Big news for Express Entry candidates! On April 14, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its first Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw since removing LMIA-based CRS points. A total of 825 candidates were invited with a minimum CRS score of 764—a noticeable 28-point increase from the previous PNP draw.
What’s Behind the High Score?
This spike is no surprise. It’s the first PNP draw in a while, meaning many strong candidates have been waiting. While PNP draws offer some of the best chances at a PR invitation, they’re also competitive—especially now that LMIA-based scores are no longer boosting profiles artificially.
Quick Snapshot: Express Entry Trends
Since the resumption of general draws in July 2022, IRCC has introduced more targeted draws by occupation and language. Draw sizes typically range from 1,000 to 4,000 candidates per round.
Here’s what’s notable now:
Total candidates in the pool: 244,282
Candidates with 500+ CRS scores: 20,598 (down over 5,600 from last month—likely due to the LMIA change)
If your score is hovering around 510, now’s the time to polish your profile!
Who Should Be in the Pool Right Now?
If you’re eligible but haven’t entered the Express Entry pool yet—don’t wait. And if you’re already in the pool, make sure your profile is updated and optimized to catch the next invitation window.
Here’s a quick refresher on who qualifies:
加拿大體驗班 (CEC)
1 year of skilled work experience in Canada in the last 3 years (non-student, non-self-employed)
CLB 7 for NOC 0 or 1 jobs, CLB 5 for NOC 2 or 3 jobs
聯邦技術工人 (FSW)
1 year of continuous full-time skilled work in the last 10 years (in Canada or abroad)
CLB 7 (IELTS 6 in each section)
67+ points on the FSW eligibility grid
聯邦技術培訓 (FST)
2 years of full-time skilled trades experience in the last 5 years
Language: CLB 5 (Speaking/Listening), CLB 4 (Reading/Writing)
LMIA job offer or a provincial trade certificate
What About the New Targeted Draws?
IRCC announced it will continue prioritizing four key categories for 2025:
Healthcare
Trades
French-language proficiency
Education-related occupations
Notably, the transportation sector has been removed from the category-based selection list. If your occupation falls into one of the top four groups, now’s a great time to prepare.
What If Your CRS Score Isn’t High Enough?
We get it—Express Entry scores are staying high, and it’s not easy for everyone to break into the 500+ range. Even though there’s been some fluctuation, the reality is that unless you have CLB 9+ (IELTS 8777) or an advanced degree, receiving an invitation through a general draw remains tough.
But here’s the good news: Express Entry isn’t the only way to immigrate to Canada.
In fact, many alternative immigration programs offer lower entry thresholds and faster processing:
Home Caregiver and Support Worker Pilots: Popular under recent policy changes, these offer a direct pathway to PR for those with caregiving backgrounds—even if your language scores or academic qualifications aren’t top-tier.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Many provinces offer pathways tailored to specific job roles, local labor needs, or even international graduates with modest profiles.
These options may not have the visibility of Express Entry, but they often lead to PR faster and with fewer obstacles—especially when guided by professionals who understand how to position your application for success.
Altec Global’s Tip:
With LMIA-based points removed, success now depends more than ever on true human capital—language, education, work experience, and job field. Our expert consultants help you:
Calculate and improve your CRS score
Identify the best pathway based on your background
Strategically enter or update your Express Entry profile
Need a hand navigating this evolving system? We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
At Altec Global, we understand the complexities of the Canadian immigration system and are dedicated to helping applicants overcome these obstacles. Whether you’re waiting for your PR application, navigating temporary residence delays, or seeking citizenship, our team is here to guide you through the process and help make your Canadian dream a reality.
Make your personalized guidance on getting the right strategy for immigrating to Canada.