IRCC holds second Express Entry draw for PNP candidates

On February 4, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its fourth Express Entry draw of the year, issuing 455 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). To receive an invitation, candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 802 and needed to have submitted their Express Entry profiles before 7:39 pm Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) on December 7, 2024. This draw follows two Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws and a previous PNP draw earlier in the year, bringing the total number of ITAs issued in 2025 to 6,276. Since July 2024, IRCC has focused on inviting candidates from the PNP, CEC, and category-based selections, aligning with Canada's Immigration Levels Plan to meet economic and demographic objectives. In 2025, priority categories include healthcare, trades, and French-language proficiency. The Express Entry system manages applications for the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, and Federal Skilled Trades Program, ranking candidates based on factors such as human capital and skills transferability. Candidates with the highest CRS scores are invited to apply for permanent residence.