Canada continues to prioritize candidates with strong provincial ties through the Express Entry system. In the latest round of invitations, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a draw under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), targeting candidates who have been nominated by a Canadian province or territory.
On December 15, 2025, IRCC issued 399 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence under Ministerial Instructions #386. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required in this round was 731, reflecting the high-ranking advantage given to provincially nominated candidates.
Express Entry Draw Results, December 15, 2025
- Program: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Number of Invitations Issued: 399
- Minimum CRS Score: 731
- Rank Required: 399 or above
- Date & Time of Round: December 15, 2025 at 14:39:41 UTC
- Tie-Breaking Rule: October 18, 2025 at 07:18:52 UTC
Under IRCC’s tie-breaking rule, candidates with a CRS score of 731 were invited only if they had submitted their Express Entry profile on or before October 18, 2025, at 07:18:52 UTC.
Why This PNP Draw Is Important
Provincial Nominee Program draws play a vital role in Canada’s immigration system by allowing provinces and territories to select candidates who best meet their local labour market and economic needs. This draw helps to:
- Support regional workforce demands across Canada
- Encourage settlement outside major metropolitan areas
- Strengthen provincial economies through targeted skilled immigration
- Fast-track permanent residence for candidates with provincial endorsement
With the additional 600 CRS points awarded for a provincial nomination, PNP candidates continue to rank among the highest-scoring profiles in Express Entry.
Express Entry Snapshot, Provincial Nominee Program
| Draw Date | Invitations Issued | Minimum CRS Score |
|---|---|---|
| December 15, 2025 | 399 | 731 |
This latest draw highlights Canada’s continued reliance on the Provincial Nominee Program to attract skilled talent aligned with regional priorities and long-term economic growth.
🎉 Congratulations to the 399 candidates who received invitations!
Your provincial nomination has brought you one step closer to becoming a Canadian permanent resident.
