On 21 July 2025 IRCC held a PNP-only Express Entry draw, issuing 202 ITAs with a 788 CRS cutoff. The high cutoff reflects the 600-point provincial nomination boost and signals targeted, province-driven selection that limits spots for non‑nominated candidates.
Soheil Hosseini
July 21, 2025
Jurisdiction
Federal
Week
Week 30
Impact
Low
Programs Affected
Express Entry – PNP-Only Draw Issues 202 ITAs with 788 CRS Cutoff
Summary: On 2025-07-21, IRCC held a Provincial Nominee Program–only Express Entry draw, issuing 202 Invitations to Apply with a minimum CRS score of 788, reflecting a continued emphasis on program-specific selections and provincially supported candidates. Source: IRCC. IRCC conducted a targeted Express Entry draw on 2025-07-21 focused exclusively on the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), issuing 202 ITAs to candidates with a CRS cutoff of 788. This aligns with IRCC’s ongoing use of program-specific draws that prioritize candidates holding provincial nominations and demonstrated regional alignment. Source: IRCC. The elevated cutoff is consistent with PNP dynamics in Express Entry, where a provincial nomination confers a significant CRS boost (commonly 600 points), often pushing cutoffs into the high 700s. The limited volume of 202 ITAs indicates a tightly focused selection aimed at meeting specific provincial labor and demographic needs rather than broad-based intake across all categories. Independent analysis:
- Positive implications: The draw reinforces provinces’ ability to address regional labor shortages and settlement priorities, offering nominated candidates a predictable pathway to permanent residence. It also signals continuity for stakeholders planning around PNP streams.
- Potential downsides: A PNP-only round temporarily sidelines non-nominated candidates (e.g., FSW/CEC) and may intensify competition for provincial nominations. The relatively small number of ITAs could extend wait times for those outside provincial pathways until broader or category-based draws resume. Overall, the move underscores IRCC’s calibrated approach to admissions—leveraging provincial selection to target immediate needs—while keeping Express Entry flexible through program-specific rounds.
Tags: Canada immigration, IRCC, Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program, PNP draw, CRS cutoff, EE-PNP, skilled immigration, 2025 immigration updates, permanent residence, Canadian provinces Source: IRCC
Date of update: 2025-07-21
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