IRCC’s Record-Breaking Provincial Nominee Program Draw in 2025

The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently conducted its largest Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Express Entry draw of the year, issuing a total of 714 Invitations to Apply (ITAs).

Applicants needed to achieve a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 738 and had to have submitted their Express Entry profile before February 22, 2025, to be eligible for consideration.

This draw, which took place in November, followed a series of consecutive rounds in late October, which included draws for the French-language proficiency, Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and smaller PNP categories.

Throughout 2025, IRCC has issued a total of 81,223 ITAs across all Express Entry streams. The majority of these invitations were distributed through the French-language proficiency and CEC draws, highlighting the department’s emphasis on language-based selection criteria and domestic work experience.

Overview of the 2025 Express Entry Draws:

• PNP: 20 draws – 7,249 ITAs
• CEC: 11 draws – 22,850 ITAs
• French-language proficiency: 7 draws – 36,000 ITAs
• Healthcare and social services: 5 draws – 9,792 ITAs
• Education: 2 draws – 3,500 ITAs
• Trade: 1 draw – 1,250 ITAs

This recent draw indicates a potential increase in nomination-based invitations by IRCC as the year comes to a close, aligning with the department’s strategy to achieve a balance between federal and provincial immigration targets before transitioning to the 2026–2028 immigration plan.