On September 15, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its most recent Express Entry draw , focused exclusively on the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The draw extended 228 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to eligible candidates who achieved a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 746 or above.

Key details of the draw

• Program: Provincial Nominee Program
• Date and time: September 15, 2025
• CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 746
• Number of invitations issued: 228
• Rank required: 228 or better
• Tie-breaking rule: March 31, 2025, at 13:39:06 UTC

Under the tie-breaking protocol, candidates at the 746 threshold were prioritized based on the earliest profile submission date and time. This ensures fairness when multiple candidates meet the same cutoff.

Why the PNP matters

The Provincial Nominee Program is central to Canada's immigration strategy, allowing provinces and territories to nominate candidates with the skills needed for local labour markets. A PNP nomination adds 600 CRS points, often turning a moderate profile into one competitive enough for an ITA.

The cutoff score of 746 demonstrates this boost in action, as even with the nomination, applicants still required a baseline CRS of at least 146. Candidates without a nomination, even with strong credentials, would not have been competitive in this round.

Current pool distribution

As of September 14, 2025, the Express Entry pool contained 251,630 candidates. The distribution showed:

• 601–1200 points: 220 candidates
• 501–600 points: 24,870 candidates
• 451–500 points: 71,427 candidates
• 401–450 points: 74,178 candidates
• 351–400 points: 52,883 candidates
• 0–350 points: 28,052 candidates

The largest concentration remains in the 401–500 range, underscoring the challenge for many skilled workers without provincial support to secure an invitation.

A step in a larger strategy

IRCC has alternated between PNP-specific draws and those targeting other categories, such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP). These tailored rounds allow the government to balance national immigration targets with provincial needs.

The September 15 draw highlights the value of provincial nominations in providing a reliable pathway to permanent residency. Candidates who secure these nominations stand a far stronger chance of receiving an ITA, as provinces continue to align selections with their economic and demographic priorities.

Outlook for future draws

Observers anticipate additional draws later in the week, with attention on whether IRCC will continue with PNP-specific rounds or shift focus to other categories. Canada's overall annual target of more than 395,000 newcomers keeps demand high, making timely profile updates and provincial applications critical for success.

Conclusion

The September 15 Express Entry draw reflects the ongoing importance of provincial involvement in shaping Canada's immigration system. With limited invitations and high cutoffs, provincial nominations remain one of the most effective tools for candidates to secure permanent residency.

For the latest Express Entry draw results, CRS cutoff updates, and expert immigration analysis, visit Immigration News Canada online. Follow their updates to stay informed about upcoming draws, provincial programs, and pathways to permanent residency.

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