Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted another Express Entry draw, issuing invitations to apply (ITAs) to candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This draw is part of Canada’s ongoing effort to invite skilled workers through various immigration streams.
Details of the Latest PNP Draw
On March 3, 2025, IRCC invited 725 candidates in a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw. To be eligible, candidates needed to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 667 and must have created their Express Entry profile before 6:25 PM UTC on June 5, 2024.
This marks the first Express Entry draw in March and follows several draws in February, including those for French-language proficiency, PNP, and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). February was particularly active, with IRCC issuing over 11,000 ITAs in that month alone.
Express Entry Draws in 2025: A Summary
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | CRS Cut-off Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 3, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 725 | 667 |
| February 19, 2025 | French Language Proficiency | 6,500 | 428 |
| February 17, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 646 | 750 |
| February 5, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 521 |
| February 4, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 455 | 802 |
| January 23, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 527 |
| January 8, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,350 | 542 |
| January 7, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 471 | 793 |
What Documents Do You Need to Submit After Receiving an ITA?
If you receive an ITA through the Express Entry system and choose to apply for permanent residence (PR), you must submit the following documents:
- Valid passport copy
- Birth certificate
- Language test results
- Proof of work experience
- Police clearance certificates (for places you’ve lived for more than 6 months since turning 18)
- Receipt from an Immigration Medical Exam (if required)
- Regulation-sized photographs of the principal applicant and accompanying family members
Additional Documents Based on Your Profile
Depending on your specific case and the Express Entry program you qualify under, additional documents may include:
- Copy of Canadian education credentials or Education Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign degrees
- Letter of attestation from a previous employer
- Official transcript from post-secondary education
- Offer letter from a Canadian employer (if applicable)
- Proof of family relationships in Canada
- Evidence of settlement funds
- Legal documents for name changes, marriage, divorce, or adoption records
- Certified copies of a certificate of qualification in a skilled trade (if applicable)
- Work contracts, pay stubs, and tax records
This list is not exhaustive, and requirements may vary based on your specific Express Entry program.
What is Express Entry and How Does it Work?
The Express Entry system is Canada’s primary method for selecting skilled immigrants. It operates under three main streams:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) – For skilled professionals with foreign work experience.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) – For candidates with experience in skilled trades.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – For individuals with skilled work experience in Canada.
Candidates are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which scores applicants based on factors such as:
- Age
- Education
- Work experience
- Language proficiency (English and/or French)
- Canadian job offers (if applicable)
- Provincial nominations
Those with the highest CRS scores receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
How Can You Improve Your CRS Score?
To increase your chances of receiving an ITA, consider these strategies:
- Improve your language test scores (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF)
- Gain additional work experience in a high-demand field
- Pursue higher education or a professional certification
- Apply for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Secure a job offer from a Canadian employer
- Obtain a spouse’s education/work experience points if applicable
Why Canada’s PNP is Important for Immigration
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) allow Canadian provinces and territories to nominate skilled workers based on their local labor market needs. If you receive a PNP nomination, you get an additional 600 CRS points, which significantly boosts your chances of receiving an ITA in the next Express Entry draw.
Next Steps After Receiving an ITA
Once you receive an ITA, you have 60 days to submit your complete permanent residence application. This includes providing all supporting documents, biometric information, and fees.
The processing time for Express Entry applications varies but typically takes 6 to 8 months.
Get Expert Help with Your Work Permit or PR Application
Navigating the immigration process can be complex, but expert assistance can make it easier. Schedule a Work Permit Consultation today for guidance on your Express Entry or PNP application.
