Latest Express Entry Draw Details – November 18, 2025
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw on November 18, 2025, issuing 777 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for Canadian permanent residence through the Express Entry system.
This draw marks the second-largest PNP draw of 2025 and features a significant drop in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score, creating new opportunities for provincial nominees seeking permanent residence in Canada.
Key Draw Statistics
Date: November 18, 2025
Draw Type: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
ITAs Issued: 777
CRS Cut-off Score: 699
Tie-break Date/Time: September 6, 2025, at 1:16 a.m. UTC
Eligibility Requirements
To receive an ITA in this draw, candidates needed to meet two specific criteria:
- Minimum CRS Score: 699 points or higher
- Profile Creation Date: Express Entry profile created before 1:16 a.m. UTC on September 6, 2025
The tie-break rule ensures fairness when multiple candidates share the same CRS score. Candidates with earlier profile creation dates receive priority.
Why This Draw Matters: CRS Score Drops to Nine-Month Low
The CRS cut-off of 699 points represents a significant decrease compared to recent PNP draws and marks the lowest PNP cut-off score since February 2025.
Recent PNP Draw Comparison
DateITAs IssuedCRS Cut-offDifference from Nov 18November 18, 2025777699Current drawNovember 10, 2025714738-39 pointsOctober 27, 2025302761-62 pointsOctober 14, 2025345778-79 pointsSeptember 29, 2025291855-156 points
This substantial drop of 39 points from the previous PNP draw (738 on November 10) signals increased accessibility for provincial nominees. The dramatic 156-point decrease from the September 29 high of 855 demonstrates how IRCC is strategically managing immigration levels through varying invitation volumes and score thresholds.
Understanding Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Provincial Nominee Programs allow Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and settle in a specific province.
How PNP Works with Express Entry
Candidates who receive a provincial nomination through an Express Entry-aligned stream automatically gain 600 additional CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an ITA in subsequent PNP-specific draws.
Provincial/Territorial Programs Include:
- Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)
- British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
- Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
- Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
- Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
- New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
- Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
- Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
- Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
- Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)
Each province manages its own selection criteria, application processes, and nomination allocations based on local economic and demographic needs.
Why Provincial Nominations Are Valuable
The 600-point CRS boost transforms otherwise lower-scoring candidates into top-tier applicants. For example:
- A candidate with 450 CRS points receives a provincial nomination
- Their score immediately increases to 1,050 points
- They become eligible for PNP-specific Express Entry draws
This mechanism allows provinces to address specific labor shortages and demographic priorities while giving candidates alternative pathways to permanent residence beyond federal draws.
Complete 2025 Express Entry Draw History
IRCC has conducted 49 Express Entry draws in 2025 across multiple categories, issuing a total of 87,476 ITAs as of November 18.
All Express Entry Draws – 2025
DateDraw TypeITAsCRS ScoreNov 18PNP777699Nov 14Healthcare3,500462Nov 12CEC1,000533Nov 10PNP714738Oct 29French6,000416Oct 28CEC1,000533Oct 27PNP302761Oct 15Healthcare2,500472Oct 14PNP345778Oct 6French4,500432Oct 1CEC1,000534Sep 29PNP291855Sep 18Trade1,250505Sep 17Education2,500462Sep 15PNP228746Sep 4French4,500446Sep 3CEC1,000534Sep 2PNP249772Aug 19Healthcare2,500470Aug 18PNP192800Aug 8French2,500481Aug 7CEC1,000534Aug 6PNP225739Jul 22Healthcare4,000475Jul 21PNP202788Jul 8CEC3,000518Jul 7PNP356750Jun 26CEC3,000521Jun 23PNP503742Jun 12CEC3,000529Jun 10PNP125784Jun 4Healthcare500504Jun 2PNP277726May 13CEC500547May 12PNP511706May 2Healthcare500510May 1Education1,000479Apr 28PNP421727Apr 14PNP825764Mar 21French7,500379Mar 17PNP536736Mar 6French4,500410Mar 3PNP725667Feb 19French6,500428Feb 17PNP646750Feb 5CEC4,000521Feb 4PNP455802Jan 23CEC4,000527Jan 8CEC1,350542Jan 7PNP471793
2025 Express Entry Draw Analysis by Category
IRCC has strategically distributed invitations across six draw categories in 2025, reflecting Canada’s immigration priorities.
