Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently ramped up its activity within the Express Entry system by issuing more invitations to apply (ITAs). This momentum is particularly noteworthy for those seeking opportunities through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
In a recent draw, IRCC issued **421 ITAs** specifically for PNP candidates. To qualify for this round, prospective applicants were required to meet certain criteria:
- A **minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)** score of **727**; and
- Creation of an **Express Entry candidate profile** prior to **5:11 PM UTC on September 9, 2024**.
See your eligibility for all Express Entry streams
Summary of Express Entry Draws in 2025
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Cut-off CRS Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 28 | Provincial Nominee Program | 421 | 727 |
| April 14 | Provincial Nominee Program | 825 | 764 |
| March 21 | French Language Proficiency | 7,500 | 379 |
| March 17 | Provincial Nominee Program | 536 | 736 |
| March 6 | French Language Proficiency | 4,500 | 410 |
| March 3 | Provincial Nominee Program | 725 | 667 |
| February 19 | French Language Proficiency | 6,500 | 428 |
| February 17 | Provincial Nominee Program | 646 | 750 |
| February 5 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 521 |
| 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 |
Notably, the April 28 draw is the second of the month and follows another PNP draw that occurred on **April 14**. In total, **31,929 ITAs** have been issued by IRCC in 2025, showcasing a significant focus on PNP candidates this April, with no other types of Express Entry draws conducted so far.
The PNP has become increasingly prominent, especially as candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) have noted the absence of draws for their program since early February. Furthermore, the last category-based selection occurring this year has been exclusively for individuals showcasing proficiency in the French language.
IRCC has emphasized its intention to prioritize candidates within the CEC program and other priority categories for applications for **permanent residence (PR)** this year. As part of the **2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan**, the immigration department is poised to welcome **395,000** new permanent residents to Canada in 2025. A considerable proportion of these newcomers, **232,150**, will stem from the economic immigration allocation, which encompasses the Express Entry system.
Can My Family Join Me if I Receive Permanent Residence Through Express Entry?
One of the appealing aspects of the Express Entry system is the option for successful candidates to include their family in their PR application. This includes:
- Your spouse or common-law partner.
- Your dependent children, or your spouse/partner’s dependent children.
- Any dependent children of those dependent children.
If your Express Entry application proves successful, any accompanying family members will also receive PR status in Canada.
IRCC defines a dependent child as:
- Under **22 years of age** and not a spouse or common-law partner, or
- **22 years or older**, who has been financially dependent on their parents since before reaching 22, and is unable to support themselves due to a physical or mental condition.
Beyond declaring dependents on your PR application, Canadian permanent residents have the opportunity to sponsor their parents or grandparents for immigration via the **Parents and Grandparents Program**, or facilitate visits through the **Super Visa** program.
