Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted its latest Express Entry Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw on September 15, 2025, marking the 366th draw since the system was launched in 2015. A total of 228 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued to candidates who had previously secured a provincial nomination, with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score of 746.
The tie-breaking rule for this draw was set on March 31, 2025, at 13:39:06 UTC, meaning candidates with a CRS score of 746 or higher who submitted their profiles before this date and time received an invitation.
This latest update once again highlights the importance of Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs, which play a critical role in meeting regional labor market needs and helping skilled workers achieve permanent residency.
What Happened in Express Entry Draw #366?
The September 15, 2025 Express Entry draw was exclusively targeted at candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) stream. Only those who received a nomination from a Canadian province or territory were eligible to be invited.
- Number of ITAs issued: 228
- CRS cut-off score: 746
- Draw type: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) only
- Tie-breaking date: March 31, 2025, 13:39:06 UTC
Since provincial nomination adds 600 additional CRS points to a candidate’s profile, the cut-off score for PNP draws is usually much higher compared to general or category-based draws. This is why the CRS threshold in this round was 746.
Why Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) Are Important
Canada’s immigration strategy is built around both federal and provincial pathways. The PNPs allow provinces and territories to nominate candidates who possess the skills, work experience, and qualifications needed in their local labor markets.
Key reasons why PNPs are significant:
- Regional Labor Market Needs – Each province faces different economic demands. For example, British Columbia often prioritizes IT and healthcare professionals, while Saskatchewan focuses on trades and agriculture.
- Additional CRS Points – A provincial nomination grants an extra 600 points in the CRS, practically guaranteeing an invitation in the next PNP-targeted draw.
- Pathway for Lower CRS Candidates – Some candidates may not qualify under the Federal Skilled Worker or Canadian Experience Class streams due to lower CRS scores. With a nomination, they still have a strong chance to immigrate.
- Supports Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan – Canada aims to admit over 400,000 new permanent residents annually, and PNPs play a major role in reaching these targets.
A Look at Recent Express Entry Trends in 2025
The year 2025 has been significant for Canada Express Entry draws, with a balanced mix of general draws, category-based draws, and PNP-specific draws.
- General draws: Targeted candidates across all categories with competitive CRS cut-offs.
- Category-based draws: Prioritized candidates with skills in healthcare, STEM, French-language proficiency, and other in-demand sectors.
- PNP draws: Consistently invited candidates who had received nominations from provinces.
By conducting draw #366, IRCC continues its strategy of using Express Entry as the main selection tool for economic immigration while giving provinces the flexibility to address local workforce shortages.
What This Draw Means for Candidates
For candidates in the Express Entry pool, this PNP draw offers valuable insights:
- Higher CRS Cut-off is Expected for PNP Draws – Since provincial nomination adds 600 points, the minimum CRS requirement always remains on the higher side compared to other categories.
- Securing a Nomination is a Game-Changer – Without a nomination, candidates with scores in the 400–500 range may struggle to receive invitations in PNP-only draws.
- Timing is Crucial – The tie-breaking rule means candidates who created their profile earlier often have an advantage when CRS scores are tied.
- PNPs Remain a Reliable Pathway – Even when general draw CRS cut-offs fluctuate, PNPs give candidates with provincial support a guaranteed chance at permanent residency.
How to Get a Provincial Nomination in Canada
Securing a Provincial Nomination is one of the fastest ways to increase your chances of receiving an ITA through Express Entry. Here’s how candidates can apply:
1. Express Entry-Linked Streams
Many provinces operate Express Entry-aligned PNP streams. Candidates must first create an Express Entry profile and then apply for provincial nomination through streams like:
- Ontario Human Capital Priorities Stream
- Alberta Express Entry Stream
- British Columbia Express Entry Categories
- Saskatchewan Express Entry Stream
2. Direct Provincial Application
Some provinces also allow candidates to apply directly to their base nomination streams, which are not aligned with Express Entry. Once nominated, candidates can later create an Express Entry profile and add the 600 points.
3. Targeted Occupations
Provinces regularly update their lists of in-demand occupations. For example, nurses, IT professionals, engineers, and skilled tradespeople are frequently invited through PNPs.
4. Employer-Supported Streams
Certain streams require a valid job offer from an employer in the province. These are often designed to fill immediate labor shortages.
Tips for Boosting Your Chances in Future PNP Draws
- Stay Updated on Provincial Announcements – Each province has unique eligibility rules that change throughout the year.
- Maintain a High CRS Core Score – Even without the nomination, a strong CRS score improves your chances in general and category-based draws.
- Build Canadian Connections – Work or study experience in Canada can improve eligibility for multiple programs.
- Seek Expert Guidance – Immigration consultants, like Immigration Station UAE, can guide you in selecting the right provincial program based on your profile.
Canada’s Immigration Outlook for the Rest of 2025
With several draws already conducted this year, experts expect IRCC to continue its multi-stream approach—balancing invitations across general draws, category-based draws, and PNP draws. As labor shortages persist in healthcare, IT, construction, and education sectors, more targeted draws are expected in the coming months.
The role of PNPs will remain central, as they allow provinces to bring in workers with the exact skills needed to support local economies.
Why Choose Immigration Station UAE for Your Canada PR Journey?
At Immigration Station UAE, we specialize in guiding applicants through every step of the Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Program process. From profile creation to securing provincial nominations and preparing documentation for permanent residence, our team ensures your application is handled with precision.
Our Services Include:
- Personalized eligibility assessment
- Assistance with Express Entry profile creation
- Guidance for securing provincial nominations
- Document preparation and review
- End-to-end support until you receive your PR visa
With years of experience in Canadian immigration, we help skilled workers and families achieve their dream of moving to Canada with confidence.
Final Thoughts
The Express Entry PNP Draw #366 held on September 15, 2025, is another clear example of how Canada continues to rely on Provincial Nominee Programs to strengthen its immigration system. With 228 invitations issued and a CRS cut-off of 746, the draw underscores the importance of provincial nominations for candidates seeking permanent residency.
If you’re planning to immigrate to Canada, now is the time to explore PNPs and secure your pathway to permanent residency. With the right strategy and expert support from Immigration Station UAE, your Canadian dream is within reach.