Distribution by Draw Type
Draw CategoryNumber of DrawsTotal ITAsProvincial Nominee Program218,599Canadian Experience Class1223,850French Language Proficiency736,000Healthcare and Social Services613,500Education23,500Trade Occupations11,250
Key Insights from 2025 Draw Patterns
French Language Priority: Despite conducting only 7 draws, the French category accounts for 41% of all ITAs issued (36,000 out of 87,476), demonstrating IRCC’s commitment to francophone immigration.
Canadian Experience Class Dominance: With 12 draws and 23,850 ITAs, CEC remains a cornerstone of Express Entry, rewarding candidates with Canadian work experience.
PNP Frequency: PNP draws occur most frequently (21 draws) but with smaller invitation volumes, targeting specific provincial nominee candidates.
Category-Based Selection: Healthcare, education, and trade draws address targeted labor shortages in critical sectors.
What This Means for Express Entry Candidates
For Current PNP Candidates
If you hold a provincial nomination but haven’t received an ITA yet:
- The lower CRS threshold (699) increases your chances in upcoming draws
- Ensure your Express Entry profile remains active and updated
- Watch for the next PNP draw, which typically occurs every 2-3 weeks
For Aspiring PNP Applicants
If you’re considering applying for a provincial nomination:
- Research which provinces align with your occupation and qualifications
- Understand that provincial nominations add 600 CRS points
- Provincial nomination + base score of 99+ points = guaranteed ITA
- Most provinces have separate application processes and requirements
For Other Express Entry Candidates
If you’re in the Express Entry pool without a provincial nomination:
- Focus on category-based draws (French, CEC, Healthcare, etc.) if you qualify
- Continue improving your CRS score through additional qualifications
- Consider gaining Canadian work experience for CEC eligibility
- Improve French language scores if applicable
How to Increase Your CRS Score
Candidates looking to improve their competitiveness in Express Entry draws can boost their CRS scores through several strategies:
Primary CRS Improvement Methods
1. Improve Language Test Scores
- Retake IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF Canada exams
- Higher scores in all four abilities (reading, writing, listening, speaking) significantly impact CRS
- CLB 9+ scores in both official languages maximize points
2. Gain Additional Education
- Complete additional degrees or diplomas
- Obtain Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for all credentials
- Master’s degrees and PhDs provide substantial CRS boosts
3. Acquire Canadian Work Experience
- One year of Canadian work experience adds valuable points
- Three years maximizes Canadian experience points
- Opens eligibility for Canadian Experience Class draws
4. Obtain Provincial Nomination
- Research provincial programs matching your profile
- Apply to multiple provinces if eligible
- Provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points instantly
5. Secure Valid Job Offer
- LMIA-supported job offers provide 50-200 additional points
- Must be from a Canadian employer
- Position must meet NOC requirements
6. Improve Spouse/Partner Credentials
- Spouse’s education, language scores, and work experience contribute points
- Strategic point allocation between principal applicant and spouse
Express Entry Application Process After Receiving an ITA
Candidates who receive an ITA must submit a complete permanent residence application within 60 days.
