Express Entry 334th Round Draw: 455 Invitations Issued for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Candidates, Minimum CRS Score of 802
On February 4, IRCC issued 455 invitations to candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) in the 334th round of Express Entry. The draw requires applicants to submit their profiles before the deadline (by 19:39 UTC on December 7, 2024), with a CRS score of no less than 802.
Since July 2024, IRCC has gradually adjusted its draw strategy, focusing more on candidates who meet the criteria for PNP, Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and other specific categories. This strategy adjustment aligns with the federal annual immigration plan and aims to attract applicants with relevant professional skills and language advantages in Canada. In 2025, IRCC is particularly focused on priority categories, including healthcare, skilled trades, and French language proficiency, to ensure that newly introduced talents can better serve the country’s economic and social development.
Overview of the Express Entry System
As Canada’s primary economic immigration management platform, the Express Entry system integrates the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, and Federal Skilled Trades Program. Applicants must first submit their profiles online, which are evaluated based on the CRS. The CRS score is based on factors such as the applicant’s education, work experience, language proficiency, and other criteria. Candidates with higher CRS scores have a greater chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the draw and can submit a complete permanent resident (PR) application within 60 days after receiving an ITA.
The application process can be broken down into the following seven steps:
- Confirm eligibility: Understand and ensure eligibility for one of the Express Entry-managed programs.
- Prepare documents: Complete language tests, collect educational credentials, and other required documents.
- Submit the candidate profile: Register and submit the personal profile on the IRCC website, where the system will assign a CRS score.
- Wait in the candidate pool: After submission, applicants enter the pool and await selection based on IRCC’s draw strategy.
- Submit complete application: After receiving an ITA, applicants must submit their complete PR application documents (including police certificates, proof of funds, medical reports, etc.) within 60 days.
- Biometrics collection: If required, visit a designated location to collect biometric information.
- Approval and landing: After IRCC processes the application and approves it, the applicant will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and the corresponding visa, and must complete the final landing procedures in Canada.
Through this draw and the subsequent improved application process, IRCC has not only optimized the mechanism for attracting skilled workers but also injected new vitality into Canada’s economic development and population structure optimization. Experts believe that this trend in the draws signals precise adjustments in Canada’s immigration policy, and more eligible applicants will have the opportunity to achieve their Canadian dream.
2025 Express Entry Invitation Summary
| Date | Invitation Category | Invitations Issued | Minimum CRS Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 5, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 4000 | 521 |
| February 4, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 455 | 802 |
| January 23, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 4000 | 527 |
| January 8, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 1350 | 542 |
| January 7, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 471 | 793 |
Canada to Introduce Multiple New Permanent Residence Pathways in 2026
Canada’s federal government is preparing to launch and reopen several permanent residence (PR) pathways in 2026, with a strong focus on transitioning more temporary residents already living in the country. The upcoming year will also see new or expanded PR routes for H-1B professionals, construction workers, agricultural and fish processing employees, and refugee-skilled candidates. Multiple pilots that reached their caps in 2025 are expected to reopen. As many details remain pending, 2026 is shaping up to be a significant year of structural updates to Canada’s immigration system.
12/04/2025
Nova Scotia Overhauls Provincial Nominee and AIP Selection System with New EOI Model
On November 28, 2025, Nova Scotia announced a major shift in its immigration intake system, confirming that all submissions under the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) will now be processed through an Expression of Interest (EOI) model. Under the new rules, all submissions—regardless of submission date—are considered EOIs, and having a case ID or meeting eligibility criteria no longer guarantees file processing. The province will conduct periodic draws based on current labor market and economic priorities, with priority sectors such as healthcare, construction, trades, STEM, natural resources, and manufacturing. The shift aligns with broader trends driven by reduced provincial nomination allocations from IRCC. With increased immigration targets set for 2026, applicants may soon see improved chances of receiving selections.
12/03/2025
Ontario plans new skilled immigration pathways as Bill 30 expands provincial authority over OINP
Ontario is preparing to introduce new permanent residence pathways under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), targeting newcomers in fields such as research, culinary arts, and entrepreneurship. Immigration Minister David Piccini announced on November 25 that the province intends to launch a new “talent stream” to recognize excellence in these sectors. With Bill 30 (the Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025) receiving Royal Assent on November 27, the suspension of the Skilled Trades Stream, and expected increases in provincial nomination allocations for 2026, Ontario is restructuring its immigration program to support more targeted and flexible selection mechanisms.
