Canada Express Entry PNP Draw September 2025: 291 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) – CRS Cut-off, Eligibility Criteria & Next Steps for Candidates
Breaking: IRCC Targets Provincial Nominees with High CRS Requirements
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted another significant Express Entrydraw, specifically targeting Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates. This latest developmentmarks the 18th PNP-focused draw of 2025, signaling Canada’s continued emphasis on province-specific immigration pathways.
Key Details of the Latest Express Entry Draw
- Draw Date: September 29, 2025
- Total Invitations: 291 ITAs
- Minimum CRS Score: 855
- Draw Type: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Profile Creation Deadline: Before April 8, 2025, at 1:25 a.m. UTC
Who Received Invitations?
To be eligible for this round, candidates had to meet the following criteria:
- Hold a provincial nomination through one of Canada’s PNPs.
- Achieve a minimum CRS score of 855 in their Express Entry profile.
- Create their Express Entry profile before the specified cutoff date.
The high CRS threshold of 855 reflects the competitive nature of PNP draws, as a provincial nomination automatically adds 600 points to a candidate’s base CRS score.
Express Entry in 2025: The Numbers
So far in 2025, IRCC has issued 65,838 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) across various Express Entry streams. The distribution highlights Canada’s immigration priorities:
By Number of Draws:
- Provincial Nominee Program: 18 draws
- Canadian Experience Class: 9 draws
- French-language proficiency: 5 draws
- Healthcare and social services: 4 draws
- Education: 2 draws
- Trades: 1 draw
By Total Invitations Issued:
- French-language candidates: 25,500 ITAs
- Canadian Experience Class: 20,850 ITAs
- Healthcare and social services: 7,500 ITAs
- Provincial Nominee Program: 6,947 ITAs
- Education: 3,500 ITAs
- Trades: 1,250 ITAs
September’s Express Entry Activity Heats Up
September 2025 has been particularly active for Express Entry draws. This latest PNP draw is the seventh draw of the month, following:
- September 18: Trades category draw
- September 17: Education category draw (first in over four months)
- September 15: Provincial Nominee Program draw
- September 4: General draw with 4,500 invitations
- September 3: Canadian Experience Class draw
- September 2: Another general draw
This frequency demonstrates IRCC’s commitment to processing applications and welcoming newcomers across various skilled worker categories.
What This Means for Aspiring Immigrants
For PNP Candidates:
If you hold a provincial nomination, your chances of receiving an Express Entry invitation remain strong. The consistent PNP draws throughout 2025 confirm that this pathway is a reliable route to Canadian permanent residence.
For Other Candidates:
Although PNP draws dominate, IRCC continues to hold category-specific draws for:
- French-speaking candidates
- Canadian Experience Class applicants
- Healthcare professionals
- Education sector workers
- Skilled trades workers
How to Improve Your Express Entry Profile
- Pursue a Provincial Nomination:
A provincial nomination adds 600 points to your CRS score, virtually guaranteeing an ITA in subsequent draws. Research provinces that match your occupation and experience. - Enhance French Language Skills:
French-language proficiency draws have issued 25,500 ITAs this year, making bilingualism a valuable asset. - Gain Canadian Work Experience:
The Canadian Experience Class remains popular, with 20,850 invitations issued in 2025. - Focus on Priority Occupations:
Healthcare, education, and trades sectors receive dedicated draws with lower CRS requirements. - Maximize Your CRS Score:
- Improve language test scores (IELTS/CELPIP/TEF)
- Obtain additional credentials
- Gain more work experience
- Secure a valid job offer with LMIA
Looking Ahead: What to Expect
Based on 2025 trends, candidates can anticipate:
- Continued PNP Focus: Province-specific immigration will remain central.
- Regular Draw Frequency: Multiple draws per month across categories.
- Category-Based Selection: Specialized draws for certain occupations and language skills.
- Competitive CRS Scores: Strong profiles with robust credentials will have the best chances.
Next Steps for Candidates
- If you received an ITA: You have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application with all required documents.
- If you’re still waiting: Monitor Express Entry draws, strengthen your profile, and consider provincial nominee programs to boost your CRS score.
Need assistance? Consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or immigration lawyer to assess your eligibility and improve your chances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a Provincial Nominee Program?
A: PNPs allow Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals for immigration based on local labor market needs.
Q: Why is the CRS cutoff so high for PNP draws?
A: Provincial nominations add 600 points to your base score, resulting in higher cutoffs for PNP-specific draws.
Q: How often does IRCC conduct Express Entry draws?
A: In 2025, IRCC has been conducting multiple draws per month, sometimes several per week.
Q: Can I apply to multiple Provincial Nominee Programs?
A: Yes, you can apply to multiple provinces simultaneously, though each has its own process and fees.
Express Entry draws happen regularly, and requirements can change frequently. Subscribe to immigration updates to stay informed about your pathway to Canadian permanent residence.
Last Updated: September 30, 2025
