throughout the fall season.

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

October 7, 2025

Dear future neighbour,

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a new Express Entry draw on October 6, 2025, inviting 4,500 candidates who demonstrated strong French language proficiency. This was the latest category-based draw under the Express Entry system, part of Canada’s ongoing strategy to attract more Francophone immigrants and strengthen bilingual communities across the country.

See below details of the October 6, 2025 Express Entry Draw

  • Program: French Language Proficiency
  • Draw date / round: October 6, 2025- Round #371
  • CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 432
  • Number of invitations issued: 4,500
  • Tie-breaking rule: June 13, 2025

Continued Focus on Francophone Immigration

This draw reinforces IRCC’s consistent focus throughout 2025 on welcoming more French-speaking skilled workers outside of Quebec. By prioritizing this group, the federal government aims to promote linguistic diversity and support its target of increasing the proportion of Francophones settling in Canada’s English-speaking provinces.

Compared to the previous French-language draw held on September 4, 2025, which required a CRS of 446, this new cutoff represents a 14-point decrease. The lower score indicates that IRCC is expanding access for French-proficient candidates, likely to ensure that annual immigration targets are met while also recognizing the value of bilingual talent in Canada’s labor market.

See below summary of Express Entry draws in 2025

Date Draw Type Number of ITAs Cut-off CRS score
October 6 French language proficiency 4,500 432
October 1 Canadian Experience Class 1,000 534
September 29 Provincial Nominee Program 291 855
September 18 Trade 1,250 505
September 17 Education 2,500 462
September 15 Provincial Nominee Program 228 746
September 4 French language proficiency 4,500 446
September 3 Canadian Experience Class 1,000 534
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

What This Means for Applicants

The October 6 draw was not limited to specific occupations or economic programs — anyone in the Express Entry pool who met the French language criteria and general eligibility requirements could receive an invitation. This inclusive approach benefits candidates from a wide range of professional backgrounds, from educators and engineers to healthcare professionals and IT specialists, as long as they can demonstrate French fluency through an approved test such as TEF Canada or TCF Canada.

For candidates who do not yet have strong French skills, this draw is a reminder of how language ability can significantly influence Express Entry opportunities. Improving language scores, whether in English or French, remains one of the most effective ways to increase CRS points and boost chances of receiving an invitation in future rounds.

How This Fits Into Canada’s 2025 Immigration Goals

Throughout 2025, Canada has relied heavily on category-based Express Entry draws, focusing on priority sectors and skills such as healthcare, trades, education, and French-language proficiency. These targeted rounds allow IRCC to address specific labor shortages while aligning immigration with regional and demographic goals.

By early October, the total number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued through Express Entry had surpassed 60,000 for the year, with French-language draws representing a significant share. The October 6 draw alone added another 4,500 potential permanent residents to that count, demonstrating the importance of linguistic diversity within Canada’s immigration system.

What Next

Those who received an Invitation to Apply on October 6 now have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application to IRCC. Applicants should ensure that all documents  including proof of language test results, education credentials, and work experience  are accurate and up to date.

For candidates who are still waiting in the pool, this draw highlights the need to keep their profiles active and up to date. Improving education credentials, gaining more work experience, boosting language test scores, or applying for a provincial nomination can all help increase their ranking and chances of receiving an invitation.

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

September 22, 2025

Dear future neighbour,

Manitoba continues to refine its Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) in response to labour market demands, immigration trends, and evolving federal policies. With reduced nomination allocations this year, tighter competition, and targeted draws.

Recent Draws and Invitations

In 2025, Manitoba has conducted several key draws under its Skilled Worker in Manitoba, Skilled Worker Overseas, and International Education streams.

  • September 18, 2025: A major round invited 911 skilled workers through Manitoba’s Strategic Recruitment Initiatives. No minimum cut-off score was published for this draw.

  • June 26, 2025: A combined round issued 478 invitations to international education graduates and foreign workers connected to Manitoba, alongside 14 invitations under skilled worker streams with a cut-off score of 712.

  • June 12, 2025: A targeted draw invited 36 skilled workers overseas, with the lowest-ranked candidate scoring 613. Five of these invitations went to candidates with valid Express Entry profiles.

  • March 2025: Manitoba invited 101 candidates under the Skilled Worker in Manitoba stream with a cut-off of 844, and 7 overseas candidates via strategic recruitment initiatives with a minimum score of 705.

