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's Latest Express Entry Draw Sees PNP Score Requirement Hit 800
On August 18, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a new Express Entry draw, specifically targeting candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The draw issued 192 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score requirement of 800. This score marks the second-highest of the year, reaffirming the central role of PNPs in Canada's immigration system.
08/19/2025
Quebec Expands PSTQ Invitations, Issuing 273 ITAs in First-Ever Draw for Intermediate and Manual Skills Stream
On July 31, 2025, Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration (MIFI) issued 273 invitations to apply for permanent selection through its Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ). This draw is particularly significant as it is the first time the province has specifically targeted candidates under the "Intermediate and Manual Skills" stream, marking a steady expansion of the program's scope. The initiative aims to provide an immigration pathway for workers already in Quebec who possess specific work experience and French-language skills, in order to address labor shortages in various regions of the province.
08/18/2025
Super Visa: Canada's 'Fast Track' Alternative for Parent and Grandparent Reunification
For many families hoping to reunite with parents or grandparents in Canada, the limited lottery for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) presents a significant hurdle. This article provides an in-depth analysis of Canada's Super Visa program, which serves as an attractive alternative by offering a long-term visitor visa with year-round applications. The report details the core differences between the Super Visa and the PGP, outlines eligibility criteria and application procedures, and offers professional strategies to address common reasons for refusal, helping applicants increase their chances of success.
08/17/2025
New Trends in Canada's Provincial Nominee Programs: Multiple Provinces Issue Targeted Invitations, Focusing on Key Sectors and Strategic Talent
Recent Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws across Canada reveal a growing trend towards highly targeted invitations for specific industries and communities. Manitoba issued a small number of high-scoring invitations through a strategic initiative; Alberta focused on construction and tech workers with two targeted, low-score draws; and Newfoundland and Labrador invited nearly 400 candidates through its provincial and Atlantic programs. These actions underscore a nationwide shift towards using immigration to precisely fill specific economic and community needs.
08/15/2025
Canada's Express Entry May See Major Overhaul: Three New Occupational Categories Proposed to Attract Global Top Talent
The Canadian federal government is contemplating a significant reform of its flagship immigration program, Express Entry, by proposing three new selection categories for 2026 targeting senior managers, scientists and researchers, and military personnel. The move aims to more strategically attract top-tier talent capable of driving Canada's economic growth, enhancing its global competitiveness, and supporting national security. The proposal is now open for public consultation until September 3, 2025. These adjustments not only signal a shift in Canada's future immigration strategy but could also have far-reaching implications for the study choices and post-graduation career paths of international students.
08/15/2025
Major Overhaul to Canada's Express Entry: Upfront Medical Exams Mandatory from August 21, 2025
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced a pivotal change to its Express Entry system. Effective August 21, 2025, all candidates applying for permanent residence through this stream will be required to complete their Immigration Medical Exam (IME) before submitting their application. This marks a significant shift from the current "apply-then-test" model to a new "upfront medical" protocol, directly impacting future applicants' timelines and preparatory strategies.
08/13/2025
Prairie Provinces Surge! 2025 Guide to Immigrant Jobs in Canada: Saskatoon, Calgary, and Regina Claim Top Spots
According to the latest BMO Labour Market Report Card released on July 11, 2025, the landscape for immigrant employment in Canada is undergoing a significant transformation. Saskatoon, Calgary, and Regina have emerged as the top three cities for newcomers to find a job, driven by strong employment growth and falling unemployment rates. The report not only highlights the economic vitality of the Prairie provinces but also provides an invaluable guide for skilled workers and prospective immigrants planning their move to Canada.
08/13/2025
Canada's Latest Express Entry Draw Targets French-Speaking Talent, Inviting 2,500 Candidates
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its third Express Entry draw of the month on August 8, 2025, once again issuing invitations to candidates with French-language proficiency. A total of 2,500 candidates received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in this round, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 481. This draw again highlights the Canadian immigration system's continued emphasis on candidates with specific skills and language abilities, particularly the demand for French speakers.
08/11/2025
Manitoba PNP Update: First August Draw Focuses on "Strategic Recruitment" with a Cut-off Score of 724
The central Canadian province of Manitoba held its first provincial nominee draw of the month on August 7, 2025. In its 251st Expression of Interest (EOI) draw, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) issued 37 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) to skilled workers. Notably, this was not a general draw but one that specifically targeted candidates directly invited by the provincial government through a "Strategic Recruitment Initiative," with a minimum required score of 724. Invited candidates were primarily from the Francophone community and local employer-sponsored programs.
08/11/2025
CRS Score Rises Significantly in New Canadian Experience Class Draw
On August 7, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a new Express Entry draw targeting candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) stream. A total of 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 534. Compared to the last CEC draw, this round saw a significant drop in the number of invitations issued and a corresponding increase in the score requirement, reflecting the heightened level of competition among candidates.
08/11/2025
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