On 27 October 2025, IRCC issued 302 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)–specific Express Entry draw—the second PNP round this month and the fifth Express Entry draw in October.
Candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 761, 17 points lower than the previous PNP draw on 14 October, reflecting a slight easing of selection pressure. Because PNP nomination adds 600 CRS points, most invitees were provincially endorsed workers in high-demand sectors such as tech, healthcare and skilled trades.
The draw underscores Ottawa’s 2025 strategy of using PNP rounds to spread economic immigration beyond major urban centres. So far this year, 20 PNP draws have distributed 7,885 ITAs, aligning with provinces’ pleas for greater control over regional labour shortages.
For employers managing talent pipelines, the lower cutoff is a reminder to monitor provincial streams closely: employees who secure nominations gain a near-guaranteed path to permanent residence. Mobility teams should also note that IRCC often follows PNP draws with Canadian Experience Class or occupation-specific rounds, creating a window for non-nominated staff to receive ITAs.
With the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan expected next week, observers will watch whether Ottawa maintains high PNP targets while tightening temporary-resident inflows—an approach that could further elevate the value of provincial nomination.
Candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 761, 17 points lower than the previous PNP draw on 14 October, reflecting a slight easing of selection pressure. Because PNP nomination adds 600 CRS points, most invitees were provincially endorsed workers in high-demand sectors such as tech, healthcare and skilled trades.
The draw underscores Ottawa’s 2025 strategy of using PNP rounds to spread economic immigration beyond major urban centres. So far this year, 20 PNP draws have distributed 7,885 ITAs, aligning with provinces’ pleas for greater control over regional labour shortages.
For employers managing talent pipelines, the lower cutoff is a reminder to monitor provincial streams closely: employees who secure nominations gain a near-guaranteed path to permanent residence. Mobility teams should also note that IRCC often follows PNP draws with Canadian Experience Class or occupation-specific rounds, creating a window for non-nominated staff to receive ITAs.
With the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan expected next week, observers will watch whether Ottawa maintains high PNP targets while tightening temporary-resident inflows—an approach that could further elevate the value of provincial nomination.
