On April 28, 2025, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its second Express Entry draw of the month, focusing on the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
This latest draw extended invitations to 421 candidates to apply for permanent residency (PR), with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score cutoff set at 727. However, the absence of draws targeting other categories, such as the Canadian Experience Class or category-based invitations, continues, leaving many temporary residents in uncertainty.
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Canada’s ongoing focus on regional economic development is highlighted by this PNP-specific draw, reflecting the country’s strategic immigration policies.
Key Details of the April 28 Express Entry Draw:
- Category: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Date: April 28, 2025
- Invitations Issued: 421
- Lowest CRS Score: 727
- Rank Required: 421 or above
- Tie-Breaking Rule: September 9, 2024, at 17:11:19 UTC (candidates with the same CRS score are ranked by the submission date and time of their Express Entry profile)
This draw exclusively targeted candidates with provincial nominations, who receive an automatic 600 CRS points boost, often propelling them to the top of the Express Entry pool and enhancing their chances of securing PR.
Why Focus on PNP Draws?
Canada’s 2025 immigration strategy is geared towards addressing labour shortages in regional areas, aiming to stimulate economic growth outside of major cities like Toronto and Vancouver. The PNP plays a crucial role in this approach, allowing provinces and territories to nominate individuals whose skills meet local needs—such as engineers, healthcare professionals, and skilled tradespeople.
In just the first quarter of 2025, IRCC issued over 5,000 PNP-specific Invitations to Apply (ITAs), and this April 28 draw is part of that continued momentum. With Canada facing an aging population—over 20% of which is now over the age of 65—the PNP nominees are vital to sustaining economic vitality and filling regional labour gaps.
CRS Score Distribution in the Pool (as of April 28, 2025)
There are currently 246,673 candidates in the Express Entry pool. Here’s a breakdown of the CRS score distribution:
| CRS Score Range | Number of Candidates |
|---|---|
| 601-1200 | 416 |
| 501-600 | 20,708 |
| 451-500 | 72,523 |
| 491-500 | 12,291 |
| 481-490 | 12,544 |
| 471-480 | 16,411 |
| 461-470 | 16,313 |
| 451-460 | 14,964 |
| 401-450 | 68,267 |
| 441-450 | 14,230 |
| 431-440 | 14,909 |
| 421-430 | 13,385 |
| 411-420 | 13,274 |
| 401-410 | 12,469 |
| 351-400 | 53,640 |
| 301-350 | 22,553 |
| 0-300 | 8,566 |
The high CRS cutoff of 727 reflects the competitive advantage of PNP candidates, whose 600-point nomination bonus provides a significant boost to their scores.
What’s Next for Express Entry in 2025?
PNP draws are expected to remain a cornerstone of Canada’s immigration strategy throughout 2025. With over 246,000 candidates currently in the Express Entry pool, competition remains intense. However, a provincial nomination can be the key to securing an invitation.
Candidates without a provincial nomination can still increase their CRS scores by improving language proficiency, gaining additional work experience, or securing a valid job offer.
For those aiming for Canadian permanent residency, staying informed about provincial requirements and trends in Express Entry is essential. Be sure to check the IRCC website for updates, and explore PNP streams to enhance your chances of success.
Stay tuned for more updates on Express Entry and share this article to help others navigate their Canadian immigration journey!
