Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 471 invitations to apply (ITAs) for Canadian permanent residency through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Express Entry draw. Candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 793.

Today’s draw is the first of the year and follows two PNP draws and a French language proficiency draw in December. Last month, IRCC issued a total of 2,561 ITAs to candidates.

In 2024, IRCC mainly invited candidates from the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), PNP, and French-language categories. This pattern is expected to continue in 2025.

Candidates proficient in French and those with experience in healthcare and trades occupations are part of IRCC’s “Federal Economic Priorities” category. The CEC and PNP candidates form the “In-Canada Focus” category. These two categories will likely dominate the Express Entry admissions for the coming year.

Express Entry Latest Draw Highlights (January 7, 2025)

  • Round: #331
  • Invitations Issued: 471
  • Minimum CRS Score: 793
  • Program Specified: PNP-Based
  • Tie-breaking Rule: November 25, 2024

Latest Express Entry Pool Breakdown

As of January 7, 2025, there are 227,305 candidates in the Express Entry Pool. Let’s now examine the distribution of Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores among these candidates.

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Express Entry Latest Draw 2025
What is Express Entry-Based PNP?

The Express Entry-Based Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is an easy way to immigrate to Canada. It combines the federal Express Entry system with provincial nomination programs. Provinces and territories can choose candidates from the Express Entry pool who match their job market needs and nominate them for permanent residence.

If a candidate gets a provincial nomination through this system, they earn 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points. This greatly increases their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence from the federal government. This way, provinces can meet their economic and demographic needs quickly, while skilled workers who fit well into local job markets can immigrate faster.

Overview of Recent Express Entry Results