What can we expect from future Express Entry Draws?

For 2025, category-based draws may target skilled workers already in Canada, such as former international students or temporary foreign workers. This is in line with IRCC’s commitment to transition more temporary residents to permanent residents.

Which Express Entry category is IRCC using most often?

Since Express Entry category-based draws were introduced in 2023, more invitations have been issued under the French language category draws. This dwarfs any other category, with the healthcare category in second place. Canada recently increased its goal for francophone immigration outside Quebec, 10 10.5% percent of all permanent residents. Canada’s immigration objectives extend beyond mere economic, with societal, nation-building goals also top of mind in Ottawa.

How often do Express Entry Draws happen?

Express Entry draws are less predictable that they once were. With the introduction of category- based draws, IRCC conduct multiple draws throughout the week, but tend to group the draws together to have one week of draws and one week without draws.

What is the minimum score for Express Entry?

There is no minimum score needed to enter the Express Entry pool. Anyone, irrespective of their CRS can enter the Express Entry pool so long as they are eligible for an immigration program that uses the Express Entry pool. The only points requirement is that required to qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW). Applicants who wish to immigrate through the FSW program must be able to demonstrate they score at least 67 points in the FSW eligibility grid.

What is the cut off score for Canada PR (Permanent residence)?

Express Entry profiles are selected from the Express Entry pool based on their CRS score. The CRS cut off score depends on the specific draw. For all program draws, the cut off will likely be around 500 whereas for category- based draws, the cut off can be substantially lower than this depending on the category. For example, French speakers in the Express Entry pool may be selected with a CRS cut off as low as 375.

What is the lowest CRS score cut-off in any Express Entry draw?

All programs: 413 points Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 75 points — this was an exceptional draw that invited all CEC candidates in the Express Entry pool Federal Skilled Trades (FST): 199 points Category-based: 336 points in a French draw

What to do if you receive an Express Entry invitation?

If you are invited, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). This is your chance to apply for Canadian immigration. You have 60 days to respond to your ITA. Once you have submitted an application, you may receive a decision on your application at any time. IRCC’s standard is six months, but it may take more or less time. If you are approved, you will get a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). Then it’s just a matter of following IRCC’s instructions to officially become a permanent resident of Canada!

When Will The Express Entry CRS Drop For General Draws?

IRCC has not conducted a general, all-program draw since April 23rd, 2024. This draw had a CRS cut-off of 529. The lowest CRS score we have seen in a general, all-program draw this year is 524. Understandably, those waiting for a general draw are wondering 2 things: when is the next general draw and what will the CRS cut-off be. It is impossible to tell when the next general draw will be. IRCC is focusing on PNP, CEC and category-based draws so if we do see a general draw, it may not be for some time. What can you do while you wait for a general draw? Look at ways you can use this time to increase your CRS score. Given the lack of general draws in the last 4 months, it is highly likely that when there is a general draw, the CRS cut-off will be high, likely above 560.

Why is There an Increase in PNP Draws?

In the last couple of months, we have seen a shift in the draws conducted by IRCC, the obvious one being the increase in PNP draws. This doesn’t mean that more PNP applicants are being selected though. IRCC must regularly select PNP applicants from the express entry pool for various reasons. For starters, a PNP nomination is usually only valid for 6 months. IRCC can’t keep PNP-nominated applicants in the pool for an extended period out of risk their PNP may expire during the process which could lead to additional processing burdens on both provinces and the federal government.

What is the latest Express Entry draw?

Latest draw #360- August 8, 2025, 2,500 ITAs issued in a draw targeting French speakers, with a CRS cut off at least 481.

Difference Between PNP and Express Entry

By Indira Duarte

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Not sure about the difference between PNP and Express Entry? Learn how they work, how they compare, and which one fits you best based on your profile.

Whether you’re just starting your immigration journey or if you already have an Express Entry profile and you are looking for other alternatives to apply for permanent residency, you’re in the right place.

If you are advanced in your journey and just want to know the main differences and how to use both, please go to the section Express Entry vs PNP Table
If you are just learning all the options you have to move to Canada, please continue reading below.

The Difference Between PNP and Express Entry

At first glance, these two pathways might seem similar. Both lead to permanent residence, both require eligibility criteria, and both are designed for skilled workers. But the way they function is very different.

Express Entry is a federal system that ranks candidates using a points-based system. PNP, on the other hand, is run by individual provinces that nominate candidates based on local labor market needs. Your chances, your timeline, and even where you’re allowed to live in Canada can depend on which option you choose.

1. The Express Entry System

Express Entry is a points-based immigration system used for federal immigration, accepting thousands of skilled workers each year and issuing invitations to apply for permanent residency.

It manages applications for three programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class. Candidates are included in the express entry pool and then ranked and selected using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which assign scores to all applicants based on factors like age, education, language skills, and work experience. The highest-scoring candidates per targeted category receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

Want to dive deeper? Read our full guide to Express Entry here and learn how to boost your CRS score and succeed in the pool.

2. The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows individual provinces and territories in Canada to nominate immigrants based on their specific economic and labour needs. Each province has its own economic immigration programs, streams, requirements, and priorities. Some PNP streams are aligned with Express Entry (called enhanced PNPs), while others operate independently (base PNPs).

