Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a new Express Entry draw on April 28, 2025, issuing 421 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence. This draw specifically targeted candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

Key Details of the Draw:

• Date: April 28, 2025
• Number of Invitations Issued: 421
• Minimum CRS Score: 727
• Program: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Understanding Express Entry and PNP

Express Entry is Canada’s online system for managing applications from skilled workers. It’s used to select candidates who have the skills, education, and work experience needed to succeed in Canada. The PNP allows provinces and territories to nominate individuals who meet their specific labor market needs. A provincial nomination adds 600 points to a candidate’s CRS score, significantly increasing their chances of receiving an ITA.

This draw is the second PNP-specific draw in April, highlighting Canada’s continued focus on attracting skilled workers through provincial nominations. If you were invited in this draw, you have 60 days to submit your application for permanent residence.

What happens after receiving an ITA

Once an applicant receives an ITA, they have 60 days to submit a complete application. Required documents include:

• Valid passport or travel document
• Birth certificate
• Proof of work experience
• Police clearance certificate
• Immigration medical exam results
• Proof of settlement funds
• Photographs of the applicant and any included family members

Applicants can include spouses, common-law partners and dependent children, provided the dependents meet IRCC criteria. Children under 22 years who are unmarried, or those over 22 with a mental or physical condition who have been financially dependent on parents, qualify as dependents.

Who’s in the Express Entry pool?

As of April 14, 2025, the Express Entry pool included 244,282 profiles. The 451–500 CRS band continues to dominate with over 71,000 profiles, followed by 401–450 with over 67,000 profiles. Lower bands like 301–350 and 0–300 also saw increases, likely due to recent rule changes, including the removal of CRS points for arranged employment.

Do job offers still matter?

Although job offers no longer boost CRS scores directly, they remain relevant for eligibility in programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and various PNP streams.