These draws highlight Manitoba’s focus on both domestic graduates and strategically recruited foreign workers.

Policy Changes and Program Adjustments

The MPNP has also seen notable policy shifts this year:

  1. Employer Services Stream Pause
    Intake of new applications under the Employer Services stream was temporarily paused from July 4 to August 5, 2025. Applications submitted before the pause remain unaffected.

  2. Temporary Work Permit Policy
    A new public policy allows eligible PNP candidates to apply for Manitoba-specific work permits valid for up to two years. This measure supports workers whose permits have expired, are expiring soon, or who need restoration of status. The program runs until December 31, 2025.

  3. Reduced Nomination Allocation
    Manitoba’s allocation of provincial nominations was reduced in 2025 to 4,750 spots, down by nearly half compared to previous years. This makes competition for invitations significantly tighter.

What This Means for Applicants

For prospective immigrants, these updates present both challenges and opportunities:

  • Strategic Recruitment Initiatives remain critical. Candidates connected to Manitoba employers or occupations in demand have stronger chances.

  • International students and recent graduates benefit from the International Education Stream, which continues to issue large volumes of invitations.

  • Express Entry connections improve eligibility and processing speed, as draws often favour candidates with active Express Entry profiles.

  • Valid work authorization is essential. The new temporary work permit policy offers relief, but only until the end of 2025.

  • Higher competition is expected due to the reduced allocation, meaning strong applications and complete documentation are more important than ever.

Outlook for 2025

While Manitoba’s PNP continues to provide pathways for skilled workers, students, and internationally recruited talent, applicants must carefully time their applications, monitor official updates, and maintain eligibility.

With nomination caps reduced, future draws are likely to remain competitive and strategically targeted. However, the province’s support measures like the temporary work permit policy—signal Manitoba’s commitment to retaining workers who can contribute to its labour market and communities.

Manitoba’s 2025 PNP landscape is defined by opportunity tempered with heightened selectivity. For those considering this pathway, preparation, strong connections to Manitoba, and close attention to evolving policies will be the keys to success.

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

 

September 18, 2025

Dear future neighbour,

On September 17, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted the fifth Express Entry draw of the month, targeting candidates in the Education occupations category.

This latest draw highlights the government’s ongoing commitment to using category-based selection to address Canada’s critical labour market needs, particularly in education.

Key Details of the Draw

  • Date: September 17, 2025

  • Draw type: Education category (category-based selection)

  • Number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs): 2,500

  • Minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score: 462

  • Tie-breaking rule: July 9, 2025

This draw marks a significant increase in invitations compared to the previous education draw on May 1, 2025, which issued just 1,000 ITAs with a higher CRS cutoff of 479.

Summary of Express Entry draws in 2025

Date Draw Type Number of ITAs Cut-off CRS score
September 17 Education 2,500 462
September 15 Provincial Nominee Program 228 746
September 4 French language proficiency 4,500 446
September 3 Canadian Experience Class 1,000 534
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

Eligible Occupations

Candidates invited under this category belong to specific education-related National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes, including:

  • NOC 41220 – Secondary school teachers

  • NOC 41221 – Elementary school and kindergarten teachers

  • NOC 43100 – Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants

  • NOC 42202 – Early childhood educators and assistants

  • NOC 42203 – Instructors of persons with disabilities

These roles have been prioritized due to persistent shortages in Canada’s education sector.

 See below CRS Score Distribution in the Express Entry Pool

The table below shows the distribution of candidates in the Express Entry pool as of September 14, 2025.

CRS Score Range Number of Candidates
601–1200 220
501–600 24,870
451–500 71,427
491–500 12,341
481–490 12,555
471–480 15,569
461–470 16,158
451–460 14,804
401–450 74,178
441–450 14,719
431–440 16,312
421–430 14,822
411–420 14,714
401–410 13,611
351–400 52,883
301–350 19,978
0–300 8,074
Total 251,630

What This Draw Means

The September 17 draw represents a bigger and more inclusive round than earlier education draws:

  • Lower cutoff score: At 462, the CRS requirement is 17 points lower than the May draw, opening the door to more candidates.

  • Increased invitations: More than double the number of ITAs were issued this time, showing a stronger demand for education professionals.

  • Category focus: This is part of IRCC’s broader trend of moving away from exclusively general draws and toward targeted category-based selection.

For eligible candidates in the education sector, this is a clear signal that opportunities are expanding.