PNP is ideal for candidates with ties to a province, such as a job offer, work or study experience, or a specific skill in demand locally; those profiles are most likely to obtain a provincial nomination.

Want to explore your options by province? Check out our complete PNP guide here to find the best pathway based on your background and goals.

Express Entry vs PNP: Side-by-Side Comparison

Both Express Entry and PNP can lead to Canadian permanent residence, but the way they work and who they work best for is very different. Here’s a side-by-side breakdown to help you quickly spot the differences and decide which one fits you best:

Feature	Express Entry	Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Who can Apply	Flexible on location, applicants could be inside and outside Canada	Only candidates with provincial ties, ideally already living in the province
Authority	Federal government (IRCC)	Individual provinces and territories, for nomination but federal government for background checks
System Type	Points-based (CRS) ranking system	Province-specific criteria (may or may not use a points based system)
Location Flexibility	Can live anywhere in Canada ( Except Quebec)	Must live in the nominating province
Speed of Processing	Faster (as low as 6 months after ITA, if you have a very high score)	Can be slower (varies by stream/province)
Job Offer Requirement	Not required (but helpful)	Often required a valid job offer or strongly preferred
Points Boost	None unless nominated by PNP	Nomination gives +600 CRS points (if Express-linked)
Streams Available	3 federal programs FSWP FSTP CEC	80+ streams across all provinces and territories
Commitment to Province	No location commitment	Must intend to settle in the province that nominated you
Language proficiency	Ideally both English and French (Having both will give you a better score)	You can apply with only one, having both wont give you a hige advantage
Prefered Occupations	No preferred occupations in selected categories like - French language proficiency - Canadian Experience class	Each province determines only some specific occupations depending of the priorities of the provincial labour market
Age	Younger applicants have better scores	Age does not matter for PNPs
Education	Applicants with higer level of education or education within Canada have better score	Some programs do not require education credentials

How Express Entry and PNP Can Work Together

Many applicants don’t realize that you can combine both systems to increase your chances. Here’s how:

Enhanced PNP streams are linked to Express Entry. If you qualify, the province can nominate you through your Express Entry profile.
A provincial nomination gives you 600 additional CRS points, almost guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
You can be in the Express Entry pool while applying to one or more PNPs at the same time.
You must commit to living in the province that nominates you, at least initially.
Combining both is ideal for candidates with a low CRS score but strong ties to a province (like a job offer or study/work experience).

Want to know which provinces offer Express-linked PNPs? Check out our updated PNP list here.

Which Pathway Should You Choose? (Checklist)

We can help you choose the best route for a successful immigration journey. Use this quick checklist to figure out whether Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) or both are the best fit for you. For each side, count how many boxes you check.

Express Entry might be better if:

☐ My CRS score is 510+ or close to the latest draw cutoff for your draw type.

☐ I don’t have a job offer, or it’s not tied to any specific province.

☐ I’m flexible and open to living anywhere in Canada.

☐ I want faster processing (around 6 months after ITA).

☐ I prefer to keep my options open rather than commit to one province.

☐ I have a high score in a language skills test, preferably in both English and French

☐ I have a high-level education credential (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD) accredited outside Canada.

☐ I have at least one education credential accredited in Canada

☐ I have skilled work experience. (+5 years of experience worldwide)

☐ I have skilled work experience in Canada

A Provincial Nominee Program might be better if:

☐ My CRS score is below Express Entry cutoffs, but still competitive for a province.

☐ I have a job offer from a specific province

☐ I’ve lived, worked, studied, or have family in a certain province.

☐ I’m okay with longer processing times if it increases my chances.

☐ I’m willing to commit to settling in one province.

☐ I have an average score in a language skills test, in English or French.

☐ I have the education or professional credentials required by the province.

Now, count your checks:

✅ If you checked more boxes under Express Entry, you’re likely a strong candidate for the federal system and may already have a competitive score.

✅ If you checked more boxes under PNP, that could be a better fit, especially if you have ties to a province or a job offer. Use our PNP tracker to check all the provinces and their open programs.

✅ If you checked several in both, you’re in a great position! Creating an Express Entry profile and pursuing a PNP nomination could significantly boost your score by adding 600 points and nearly guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply for PR.

Still unsure which is the best path for you, or wanting to see more options?

Use our free immigration program finder tool here to get a personalized recommendation in under 2 minutes.

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Your Questions about PNP vs Express Entry Answered

Which is best, PNP or Express Entry?

It depends on your profile. Express Entry is best if you have a high CRS score and want flexibility on where to live in Canada. PNP is ideal if your score is lower, but you have ties to a specific province or a job offer.

Use the checklist above to figure out which path fits you best.

Does PNP come under Express Entry?

Some PNP streams are linked to Express Entry; these are called enhanced PNPs. If you’re nominated through one of these, you’ll receive 600 extra CRS points, greatly improving your chances of getting an ITA. Other PNP streams operate independently of Express Entry (called base PNPs) and follow a different process. Check the section on how PNP and EE can work together.

How does the Express Entry system work?

Express Entry is a points-based system used by the Canadian federal government to manage immigration applications for skilled workers. Candidates create an online profile and are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which scores factors like age, education, language ability, and work experience. The highest-ranking candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. Want to dive deeper? Read our full guide to Express Entry here

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PNP vs Express Entry: Which is the Best?