IRCC holds second Express Entry draw for PNP candidates

Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has extended more invitations to apply (ITAs) to candidates in the Express Entry pool.

The department issued 455 ITAs to candidates in a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw.

Candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 802 and to have submitted an Express Entry candidate profile before 7:39 pm Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) on December 7, 2024 to be invited.

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Today’s draw is the fourth of the year and follows two Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws and a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw earlier this month.

To date IRCC has issued 6,276 ITAs through the Express Entry system in 2025.

Summary of Express Entry draws in 2025

Date	Draw Type	Number of ITAs	Cut-off CRS score
February 4	Provincial Nominee Program	455	802
January 23	Canadian Experience Class	4,000	527
January 8	Canadian Experience Class	1,350	542
January 7	Provincial Nominee Program	471	793

Since July of 2024, the immigration department has chosen to emphasize candidates who qualify for PNP, CEC and category-based selection draws for ITAs. This is inline with IRCC’s annual Immigration Levels Plan, which newly allocates admissions for candidates in Canada, and those who have the relevant professional and language skills to meet the country’s economic and demographic goals—through the federal immigration system.

In 2025 the priority categories through Canada’s Express Entry system are:

• Healthcare;
• Trades; and
• French-langauge proficiency.

How does Express Entry function?

Express Entry is a applicant management system that manages three of Canada’s largest economic immigration programs:

• The Canadian Experience Class (CEC);
• The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP); and
• The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).

Express Entry also works on a candidate-applicant system. If newcomers are eligible for one of the three Express Entry-managed programs, they must first complete and submit a candidate profile. From here, newcomers are candidates in the Express Entry candidate pool. Candidates are scored according to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and assigned a CRS score based on their human capital factors, skills transferability, and other criteria. The candidates with the highest CRS scores stand the best chance of receiving an ITA.

Once candidates receive an ITA, they will have 60 days to respond with a complete application for permanent residence (PR), which will require more documents like a police clearance certificate and proof of funds, depending on a newcomer’s situation. Once an application of PR is submitted the candidate now becomes an applicant. IRCC will aim to process the PR application within six months. If successful newcomers can receive PR status after this process, and must land in Canada to officially complete the process.

Here’s a simplified step-by-step guide through the Express Entry process:

Step 1: Determine your eligibility for Express Entry. Each of the three programs managed by Express Entry has specific minimum criteria. You must meet the eligibility requirements of at least one.

Step 2: Complete your language testing, and collect all other needed documentation to submit an Express Entry candidate profile (including an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if needed). At this time you can also check to see if you meet the requirements for an Express Entry category based on your professional experience or language ability.

Step 3: Submit your candidate profile on the IRCC website, and receive a CRS score.

Step 4: Wait in the candidate pool until IRCC holds a draw you are eligible for, based on your CRS score, and the time you created your candidate profile (as well as your inclusion in an Express Entry category, if applicable).

Step 5: If you receive an ITA, submit a completed electronic application for PR (with all necessary documentation) to IRCC and pay the required fees within 60-days of receiving the invitation. Depending on your situation you may need to submit a medical exam and/or police certificates as part of your application. IRCC will acknowledge receipt of your application by issuing an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) online.

Step 6: Provide your biometrics if requested to do so by IRCC.

Step 7: Wait for IRCC’s final decision on your application. If approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and, if required, a permanent resident visa, allowing you to complete your landing in Canada. Once you have landed and signed your COPR you are a permanent resident of Canada.

For more information on the Express Entry process, visit our dedicated webpage.

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