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Canada Invited 725 PNP Candidates in the Latest IRCC Express Entry Draw

March 4, 2025

IRCC Express Entry

Canada continues with its efforts of luring high-skilled immigrants with the ircc express entry draw system, which is among the quickest and most effective to permanent residence. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) carried out the newest Express Entry draw #338 on March 3, 2025, by inviting 725 Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applicants to apply for Canadian permanent residence.

Key Highlights of IRCC Express Entry Draw #338

  • Number of Invitations Issued: 725
  • Minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score: 667
  • Reduction in CRS Cut-Off: 83 points lower than the last PNP-specific draw
  • Tie-Breaking Rule: June 5, 2024, at 18:25:22 UTC
  • Total Express Entry Profiles as of March 3, 2025: 227,822

This IRCC Express Entry draw reveals the Canadian government’s approach towards favouring the applicants who already hold provincial nominations and thus hugely improve their permanent residence prospects. 

Given that the provincial nominees acquire a further 600 CRS points, their potential for receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) grows immensely with regard to all the other contenders within the pool.

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Canada’s Growing Focus on PNP Candidates

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) continues to be an important part of Canada’s immigration plan. All provinces and territories in Canada, with the exception of Quebec and Nunavut, operate their own PNP streams aimed at meeting regional labor market needs and economic requirements. 

The program enables provinces to nominate skilled foreign workers, entrepreneurs, and graduates who can contribute to their economy and society.

With this latest IRCC Express Entry draw, Canada has now invited a total of 18,147 Express Entry candidates in 2025, including 2,297 PNP candidates, showcasing the government’s continued commitment to attracting highly skilled individuals through this pathway.

Why PNP Candidates Have a Strong Advantage

Provincial Nominee Program candidates hold a unique advantage in the Express Entry system. Once nominated by a province, they receive an additional 600 points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), significantly boosting their overall score and placing them at the top of the Express Entry pool. 

This ensures they receive an ITA in subsequent draws, making the PNP one of the most reliable pathways to Canadian permanent residence.

Moreover, PNPs address precise in-demand occupation and regional labour market requirements. Most provinces such as Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba have launched designated PNP streams targeting healthcare professionals, technology workers, and trade professionals, among others.

How Express Entry and PNP Work Together

The Express Entry system manages three key immigration programs:

  1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
  2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
  3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

However, candidates who receive a provincial nomination through PNP are given priority in the selection process. The integration of PNPs with the IRCC Express Entry draw provides greater opportunities for skilled workers to secure Canadian permanent residency quickly.

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting an ITA

If you are an aspiring immigrant looking to secure an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in upcoming Express Entry draws, consider these key strategies:

  • Increase Your CRS Score: Improve factors like education, work experience, and language proficiency to boost your score.
  • Apply for a Provincial Nomination: Research PNPs that align with your occupation and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
  • Gain Additional Work Experience: More skilled work experience can increase your CRS points.
  • Enhance Your Language Skills: Achieve high scores in IELTS/CELPIP to maximize CRS points.
  • Secure a Valid Job Offer: A job offer from a Canadian employer can significantly improve your chances.
Why Now is the Right Time to Apply for Express Entry

The recent IRCC Express Entry draw shows that IRCC is actively issuing invitations to PNP candidates, solidifying Canada’s resolve to support economic growth through skilled immigration.

 The reduced CRS cut-off in this draw also indicates greater possibilities for qualified candidates to be awarded ITAs in the future.

For prospective immigrants, keeping track of Express Entry draws and knowing the PNP choices can prove very useful to make Canada permanent residence more accessible. 

If you plan on going for Express Entry or PNP, it’s an ideal moment to prepare your profile and raise the odds in your favor.

Get Expert Assistance for Your Canada Immigration Journey

Navigating the Canadian immigration process can be complicated, but with expert assistance, the process can become seamless. We offer expertise in assisting applicants to successfully apply for Express Entry and PNP programs. 

From profile optimization to document preparation and PNP applications, our team is ready to assist you at every turn. Stay informed about the most recent IRCC Express Entry draw results and have your application competitive with our professional assistance.

If you want to know more details about Canada Invited 725 PNP Candidates in the Latest IRCC Express Entry Draw you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.

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