Express Entry Draw Hits Highest CRS Score Since 2018

Canada’s immigration landscape shifted again with the Express Entry draw held on September 29, 2025. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited 291 candidates, but the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cutoff of 855 stunned many observers. It marked the highest CRS threshold in nearly seven years, showing just how competitive the Express Entry system has become.

This draw was limited to candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), making provincial nominations the decisive factor for success. With the latest results, candidates across the globe are reassessing strategies to improve their CRS profiles and increase chances of selection.

Full Details of the Express Entry Draw on September 29, 2025

The September 29, 2025 Express Entry draw under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) revealed just how competitive the system has become. Unlike general rounds, this draw only considered candidates who had secured a provincial nomination. A nomination automatically adds 600 points to a candidate’s CRS score, making it the decisive factor for selection.

Here is the official breakdown of the draw:

• Program: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

• Date and Time: September 29, 2025

• Lowest CRS Score Invited: 855

• Number of Invitations Issued: 291

• Rank Needed to Qualify: 291 or higher

• Tie-Breaking Rule: April 8, 2025 at 01:25:29 UTC

The CRS cutoff score of 855 was significantly higher than the last few rounds. For context, here is a comparison of the three most recent PNP draws:

As the table shows, the CRS cutoff has climbed by over 150 points within just one month. This dramatic increase reflects the growing demand for candidates with provincial backing. It also signals that competition among highly skilled professionals is intensifying.

Candidates with nominations from provinces such as Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Nova Scotia benefitted the most in this round. Their additional 600 points placed them well above other skilled workers who rely solely on human capital factors like age, education, work experience, and language test scores.

IRCC also applied a tie-breaking rule to separate candidates with the same CRS scores. Only those who had submitted their Express Entry profiles before April 8, 2025, at 01:25:29 UTC were issued invitations. This highlights the importance of keeping a profile active and submitting early to avoid missing out.

Top 5 Highest CRS Cutoff Scores in Express Entry

The September 29 draw now ranks among the top three highest CRS cutoffs ever recorded since the system began in 2015.

With a cutoff of 855, this round is now the third highest in Express Entry history. It highlights how crucial PNP pathways have become for skilled workers seeking permanent residency.

CRS Score Distribution in the Express Entry Pool

The Express Entry pool on September 29 included 250,993 candidates. Most were concentrated in the mid-to-high ranges, with limited candidates in the top tiers:

The largest group was between 451–500, totaling more than 70,000 profiles. This shows how fierce the competition is for candidates who lack the 600-point PNP boost.

Profiles of Candidates Who Received Invitations

The September 29 Express Entry draw highlighted the profiles that managed to secure nominations. These real-world examples provide insight into the type of candidates provinces are seeking:

1. Amandeep – Software Engineer (CRS 877)
   With 7 years of IT experience, a master’s degree, and CLB 10 IELTS, Amandeep received a provincial nomination from Ontario.

2. Sophie – Registered Nurse (CRS 869)
   Sophie combined Canadian work experience with bilingual proficiency in English and French. Nova Scotia nominated her under its health stream.

3. Diego – Electrician (CRS 862)
   Diego, a trades professional with over 10 years of work experience, earned nomination through Alberta’s demand-driven Express Entry stream.

4. Fatima – Business Analyst (CRS 858)
   Fatima had international work experience and a Canadian diploma. British Columbia nominated her under the PNP Tech Pilot.

5. Jean – Early Childhood Educator (CRS 856)
   Jean’s French-language ability and Canadian work history helped him secure a nomination from Manitoba.

These cases reflect the growing reliance on provincial programs to secure permanent residency invitations.

Why the Express Entry Draw Cutoff Is Rising

There are several reasons why CRS cutoffs have climbed so high:

1. Provincial Nominee Dominance: Provinces set high standards to meet specific labor needs.

2. Growing Candidate Pool: Nearly 251,000 profiles are active, creating intense competition.

3. Post-Pandemic Policy Shifts: Canada is targeting skilled workers in healthcare, tech, and trades.

4. High Language and Education Standards: Many candidates now enter with advanced degrees and CLB 9 or above.

These factors combine to create an environment where only the strongest profiles succeed.

Long-Term Implications for Express Entry Candidates

The September 29 Express Entry draw showed a clear shift in how candidates should approach Canadian immigration. With the CRS cutoff reaching 855, it is no longer enough to rely only on education, age, and work experience. Provincial nominations are proving to be the fastest and most reliable path to permanent residency.

For many candidates, this means rethinking their strategies. Those who do not align with provincial priorities may have to wait longer for general rounds. On the other hand, applicants who understand labor market needs and tailor their profiles accordingly stand a much better chance of success.

Here are practical steps every candidate should consider:

1. Targeting Provincial Streams
   Keep track of active programs in provinces such as Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Nova Scotia. Each province runs its own nomination streams that focus on high-demand skills. By monitoring these opportunities, candidates can submit applications when doors open.

2. Improving Language Scores
   Language remains a decisive factor in the CRS system. Reaching CLB 9 or 10 in IELTS or CELPIP can add critical points. French-language ability is also highly valued and may open opportunities in bilingual provinces like Quebec, Manitoba, and New Brunswick.

3. Canadian Experience
   Studying or working in Canada gives applicants a clear edge. Canadian work experience is rewarded in the CRS system, and many provincial programs specifically target those who already have local ties.

4. Job Offers in Demand Fields
   Healthcare, education, skilled trades, and technology remain top priorities for provinces. Securing a valid job offer in these fields greatly improves both nomination chances and CRS scores.

By focusing on these areas, candidates not only raise their CRS but also align themselves with Canada’s long-term immigration priorities. Future Express Entry draws will continue to be competitive, so preparing early and strategically is the key to securing an invitation.

Conclusion

The September 29, 2025 Express Entry draw has raised the stakes for skilled workers worldwide. With CRS cutoffs climbing, the pathway to permanent residency demands strategy and precision.

If you want to maximize your chances, seek legal and professional guidance. Maple Crest Immigration Law specializes in tailored Express Entry and Provincial Nominee applications. From eligibility assessment to document preparation, our team ensures your profile meets the highest standards.

Contact Maple Crest Immigration today and take the next step toward Canadian permanent residency.