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Express Entry Draw 2025 - 1st Draw With Provincial Nomination


first express entry draw 2025

Last Updated On : January 13 , 2025


On January 7, 2025, the first Express Entry draw of the year was announced, welcoming 471 skilled professionals who applied through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) via the Express Entry process.

The year 2024 concluded with the final Express Entry draw, which issued 330 invitations under the PNP stream, resulting in 1,085 invitations sent through the Express Entry PNP.

The Latest express entry draw has increased the minimum CRS score required for Canada Immigration by 66 from the last PNP-specific express entry draw.

Here is the essential information for the latest express entry draw:

Express Entry Draw #331

CRS Score Cut-Off: 793

ITAs Issued: 471

Category: Provincial Nominee Program

Tie-breaking rule: November 25, 2024 at 16:57:27 UTC

Source: Ministerial Instructions For Express Entry Draw

Why IRCC Has Published Its First Express Entry Draw For PNP Stream?

Several international skilled professionals' work permits will expire in late 2024 or early 2025. Therefore, the last express entry draw of 2024 and the first draw of 2025 are aligned with the provincial government's requirements.

PEI Last Express Entry Draw 2024

As per the PEIs, the latest express entry draw invitations are issued to health and manufacturing workers whose permits are expiring soon, and they, too, want to become permanent residents of Canada.

pei express entry

Alberta Last Express Entry Draw 2024

Alberta has conducted its latest immigration draw targeting skilled professionals whose work permits are set to expire soon. This draw is for those who have applied for the PGWP program and have chosen to make Alberta their permanent home.

alberta express entry

Manitoba Last Express Entry Draw 2024

Manitoba issued its last express entry draw on 27 December 2024, and 239 Letters of Advice To Apply were issued to skilled workers who currently work in Manitoba and want to become permanent residents.

Open Work Permit Extension For Foreigners in Backlog:

canada wp extended

As there are still more than 3,18,000 applications in the Canadian immigration backlog, IRCC has extended open work permit applications until December 31, 2026. So, if you are from one of them, you can apply for an extension of Open Work Permit Canada, which will allow you to stay in Canada until you get your PR card, and you can continue your work in Canada as a temporary worker.



First Canadian Experience Class Draw of 2025

The first Express Entry draw for the Canadian Experience Class of the Year was announced on January 8, 2025. The draw welcomed 1,350 skilled professionals, requiring a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 542.

In the last Express Entry draw specifically for the Canadian Experience Class, only 400 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued to professionals with profiles in the Express Entry pool. In line with the 2025 immigration targets, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a new category.

in canada focus express entry

Here is the essential information for latest express entry draw:

Express Entry Draw #332

CRS Score Cut-Off : 542

ITAs Issued: 1350

Category: Canadian Experience Class

Tie-breaking rule: December 07, 2024 at 01:10:06 UTC

Source: Ministerial Instructions For Express Entry Draw

Comparing First Express Entry Draw 2024 & 2025

Express Entry Draw #279, announced on January 10, 2024, was a general draw that invited 1,510 skilled professionals through the Express Entry system. Candidates eligible under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, or Canadian Experience Class with a CRS score above 546 were invited to apply.

Year 2024 2025
Express Entry Draw 279 332
Draw Date 10 January 7 January
Invitations 1510 471
Minimum CRS Score 546 793
Category General Provincial Nominee Program

Conclusion:

As anticipated, the first two draws have issued Invitations to Apply (ITAs). These invitations are primarily extended to individuals with Canadian work experience and skilled professionals whose work permits are set to expire in December 2024 or early 2025. Immigration targets have been reduced compared to last year. Professionals having Canadian work experience or are in Canada on a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) or another type of work permit, will receive priority in the Express Entry system, as your profile will be classified under the In-Canada Focus category.