What Applicants Should Do

  • Check your CRS score: If you are in one of the eligible NOCs and have a CRS of around 460 or higher, you may be competitive in future draws.

  • Submit early: The tie-breaking rule shows that the timing of profile submission matters. Candidates with the cutoff CRS of 462 needed to have submitted before July 9, 2025.

  • Boost your profile: For those under the cutoff, improving language scores, obtaining higher education credential assessments (ECAs), or pursuing provincial nominations can help.

  • Monitor draw trends: Category-based draws are becoming more frequent, and future rounds may continue to favour education professionals.

Conclusion

The September 17, 2025 Express Entry draw is a positive development for teachers, early childhood educators, and other education professionals seeking permanent residence in Canada. With a lower CRS threshold and more invitations than previous education draws, IRCC is clearly signaling the importance of this sector to Canada’s future.

Eligible candidates should take advantage of this opportunity by ensuring their profiles are up to date and competitive for the next rounds.

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

 

September 16, 2025

Dear future neighbour,

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted its latest round of invitations under the Express Entry system. The draw, held on September 15, 2025, was focused exclusively on candidates who had secured a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination.

See below key results of Express Entry Draw #366

  • Program: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

  • Number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs): 228

  • Minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required: 746

  • Tie-breaking rule: Applied to profiles submitted before March 31, 2025

The relatively small number of invitations and the high CRS threshold reflect the competitive nature of PNP-specific draws. Because a provincial nomination automatically provides an additional 600 CRS points, scores in these rounds are typically much higher than in other categories.

What This Draw Means for Applicants

  1. High CRS Cut-offs Continue
    With a required CRS of 746, only candidates with a nomination and strong underlying profiles were invited. This highlights the advantage of securing a PNP nomination, but also shows that competition remains intense.

  2. Smaller Pool of Invitations
    Just 228 invitations were issued in this round, significantly fewer than in recent general or category-based draws. This trend indicates IRCC’s ongoing focus on targeted immigration streams rather than large all-program draws.

  3. Timing Matters
    The tie-breaking rule shows the importance of submitting an Express Entry profile as early as possible. Even candidates with the same score may miss out if their profiles are entered after the cut-off date.

How This Compares to Previous Draws

Earlier this month, on September 2, 2025, a similar PNP-specific draw invited 249 candidates with a higher CRS cut-off of 772. By contrast, category-based draws for French-speaking candidates and certain occupations have seen much lower CRS thresholds, sometimes below 500.

This contrast underscores how CRS requirements fluctuate depending on the draw type. PNP candidates face consistently high cut-offs, while category-based draws open doors for skilled workers in targeted sectors.

See below summary of Express Draws in 2025

Date Draw Type Number of ITAs Cut-off CRS score
September 5 Provincial Nominee Program 228 746
September 4 French language proficiency 4,500 446
September 3 Canadian Experience Class 1,000 534
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

Looking Ahead

As 2025 progresses, IRCC appears to be prioritizing targeted draws over broad, all-program rounds. This aligns with Canada’s strategy to attract immigrants with specific skills, language abilities, or regional ties.

Applicants should pay close attention to:

  • Upcoming all-program draws, which remain less frequent this year.

  • Provincial nomination opportunities, since PNPs remain one of the most reliable ways to secure an invitation.

  • Category-based selection trends, particularly for healthcare workers, STEM professionals, and French speakers.

Conclusion

Canada’s latest Express Entry draw once again highlights the critical role of the Provincial Nominee Program in securing permanent residency. While competition is fierce and CRS cut-offs remain high, candidates who secure a nomination and submit their profiles early stand the best chance of success.

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

September 3, 2025

Dear future neighbour,

On September 2, 2025, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) marked a milestone by inviting 2,643 candidates to apply for permanent residency across three separate draws. This figure represents the program’s largest single-day issuance of invitations so far in 2025.

The draws targeted candidates residing in Canada who are employed in key healthcare roles, along with early childhood educators and assistants.

Profiles submitted between July 2, 2025, and September 2, 2025, were included in the selection.

See below details of latest OINP draw:

  1. Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream
  • Number of Invitations: 1,305
  • Date Profiles Created: July 2, 2025 – September 2, 2025
  • Score Range: 41 and above

Aimed at candidates with job offers in nine key healthcare roles or as early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202).

