Canada continues to open doors for skilled immigrants through its Express Entry system. On April 14, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its 342nd round of invitations under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This draw invited 825 candidates to apply for permanent residency.
To receive an invitation under this draw, candidates needed to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 764. As always with PNP-specific draws, the score is higher than usual due to the 600 additional points awarded to candidates who are nominated by a Canadian province or territory.
The tie-breaking rule was applied to candidates with the same score. In this case, candidates who submitted their Express Entry profile before August 17, 2024, at 6:35 PM UTC will be given priority.
This draw shows that Canada continues to rely on immigration to support its economy and labour market, especially by selecting skilled workers who are ready to contribute to local communities.
What Is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?
The Provincial Nominee Program is a special immigration program that allows each province or territory in Canada to select candidates who have the skills, work experience, and qualifications needed in their region.
Once selected, a candidate receives a provincial nomination, which automatically gives them 600 extra CRS points in the Express Entry pool. This huge boost almost guarantees an invitation to apply for permanent residence in the next draw.
Why Choose the PNP Pathway?
Here are some of the main benefits of applying through the PNP:
- Higher CRS Score: The 600 bonus points make your profile stand out immediately.
- Better Chance for Low-Scoring Candidates: Even if your base CRS score is low, a nomination can secure you an invitation.
- Targeted Selection: Provinces choose applications based on job shortages and economic needs, which increases your value.
- Support After Arrival: Many provinces offer newcomer support programs to help with job searches, housing, and integration.
