On May 12, 2025, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted Canada’s third Express Entry draw of May 2025, issuing 511 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence. This Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)-specific draw highlights Canada’s ongoing commitment to addressing labour market shortages through strategic immigration initiatives.

At Zohil-Morton Law, we support employers, individuals, and families in navigating Canada’s immigration system with clarity and confidence. Here is what you need to know about the May 12, 2025 draw and how it might shape your immigration strategy.

Key Highlights from the May 12, 2025 Draw

• A total of 511 candidates received ITAs under the PNP category.
• The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of the lowest-ranked candidate invited was 706.
• Only candidates with a provincial nomination were considered, which automatically adds 600 points to a candidate’s CRS score.
• In the event of identical CRS scores, IRCC applied the tie-breaking rule based on the date and time when candidates submitted their Express Entry profiles.

As with all PNP-specific draws, only candidates who had already received a provincial nomination were considered. While general Express Entry draws often have lower CRS cut-offs, PNP rounds focus on addressing provincial labour market demands by inviting candidates who have been pre-selected by a Canadian province or territory.

Why Was the CRS Cut-Off So High?

The CRS cut-off of 706 reflects the inclusion of 600 points for a provincial nomination. Without it, a candidate’s base score would likely have been around 106 or higher. This draw demonstrates the rising competition in Express Entry and highlights the strategic value of securing a provincial nomination to significantly enhance chances of receiving an ITA.

With category-based Express Entry draws becoming more common – focusing on healthcare, STEM, trades, and French-speaking applicants – candidates without a provincial nomination may need to consider exploring PNP pathways or other profile-boosting strategies.

What is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows Canadian provinces and territories (except Québec and Nunavut) to nominate individuals whose skills and experiences match local economic and labour market needs. Nominees who apply through an Express Entry-aligned stream are granted 600 additional CRS points, making them highly competitive in the pool of candidates.

Each eligible Canadian province and territory operates its own PNP, with a variety of streams, each possessing unique eligibility criteria and processing times. Below are the active PNPs across Canada:

• Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
• British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
• Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
• Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
• New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
• Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
• Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)
• Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
• Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
• Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
• Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)

At Zohil-Morton Law, we work with clients to assess their eligibility, select the most suitable PNP stream for their background, and guide them through every step of the application process — from expression of interest to nomination and ultimately permanent residence.

Understanding the CRS and Its Implications

The CRS is a points-based system used by IRCC to assess and score candidates in the Express Entry pool. Factors to be considered include:

• Age;
• Education;
• Language proficiency (English and/or French);
• Canadian and foreign work experience; and,
• Adaptability factors (e.g., having family members in Canada).

A higher CRS score increases the likelihood of receiving an ITA. Through PNPs and other strategies, candidates can enhance their score and improve their Express Entry profile.

How Zohil-Morton Law Can Help

Our team of experienced immigration professionals provides strategic, results-driven support throughout the immigration process, including navigating the Express Entry and PNP streams. Whether you’re just starting or are already in the Express Entry pool, we offer tailored guidance to help you succeed.

We assist with:

• Evaluating your eligibility for Express Entry and PNP streams.
• Identifying the best provincial nomination pathway.
• Optimizing your CRS score through strategic Express Entry profile adjustments.
• Preparing and submitting complete and compliant applications.
• Representing you in all communications with IRCC to minimize risks and delays.

Ready to Move Forward?

If you’re serious about building a future in Canada, a provincial nomination could be your pathway to permanent residence. Let Zohil-Morton Law help you understand your options, avoid common mistakes, and move forward with confidence. We are here to help you take the next step toward achieving Canadian permanent residence.

Contact us to schedule a consultation with Cristina Zohil-Morton, an experienced Canadian immigration lawyer, or e-mail her directly at cristina@zomolaw.ca.