12/02/2025
Overview of Canada’s Business Immigration Pathways: Federal and Provincial Options for Investors and Entrepreneurs
Canada offers multiple immigration pathways for individuals who wish to immigrate through entrepreneurship or business investment, including the federal Start-Up Visa (SUV), several federal work permit categories, provincial entrepreneur programs, and the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program. Each pathway carries distinct requirements related to investment amounts, business experience, language proficiency, and documentation. With frequent policy changes and complex due-diligence procedures, many applicants work with immigration lawyers or licensed consultants to select the right program, prepare documentation, and maintain compliance to improve approval outcomes and protect their investment.
12/01/2025
IRCC issues 6,000 Express Entry invitations with second-lowest CRS cut-off of 2025
On November 28, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted another round of Express Entry invitations, issuing 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the French-language proficiency category. This round’s minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off was 408 — the second-lowest score recorded in 2025. It marks the eighth French-language draw of the year and the third-largest overall. With this round completed, French-speaking candidates have now received 42,000 ITAs in 2025, continuing to lead all categories. Year-to-date, IRCC has issued a total of 94,476 ITAs through the Express Entry system.
11/29/2025
Canada holds second monthly CEC draw, CRS score drops to lowest level since July
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted another Express Entry draw on November 26, 2025, inviting 1,000 Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates to apply for permanent residence. This round set a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 531—the lowest CEC cut-off since July—and ended a five-draw streak where the CRS threshold was locked at 533 or 534. To date, IRCC has issued a total of 88,476 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through the Express Entry system in 2025.
11/28/2025
Canada Announces 2026 Study Permit Target: Total Allocation Reduced to 408,000, Down 7% from 2025
On November 25, the Government of Canada officially released its 2026 study permit allocation and distribution plan for international students. According to newly published data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the total number of study permits to be issued in 2026 will be capped at 408,000. This continues the federal government’s trend of tightening temporary resident levels, representing a 7% decrease from the 2025 cap of 437,000 and a 16% decrease compared to 485,000 in 2024. The new plan outlines detailed allocation rules by student category, confirms exemptions from Provincial Attestation Letters (PAL) for master’s and PhD students, and distributes PAL-required application volumes and anticipated approvals across provinces based on population share.
11/27/2025
Manitoba invites more in-Canada and overseas skilled workers to apply for provincial nomination
On November 21, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) issued 35 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) to skilled workers both inside and outside Canada. This round of selections continued to prioritize candidates identified through Strategic Recruitment Initiatives (SRIs), including Employer Services, Francophone Community, Regional Communities, and the Temporary Public Policy. The program also reminded applicants to ensure all key information—such as language test numbers and invitation numbers—is correctly entered to avoid affecting their eligibility.
11/26/2025
Prince Edward Island Holds Largest Provincial Nominee Draw of the Year, Focusing on In-Province Workers and International Graduates
The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) recently conducted its largest immigration draw of the year, issuing invitations to apply for provincial nomination to nearly 200 candidates through the "Labour & Express Entry" category. This draw primarily targeted candidates already working in the province, while giving priority consideration to applicants with French language proficiency and international graduates from specific institutions. This move reflects the province's strategic intent to attract skilled talent capable of directly contributing to the local economy.
11/25/2025
British Columbia Expands Entrepreneur Immigration Invitations, Marking Largest Draw of 2025
On November 18, British Columbia held its largest entrepreneur immigration draw of the year, issuing invitations through both the Base and Regional streams of its Entrepreneur Immigration Program. Minimum scores and invitation numbers varied by stream, reflecting the province’s continued 2025 strategy of prioritizing candidates with high economic impact.
11/24/2025
# Can spouse of international students work in Canada?# How is the CRS Score Calculated?# What is Express Entry?# How to become a licensed immigration consultant in Canada?# Why Need a Professional, Licensed Immigration Consultant for Immigrating to Canada?# How to verify if my immigration consultant is licensed?# Difference between licensed and unlicensed immigration consultants?# Is it mandatory to be licensed to practice immigration consulting in Canada?