Canada continues to prioritize skilled immigration through its Express Entry system. On April 14, 2025, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw, issuing 825 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence. This round underscores the growing importance of provincial nominations in boosting a candidate’s chances of receiving an invitation.

At Zohil-Morton Law, we help corporations, individuals, and families navigate Canada’s immigration pathways with confidence. Here is what you need to know about the latest draw and how it may affect your immigration strategy.

Key Highlights from the April 14, 2025 Draw

• A total of 825 candidates received ITAs under the PNP category.
• The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 764.
• Only candidates with a provincial nomination were considered, which automatically adds 600 points to a candidate’s CRS score.
• In the event of a tie at the lowest score, IRCC used the tie-breaking rule based on the date and time of profile submission.

The high cut-off score is consistent with other PNP-specific draws. While general Express Entry draws often have lower CRS thresholds, PNP rounds are designed to support provincial labour market needs by inviting candidates who have already been selected by a Canadian province or territory.

CRS Score Distribution in the Express Entry Pool (as of April 13, 2025)

Understanding the Competitive Landscape

As of April 13, 2025, just one day before the draw, there were over 244,000 candidates in the Express Entry pool. Tens of thousands of these candidates had CRS scores between 451 and 500, making it clear that competition remains fierce. Without a provincial nomination, many strong candidates remain in the pool without receiving an ITA, which is why securing a provincial nomination is a strategic move for many applicants. It offers a clear advantage by significantly increasing your CRS score and placing you at the front of the line in PNP-specific draws, such as the one held on April 14, 2025.

Why Consider a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?

Provincial nominations continue to be a powerful route to Canadian permanent residence, especially with candidates whose CRS scores may fall short of the general draw cut-offs. Each province and territory in Canada operates its own nominee program to select candidates who meet specific regional labour market needs.

At Zohil-Morton Law, we guide our clients through various PNP streams, including:

• 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)

We work with clients to identify 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.

How Zohil-Morton Law Can Help

Our experienced immigration team understands the nuances of both Express Entry and PNP pathways. Whether you’re already in the Express Entry pool or just beginning your immigration journey, we provide strategic advice tailored to your goals.

We assist with:

• Evaluating your eligibility for provincial nomination.
• Optimizing your Express Entry profile to increase your CRS score.
• Preparing and submitting complete and compliant applications.
• Representing you throughout the process to avoid delays or refusals.

Take the Next Step

If you’re serious about immigrating to Canada, a provincial nomination could be your key to success. Let Zohil-Morton Law help you make informed decisions, avoid common mistakes, and move forward with confidence.

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