Express Entry Draw: Canada Invites 536 Candidates For Permanent Residency

Canada recently held an Express Entry draw for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), inviting 536 foreign nationals to apply for permanent residency. The draw took place on March 17, 2025, at 15:33:36 UTC. To receive an invitation, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 736 or higher. The tie-breaking rule was set for March 12, 2025, at 14:02:14 UTC. This means that if multiple candidates had the same lowest score, only those who submitted their profiles before this date and time were considered.

This was the 240th Express Entry draw under the PNP. Through this program, provinces and territories in Canada can nominate candidates with the skills and experience needed in their region. By receiving a provincial nomination, candidates automatically earn an additional 600 CRS points, which significantly boosts their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

In comparison, the previous PNP draw on March 3, 2025, invited 725 candidates. The minimum CRS score required for that draw was 667. The increase in the CRS cut-off in the latest draw shows that the competition is getting tougher, as candidates now need a higher score to qualify.

How the Express Entry System Works

Canada’s Express Entry system manages applications for three main federal immigration programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) – For skilled workers with foreign work experience.
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – For individuals with recent Canadian work experience.
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) – For skilled trade workers.
  The PNP works alongside these programs, allowing provinces and territories to select candidates who meet their labor market needs.

Why the CRS Score Matters

The CRS is a point-based system that ranks candidates based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. Higher scores improve a candidate’s chances of receiving an ITA. By obtaining a provincial nomination, candidates automatically gain 600 additional points, making it easier for them to meet or exceed the cut-off score.

The Benefits of Provincial Nomination

The PNP is a popular pathway for skilled workers, students, and business owners aiming for Canadian permanent residency. Each province and territory sets its own criteria based on its economic and labor market needs. By applying through this program, candidates can increase their chances of receiving an ITA, even if their CRS score is not very high.

What’s Next?

Candidates who received invitations in this draw can now apply for permanent residency. They must submit their complete application, including supporting documents, to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) within 60 days. With Canada’s ongoing demand for skilled workers, more draws are expected in the coming months.