Canada has once again shown why it remains one of the top destinations for skilled professionals seeking permanent residency. In a move aimed at tackling labour shortages and aligning immigration with local needs, the country issued 228 invitations for permanent residency (PR) in its latest Express Entry draw on September 15, 2025.
This draw was significant for two main reasons:
- The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score requirement dropped to 746, the lowest in recent months.
- Invitations were exclusively sent to candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), emphasizing how provinces are taking the lead in shaping immigration to meet region-specific workforce demands.
But that’s not all. Canada is also preparing for a major policy reform in March 2025, which will remove the CRS points previously awarded for job offers. This change will directly affect thousands of skilled workers planning their immigration pathway.
In this article, we’ll break down what the September 15 draw means, why the CRS score drop matters, how PNPs are becoming the dominant pathway for PR, and what the elimination of job-offer points means for future applicants.
Understanding the Latest Express Entry Draw
The September 15, 2025 draw was the 366th round of invitations under Express Entry. Unlike general draws, this one was targeted solely at candidates nominated through provincial programs.
- Number of Invitations (ITAs): 228
- Lowest CRS Score: 746
- Score Drop from Previous Draw: 26 points (from 772 on September 2)
- Tie-Breaking Rule: Profiles submitted on or before March 31, 2025
This marks a strategic lowering of the CRS bar. Previously, Canada kept cut-offs higher, often leaving many skilled candidates in the pool without invitations. By easing the threshold, Ottawa is broadening access to professionals who may not be the very top scorers nationally but are highly valuable at the provincial level.
Why the CRS Score Drop Matters
The CRS system ranks candidates in the Express Entry pool based on factors like:
- Age
- Education level
- Skilled work experience
- Language proficiency (English and/or French)
- Additional points such as Canadian education, provincial nomination, or job offers
Until recently, higher CRS scores made it extremely competitive, shutting out many candidates even if they had strong work experience or education.
By lowering the cut-off to 746, Canada is signalling that it wants to make Express Entry more inclusive while giving provinces more room to select candidates aligned with local labour needs.
For candidates, this means:
- Those with PNP nominations are in a stronger position than ever.
- Even if their base CRS score is moderate, the 600 extra points from provincial nomination virtually guarantee an invitation.
- Professionals in in-demand occupations have a clearer pathway to PR without competing solely on national rankings.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Canada’s Key Immigration Driver
The PNP has become the backbone of Canadian immigration policy. While Express Entry remains the national system, provincial governments now play a much larger role in nominating skilled immigrants who meet their specific economic needs.
Why Provinces Matter
Each Canadian province or territory (except Quebec and Nunavut) has its own immigration streams under the PNP. These streams are designed to target local shortages and sector-specific demands.
- Ontario: Strong focus on tech, IT, healthcare, and finance.
- British Columbia: Prioritizes tech workers, tradespeople, and healthcare professionals.
- Alberta: Looks for candidates in agriculture, energy, and skilled trades.
- Atlantic Provinces: Healthcare, fisheries, and community-based roles are in high demand.
This allows provinces to directly attract immigrants who are not only qualified but also more likely to settle and stay long-term in the region.
Why PNP is a Game-Changer for Applicants
For Express Entry candidates, getting a provincial nomination is a transformative step:
- Adds 600 CRS points to your profile.
- Virtually guarantees an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the next draw.
- Aligns your skills with a province actively looking for your expertise.
This is why more applicants are now tailoring their Express Entry strategy to include provincial streams rather than relying on general draws alone.
A Big Change Coming: Job Offer Points to Be Removed
Perhaps the most dramatic shift in Canada’s immigration policy is coming on March 25, 2025, when the CRS points for valid job offers will be completely removed.
How Job Offer Points Work Today
Currently, Express Entry awards:
- 50 CRS points for most valid job offers in NOC TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3.
- 200 CRS points for job offers in senior management positions.
This gave a huge advantage to candidates with employer-backed opportunities in Canada, often boosting them above the cut-off.
What Will Change in 2025
- No more CRS points for job offers.
- All candidates will compete based on core human capital factors (age, education, language, work experience).
- Employer-driven migration will no longer directly impact CRS scores.
Why Canada is Making This Change
Officials argue that job-offer points tilted the system in favour of employer sponsorship, which sometimes led to misuse and didn’t always reflect long-term settlement success. Instead, Canada wants to:
- Focus on education, skills, and adaptability as long-term success indicators.
- Ensure fairness in the pool by prioritizing individual merit.
- Make immigration less dependent on whether a candidate happens to secure an employer offer before applying.
Impact of Removing Job Offer Points
The reform is controversial and comes with both opportunities and challenges.
Benefits for Candidates
- Levels the playing field for skilled immigrants who don’t yet have Canadian job offers.
- Makes factors like language proficiency and age even more valuable.
- Encourages applicants to strengthen their education and work experience profiles rather than relying on employer sponsorship.
Concerns from Employers and Critics
- May reduce Canada’s ability to quickly recruit foreign workers for urgent labour shortages.
- Could make it harder for smaller employers in healthcare, trades, and rural areas to attract international talent.
- Adds more pressure on provinces through the PNP to fill gaps that employers previously influenced through job offers.
How Applicants Can Prepare for 2025
With these changes coming, aspiring immigrants should rethink their strategy:
- Focus on PNP Streams
- Since job offers won’t add CRS points, provincial nominations are the best way to secure an ITA.
- Research which provinces are aligned with your occupation.
- Maximize CRS Factors
- Improve language test scores (IELTS/CELPIP or TEF/TCF).
- Consider additional education or certifications that can boost points.
- Highlight international work experience.
- Stay Informed About Occupation Targets
- Canada frequently adjusts draws to prioritize healthcare, STEM, trades, and French-speaking candidates.
- Tailor your profile to align with these in-demand categories.
- Don’t Rely Solely on Job Offers
- Even if you secure a job, it won’t boost your CRS from March 2025 onwards.
- Use the offer as a settlement advantage but focus on other CRS factors.
The Bigger Picture: Canada’s Immigration Strategy
Canada is facing a rapidly aging population and persistent labour shortages, especially in healthcare, trades, tech, and education. Immigration is not just a policy choice—it’s an economic necessity.
The September 15 draw, the lowering of CRS scores, and the focus on PNP nominations all highlight Canada’s dual strategy:
- Attract a wide pool of skilled professionals.
- Allow provinces to take the lead in meeting local workforce demands.
By 2027, Canada is expected to welcome over 500,000 new permanent residents annually, with a large share coming through the PNP. This makes provincial programs the central engine of Canada’s immigration system.
Final Thoughts
The September 15 Express Entry draw was more than just another round of invitations. It reflected a turning point in Canada’s immigration system:
- CRS thresholds are being eased to widen access.
- Provinces are taking centre stage in shaping immigration.
- Job offer points are being phased out, changing how candidates strategize their applications.
For applicants, this is both a challenge and an opportunity. The system is shifting toward rewarding adaptability, education, and provincial alignment rather than relying on employer sponsorships.
If you’re planning to apply for Canadian PR in 2025 or beyond, the key is to:
- Stay updated on policy changes.
- Explore PNP pathways.
- Strengthen your CRS core factors.
Canada remains one of the most welcoming countries for skilled immigrants. By understanding these changes and adapting your strategy, you can position yourself for success in this evolving immigration landscape.
