Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has launched another targeted Express Entry draw on October 27, 2025, focusing exclusively on Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates to strengthen regional economic growth across Canada.
In this latest round, 302 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency were issued to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 761.
The CRS cutoff fell by 17 points compared to the previous PNP draw held on October 14, 2025.
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Ready to explore what this means for your Canadian immigration goals? Let’s dive in.
October 27 Express Entry Draw Summary
This draw targeted only PNP-linked profiles within the Express Entry pool.
Here’s the key data at a glance:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) |
| Date | October 27, 2025 |
| CRS Cut-Off | 761 (lowest-ranked invited candidate) |
| ITAs Issued | 302 |
| Tie-Breaking Rule | Profiles created before September 26, 2025, at 02:14:06 UTC received priority |
Candidates with a provincial nomination already hold a significant advantage — it’s essentially a fast-track to permanent residency.
This draw continues the pattern of frequent PNP rounds throughout 2025, following September’s record-high CRS cutoff of 855, which targeted sectors such as technology, healthcare, and skilled trades to fill provincial labour shortages.
With momentum building, immigration watchers anticipate more Express Entry draws soon — potentially Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or category-based selections.
CRS Score Distribution in the Pool (as of October 26, 2025)
| CRS Range | Candidates |
|---|---|
| 601–1200 | 306 |
| 501–600 | 25,997 |
| 451–500 | 69,503 |
| 491–500 | 12,051 |
| 481–490 | 12,092 |
| 471–480 | 14,727 |
| 461–470 | 15,792 |
| 451–460 | 14,841 |
| 401–450 | 72,542 |
| 351–400 | 52,468 |
| 301–350 | 19,410 |
| 0–300 | 8,027 |
| Total | 248,253 |
How to Secure a Provincial Nomination
A Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination adds 600 CRS points to your Express Entry score — almost guaranteeing an invitation to apply for permanent residency.
Although Canada’s PNP target for 2025 has been reduced to 55,000, many provinces have received increased nomination allocations, creating more opportunities for qualified candidates.
Step 1: Choose the Right Province
Match your skills to regional needs:
- Ontario: Tech, finance, and business.
- Alberta: Oil, gas, and agriculture.
- British Columbia: Healthcare and IT.
- Atlantic Provinces: Fisheries and service sectors.
Use IRCC’s PNP Finder or provincial websites (e.g., OINP, BC PNP) to identify suitable streams.
Step 2: Confirm Eligibility
Typical requirements include:
- Age: Ideally 18–49 years.
- Education: Minimum high school; post-secondary preferred.
- Work Experience: At least 1 year in a skilled occupation (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3).
- Language: Minimum CLB 7 (IELTS 6.0+); CLB 9 adds up to 136 points.
- Proof of Funds: e.g., CAD $13,757 for a single applicant.
- Ties to Province: Job offer, family, or intent to settle.
- Entrepreneurs: Net worth between CAD $300K–$600K; international grads need a Canadian degree.
Step 3: Apply via Express Entry or Directly
Enhanced (Express Entry-linked) PNPs:
- Create or update your Express Entry profile and select a province.
- Receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) and apply within 45 days.
- Submit documents (ECA, language results, proof of funds).
- Once nominated (within 2–6 months), gain +600 CRS points and apply for PR (within ~6 months).
Base PNP Streams (Direct Application):
- Apply directly to the province (fees CAD $500–$2,000).
- After nomination, IRCC PR processing takes 15–19 months.
Step 4: Boost Your Chances
- Target in-demand jobs (e.g., nurses, software developers).
- Retake language tests to reach CLB 9+.
- Gain Canadian experience or network via LinkedIn and job fairs.
- Track PNP draws (e.g., Ontario’s June 2025 draw issued 3,719 ITAs).
- Consult a licensed RCIC; avoid unregulated consultants.
After Receiving a Nomination
Update your Express Entry profile or submit your PR application:
- Processing Fees: CAD $1,525 per adult
- ECA: $200–$300
- Biometrics: $85 per person
Tip: Focus on EOI-based systems (like New Brunswick or Yukon) for faster results.
Final Takeaway
Canada’s October 27, 2025, Express Entry draw has brought good news for 302 PNP candidates, each moving closer to becoming a permanent resident.
With a CRS cutoff of 761 and IRCC’s ongoing emphasis on regional talent development, this draw highlights the power of provincial nominations in achieving your Canadian immigration dream.
Whether you’re a tech expert eyeing BC or a healthcare professional bound for Ontario, now’s the perfect time to strengthen your profile, join the pool, and pursue that provincial nomination edge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who was eligible for the October 27, 2025 PNP draw?
Only candidates with an active Express Entry profile linked to a valid provincial nomination were eligible. This included nominees under the Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, or Canadian Experience Class streams.
The draw invited 302 candidates with a minimum CRS of 761, and profiles created before September 26, 2025 (02:14:06 UTC) received priority.
2. Why was the CRS cut-off so high (761)?
PNP candidates automatically receive 600 extra points, so even a base score of 161+ can be competitive.
In 2025, higher CRS cutoffs (700–860 range) are common due to:
- Increased PNP applications,
- Reduced admission targets (down from 120,000 to 55,000),
- Focus on top regional talent.
3. When is the next Express Entry draw expected?
IRCC typically holds draws every two weeks, so the next one is expected between October 29–30, 2025.
It could be a General, CEC, or Category-Based draw (e.g., French proficiency or healthcare), with CRS scores likely around 500–550.
October’s pattern has alternated between PNP, CEC, and targeted draws, reflecting IRCC’s focus on in-Canada applicants and francophone talent to meet the 395,000 PR target for 2025.
