Canada invites PNP candidates in the third Express Entry draw this month

Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 536 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a recent Express Entry draw targeting Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates.

To qualify for this draw, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 736 and must have submitted their Express Entry profile before 2:02 PM UTC on March 12, 2025.

This marks the third Express Entry draw in March. Earlier, IRCC conducted a French-language proficiency draw on March 6 and another PNP-focused draw on March 3.

Latest Draw Details 

• Draw Date: March 17, 2025
• Draw Type: Provincial Nominee Program
• Number of Invitations: 536
• Minimum CRS Score Required: 736

Express Entry Draws List

Express Entry Trends in 2025

So far, Express Entry draws this year have been alternating between the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), PNP, and French-language categories. The year has also seen larger draws, with thousands of ITAs issued. The last CEC draw, held on February 5, invited 4,000 candidates with a CRS cutoff of 521. 

Meanwhile, the French-language proficiency draws on February 19 and March 6 each invited over 4,000 candidates. On February 27, IRCC announced its priority categories for 2025, introducing education as a new focus area.

IRCC’s Priority Categories for 2025

• French-language proficiency
• Healthcare and social services occupations
• Trade occupations
• Education occupations

In its announcement, IRCC reiterated its commitment to inviting candidates with Canadian work experience and strong French-language skills under Express Entry.

Understanding Express Entry

Express Entry is Canada’s system for managing applications under three economic immigration programs:

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

Candidates are ranked using the CRS, which assesses factors such as age, education, work experience, and language skills. PNP candidates typically have higher CRS scores since a provincial nomination adds 600 points to their total.

Applicants may also earn points for factors like family ties in Canada or immigrating with a spouse or partner. Those with the highest CRS scores are most likely to receive an ITA in future draws.

Upcoming Changes: Currently, candidates can receive additional points for job offers under arranged employment. However, IRCC has announced plans to remove these extra CRS points in spring 2025.

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