Ottawa Invited 421 PNP Candidates in the Latest Express Entry Draw
April 30, 2025

On April 28, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its most recent Express Entry draw, inviting 421 PNP candidates and bringing new hope to skilled workers looking to settle in Canada via provincial nomination.
In this 343rd Express Entry draw, 421 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued solely to candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) stream, furthering Canada’s efforts to attract the best and brightest through customized provincial immigration streams.
This tie-up brings into focus Canada’s strategic solution to filling labor market requirements across provinces by accepting candidates who have already shown they meet the economic and workforce needs of a particular province or territory.
A Competitive but Promising Cut-Off Score for 421 PNP Candidates
The lowest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score cut-off for this round was 727, a significant drop of 37 points from the last PNP-only draw. The reduction in the cut-off score is a positive development for potential candidates remaining in the pool, reflecting better prospects for top-scoring profiles who might have been denied invitations in previous rounds.
In this draw, 421 PNP candidates were issued Invitations to Apply (ITAs), again emphasizing the significance of provincial nomination in enhancing the prospects. The tie-breaking point for this draw was September 09, 2024, at 17:11:19 UTC, so candidates with a CRS score of 727 or above and with the Express Entry profile submitted prior to this time stamp were issued invitations. This draw exhibits Canada’s continued commitment to fairness and efficiency in the selection process with transparency and consistency.
Express Entry Pool Continues to Grow
As of April 27, 2025, the Express Entry pool contained 246,673 registered profiles, which were a diverse group of candidates from around the globe. With such a large and competitive pool, obtaining an ITA through a PNP stream is an impressive feat for any applicant.
In the most recent draw alone, 421 PNP candidates were invited, which goes to show the effectiveness and reach of provincial nominations. Applicants who are invited by a Canadian province or territory get an extra 600 CRS points, hugely increasing their possibilities of getting invited in a federal draw. This renders the PNP route one of the most influential choices for skilled workers aspiring to become permanent residents in Canada.
Canada’s 2025 Immigration Goals on Track
Through this recent draw, a total of 31,929 ITAs have been issued by Canada in the year 2025 so far under the Express Entry program. Out of these, 4,079 invitations have been given specifically to PNP candidates, of which the 421 PNP candidates invited in the latest round are a part.
These numbers indicate Canada’s aggressive immigration policy that is in line with its national and provincial economic growth plans.
The PNP is important in filling the provinces’ labor gaps and bringing in talent that can meet their local needs. This is particularly urgent in fields such as healthcare, construction, technology, and education—areas in which most provinces have continuous demand.
Why Choose the PNP Route?
The Provincial Nominee Program is a worthwhile route for applicants who might not immediately qualify under high federal CRS cut-offs but have excellent qualifications and work experience appropriate to a specific province. In the latest draw, 421 PNP candidates were issued Invitations to Apply, which underlines the attractiveness of this option.
With a nomination, the candidates get a significant CRS boost, which almost ensures an ITA in the next Express Entry round. Most provinces—such as Ontario, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Nova Scotia—operate specific PNP streams to invite skilled workers, foreign graduates, and in-demand professionals.
For those with a particular province of destination in mind or connections to a specific province, the PNP can be an efficient and straightforward path to Canadian permanent residence.
The Road Ahead for PNP Candidates
This recent draw, which issued 421 PNP candidates, is one component of Canada’s overall strategy to decentralize immigration selection and give provinces the authority to select immigrants best suited to their local needs. With future Express Entry draws anticipated during the course of the year, prepared and qualified candidates eligible for PNP streams have an excellent opportunity for selection.
As Canada’s economy expands and becomes more diversified, immigration continues to be a cornerstone of national growth. Prospective immigrants with specialist skills and provincial endorsement will remain central to Canada’s workforce and social fabric.
Ready to Immigrate to Canada through the PNP?
The process of navigating the Canadian immigration process—particularly the PNP and Express Entry—is not one that should be done lightly. Strategy, experience, and current knowledge are needed.
Our immigration experts will assist you throughout your process, from profile setup and nomination application to ITA preparation and final submission.
Whether you’re looking to be one of the 421 PNP candidates who were recently invited or looking to enter future draws, we can assist you in getting your profile ready for success.
If you’re looking to investigate your options under the Provincial Nominee Program or increase your CRS score through provincial nomination, get in touch with us today. Let’s make your Canadian immigration dream a reality.
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