Required Documentation
Identity and Civil Status:
- Valid passport(s)
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Divorce/separation documents (if applicable)
Education:
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) reports
- Diplomas and transcripts
- Degree certificates
Language Proficiency:
- IELTS, CELPIP, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada test results
- Must be less than 2 years old at time of application
Work Experience:
- Reference letters from all employers
- Pay stubs and tax documents
- Employment contracts
- Detailed job descriptions
Proof of Funds:
- Bank statements showing required settlement funds
- Not required for CEC candidates or those with valid job offers
Police Certificates:
- From every country where you lived 6+ months since age 18
- Processing times vary by country
Medical Examinations:
- Completed by IRCC-approved panel physicians
- Required for principal applicant and all dependents
Processing Times
Current Express Entry Processing Standard: 6 months for complete applications
However, actual processing times may vary based on:
- Application completeness
- Background check complexity
- Country of residence
- Volume of applications being processed
Common Questions About PNP Express Entry Draws
Q: Do I need a job offer for a provincial nomination?
A: It depends on the provincial program. Some streams require job offers, while others focus on education, work experience, or French language skills.
Q: Can I apply to multiple provinces simultaneously?
A: Yes, but you can only accept one provincial nomination. Accepting a nomination creates a commitment to settle in that province.
Q: How long does a provincial nomination take?
A: Processing times vary widely by province and stream, ranging from a few weeks to several months. Check specific provincial program websites for current timelines.
Q: Does a provincial nomination guarantee permanent residence?
A: No. The provincial nomination gives you 600 CRS points and significantly increases your chances of receiving an ITA, but you still need to apply for permanent residence and meet all federal admissibility requirements.
Q: What happens if I receive a provincial nomination but don’t get an ITA?
A: Provincial nominations typically remain valid for 6 months. If you don’t receive an ITA during that period, you may need to reapply to the province.
Q: Can I decline an ITA?
A: Yes, but declining an ITA means you remain in the Express Entry pool (if your profile is still valid) and must wait for another invitation. Consider carefully before declining.
Q: What’s the minimum CRS score needed for Express Entry?
A: There is no universal minimum. Each draw has its own cut-off score depending on the draw type and number of invitations issued. PNP draws typically have higher scores (600+ due to provincial nomination points), while French and category-based draws often have lower thresholds.
Predicting Future Express Entry Draws
Based on 2025 patterns, candidates can anticipate:
PNP Draw Frequency: Approximately every 2-3 weeks, typically mid-month
Volume Trends:
- Large French draws: 4,500-7,500 ITAs
- Standard CEC draws: 1,000-3,000 ITAs
- PNP draws: 200-800 ITAs
- Category draws: 500-4,000 ITAs depending on sector
CRS Score Trends:
- PNP draws: 650-855 range (highly variable)
- French draws: 379-481 (consistently lowest)
- CEC draws: 518-547 (moderate and stable)
- Healthcare draws: 462-510 (moderate)
The declining CRS trend in recent PNP draws suggests IRCC may be working to process more provincial nominees before year-end, potentially creating additional opportunities for candidates in the 650-750 CRS range.
Official Resources for Express Entry Candidates
IRCC Express Entry: canada.ca/express-entry
CRS Calculator: Calculate your score at canada.ca
Provincial Nominee Programs: Research individual provincial websites for specific program details
Check Application Status: Use your IRCC account to track application progress
IRCC Customer Support: 1-888-242-2100 (from Canada) or refer to the IRCC website for international contact options
Conclusion: Opportunities in the Current Express Entry Landscape
The November 18 PNP draw with its nine-month-low CRS score of 699 represents a significant opportunity for provincial nominees. The substantial increase in ITAs issued (777 compared to recent PNP draws averaging 200-400) combined with the lower score threshold suggests IRCC is actively working to process provincial nominees efficiently.
For candidates currently in the Express Entry pool:
- Monitor your email and IRCC account daily for ITA notifications
- Keep all documents current and readily available
- Continue improving your CRS score through additional qualifications
- Consider provincial nomination as a strategic pathway
- Stay informed about draw patterns and trends
The diverse draw categories in 2025—spanning French language proficiency, Canadian experience, healthcare, education, and trades—demonstrate that Canada’s Express Entry system offers multiple pathways to permanent residence. Understanding which categories align with your profile and qualifications is essential for maximizing your chances of receiving an ITA.