       2. Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream

  • Number of Invitations: 1,105
  • Date Profiles Created: July 2, 2025 – September 2, 2025
  • Score Range: 58 and above

Aimed at international students with job offers in nine healthcare roles or as early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202).

        3. Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream

  • Number of Invitations: 233
  • Date Profiles Created: July 2, 2025 – September 2, 2025
  • Score Range: 33 and above

Aimed at candidates with job offers in NOC 44101 – home support workers, housekeepers, and related roles.

Together, these streams identified and selected 2,643 applicants who possessed the skills, credentials, and employment offers aligned with Ontario’s labor market needs.

See below Occupations in Focus: Addressing Ontario’s Priority Needs

The OINP draws focused on nine healthcare roles and early childhood educators, highlighting Ontario’s pressing demand for workers in these sectors.

Selected NOC Codes

  • NOC 31100 – Specialists in Clinical and Laboratory Medicine
    Includes pathologists and radiologists who are vital for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

  • NOC 31101 – Specialists in Surgery
    Surgeons addressing complex conditions such as orthopedic and cardiovascular issues.

  • NOC 31102 – General Practitioners and Family Physicians
    Primary care doctors serving communities across the province.

  • NOC 31300 – Nursing Coordinators and Supervisors
    Leaders who manage nursing teams and ensure smooth healthcare operations.

  • NOC 31301 – Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses
    Frontline caregivers providing essential patient care.

  • NOC 31302 – Nurse Practitioners
    Advanced practitioners often delivering primary care in high-need areas.

  • NOC 31303 – Physician Assistants, Midwives, and Allied Health Professionals
    Supporting roles that enhance physician services and specialized care, including midwifery.

  • NOC 32101 – Licensed Practical Nurses
    Providers of essential nursing care under RN and physician supervision.

  • NOC 33102 – Nurse Aides, Orderlies, and Patient Service Associates
    Critical support staff in hospitals and long-term care facilities.

  • NOC 42202 – Early Childhood Educators and Assistants
    Professionals fostering early learning and child development.

The In-Demand Skills Stream also focused on

  • NOC 44101 – Home Support Workers, Housekeepers, and Related Occupations, covering roles essential for assisting seniors and people with disabilities.

Applicants who received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) on September 2, 2025, are encouraged to move quickly to take advantage of this opportunity.

Since July 2, 2025, the OINP has introduced a key update requiring all job offer approvals to be submitted via the Employer Portal, streamlining the overall process.

This update enhances both efficiency and transparency in application handling.

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

September 3, 2025

Dear future neighbour,

Alberta’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) continued to focus on law enforcement professionals in its recent immigration rounds. By August 2025, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) had already carried out five separate draws under the Law Enforcement Pathway.

Purpose of the Law Enforcement Pathway

The Law Enforcement Pathway was introduced in June 2024 to strengthen recruitment for Alberta police services and address labour shortages in public safety. The stream was designed to attract skilled professionals who can contribute to crime reduction and community protection.

To qualify, candidates are required to:

  • Secure a job offer from an Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police (AACP) member organization.

  • Satisfy all Express Entry requirements set by IRCC.

Eligible Occupations

Occupations that may be nominated under this pathway include:

  • Commissioned and non-commissioned police officers and related roles in public protection.

  • Police investigators and other investigative positions.

  • Specialized law enforcement occupations.

Alberta Express Entry Pathways

Within the AAIP Express Entry stream, Alberta focuses on priority sectors through three distinct pathways:

  • Dedicated Health Care Pathway

  • Accelerated Tech Pathway

  • Law Enforcement Pathway

Draw from August 13–20

On August 19, 2025, Alberta held another draw targeting law enforcement professionals through this pathway.

  • Number of invitations issued: fewer than 10

  • Minimum CRS score: 45

This was one of the lowest cut-off scores observed in 2025, highlighting Alberta’s strong commitment to bringing in law enforcement candidates.

Nomination Progress in 2025

By August 27, 2025, Alberta reported the following updates for the Law Enforcement Pathway:

Stream 2025 Nomination Allocation Nominations Issued Nominations Remaining EOIs in Pool
Law Enforcement Pathway 20 11 9 123

Ongoing Draws in 2025

Alberta’s Provincial Nominee Program has already conducted five rounds of invitations under the Law Enforcement Pathway this year. With fewer than half of the available nominations left, candidates in the pool still have promising opportunities to be selected in upcoming draws.

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

September 3, 2025

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