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.

OINP Draw: The Latest Invitations to Apply to Ontario PNP

By Indira Duarte

Updated on November 5, 2025

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Find the latest Express OINP draw information and historical data from previous Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program draws.

Latest OINP Draw per Program

Category/Stream	Aligned with EE?	Job Offer Required?	Recent update	Current Status
International Student	No	Yes	October 9, 2025: invited 1,590 in healthcare and early childhood education occupations	Accepting applications & issuing invitations
Foreign Worker	No	Yes	October 9, 2025: invited 1,590 in healthcare and early childhood education occupations	Accepting applications & issuing invitations
Human Capital Priorities	Yes	No	September 19, 2024: 1,424 invitations issued in other priority occupations draw. CRS score range was between 505-528.	Accepting applications & issuing invitations
French-Speaking Skilled Worker	Yes	No	September 26, 2024: 243 invites issued to applicants with a CRS range of 290 - 445.	Accepting applications & issuing invitations
Skilled Trades	Yes	No	October 17, 2024: Issued 1,307 invitations to candidates with CRS scores between 405-435.	Accepting applications & issuing invitations
In-Demand Skills	No	Yes	October 9, 2025: invited 1,590 in healthcare and early childhood education occupations	Accepting applications & issuing invitations
Masters Graduates	No	No	September 17, 2024: 1,249 invitations, 53+ points required	Accepting applications & issuing invitations
PhD Graduates	No	No	September 17, 2024: 194 invitations, 45+ points required	Accepting applications & issuing invitations
Entrepreneur	No	No	November 4, 2024: Ontario announced closing the Entrepreneur stream.	Applications and new expressions of interest are closed.
Corporate	No	No	Stream terminated in 2019.	Terminated

What are OINP Draws?

An comonly called “OINP draw” is an official selection round conducted by the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), where the province invites qualified candidates from its Expression of Interest (EOI) pool or the Express Ento apply for provincial nomination.

These draws are similar in concept to federal Express Entry draws, but they operate independently under Ontario’s own priorities and labour market needs..

How OINP Draw Works

In Ontario, “draws” (selection rounds) happen in two different intake systems:

The Expression of Interest (EOI) system, where Ontario sends invitations to apply
The Express Entry system, where Ontario sends Notifications of Interest (NOIs) to eligible profiles in the federal pool.

Regardless of the intake system, you can only apply to the OINP after Ontario invites you—either via an EOI invitation or an Express Entry NOI.

Types of OINP Draws

Ontario runs selection rounds in two ways:

EOI invitations: sent through Ontario’s Expression of Interest (EOI) system. These apply only to the following streams:
- Employer Job Offer Streams: For targeted occupations
  - Foreign Worker stream
  - International Student stream
  - In-Demand Skills stream
- Masters Graduate
- PhD Graduate
We publish monthly updates covering the latest rounds, so you can follow along in our Ontario PNP Tracker.
Express Entry–linked rounds (NOIs) — for streams tied to Express Entry:
- Human Capital Priorities
- French-Speaking Skilled Worker
- Skilled Trades
In these rounds, Ontario issues Notifications of Interest (NOIs) (not EOI invitations). NOIs can be general or targeted (for example, the well-known tech draws under Human Capital Priorities).

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How often does OINP draw occur?

OINP does not follow a fixed schedule for its draws. Historically, the province conducts draws every few weeks, but the frequency depends on nomination quotas and labour market demand. For example, during high-demand months, there might be multiple draws in a single week, while other periods may see pauses as the province processes existing applications.

Why the OINP Draws Are Important

Understanding how and why these draws take place helps temporary residents in Ontario strategically time their Expression of Interest (EOI) submissions, choose the right stream, and align their profiles with the province’s current labour market priorities.

Join our Online Community to receive the OINP alerts on time. Join Today!

When is the next OINP draw?

Short answer: Ontario does not publish a calendar or pre-announce dates. Selection rounds happen as needed and are posted after the fact on the province’s official Program Updates page.

Recent cadence (for context, not a schedule): In 2025, OINP rounds were concentrated in January, June, August, and September—a clear shift from 2024 OINP Draws, when draws occurred in almost every month except May, November, and December. This shows that Ontario may cluster activity and operate without a fixed timetable or advance notice.

Where to track the latest OINP draws:

Receive our daily Newsletter: Receive the latest updates in provincial draws directly in your email. Register here for the newsletter.
Check our official PNP tracker for the latest updates: Access the full list of Ontario PNP Draws by selecting the Ontario province in the filter.
Check our Latest OINP Draw page regularly: Bookmark this page in your browser to check the latest OINP Draw details
Check Provincial official sources: The Ontario EOI invitations Page and the Express Entry–linked rounds (NOIs) Page.

Best resources to Succeed in your OINP Path

Moving2Canada partners with trusted organizations to help you succeed with provincial nomination—whether it's improving language skills, finding a job, or getting your application reviewed by a trusted professional.

About the author

Indira Duarte

Indira specializes in creating clear, accessible, and culturally sensitive content for immigrant audiences. As an immigrant herself, she brings a personal understanding of the challenges newcomers face, crafting practical guides, informative articles, and inclusive resources that empower individuals at every stage of their immigration journey.

OINP Draw – Latest Results