On September 29, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted Express Entry Draw #369, issuing 291 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) stream. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 855, making this one of the most competitive draws of 2025.
The tie-breaking rule for this draw was April 8, 2025, at 01:25:29 UTC.
Key Details of Express Entry Draw #369
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Draw | September 29, 2025 |
| Program / Stream | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) |
| Invitations Issued | 291 |
| Minimum CRS Score | 855 |
| Tie-Breaking Rule | April 8, 2025, at 01:25:29 UTC |
Understanding This Draw
1. Exceptionally High CRS Cut-Off
The cutoff of 855 is one of the highest of 2025, signaling intensified competition among candidates with provincial nominations. Since a PNP nomination adds 600 points, this means most invited candidates had base CRS scores around 255 or higher – already strong profiles even before nomination.
2. Lower ITA Volume Reflects Targeted Selection
With only 291 invitations issued, this draw was smaller than the previous PNP rounds (such as Draw #366 with 228 ITAs and CRS 746). IRCC continues to conduct targeted, quality-focused draws that prioritize candidates with provincial ties, in-demand occupations, and strong settlement potential.
3. PNP Streams Remain a Powerful Pathway
The Provincial Nominee Program continues to be a cornerstone of Canada’s immigration strategy. Provinces use these nominations to address local labour shortages, ensuring that skilled workers who meet their specific needs can integrate successfully.
A nomination under PNP provides:
- 600 automatic CRS points added to your Express Entry profile.
- Priority in selection during PNP-specific draws.
- Faster route to PR once nominated and invited.
Comparing Recent PNP Draws
| Draw | Date | Invitations | CRS Cut-Off | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #363 | Sept 2, 2025 | 249 | 772 | Smaller draw, high CRS |
| #366 | Sept 15, 2025 | 228 | 746 | CRS decreased slightly |
| #369 | Sept 29, 2025 | 291 | 855 | Significant increase in cutoff |
Observation: The CRS score has rebounded sharply from 746 to 855, showing increased competition, likely due to a surge of nominations issued in late summer and stronger candidate profiles in the pool.
What This Draw Means for Candidates
If You Have a Provincial Nomination
Congratulations! You are among the most competitive candidates in the Express Entry system. With your additional 600 points, you stand an excellent chance of receiving an ITA in upcoming rounds – provided your documentation is complete and up to date.
If You Don’t Have a Nomination Yet
Now is the perfect time to:
- Research active provincial streams (Ontario, Alberta, BC, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, etc.).
- Identify which PNP aligns with your occupation and qualifications.
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) early to be in line for future rounds.
- Strengthen your base CRS score by improving language results, gaining additional experience, or pursuing further education.
If You’re Below the Cutoff
Don’t be discouraged – Express Entry cutoffs fluctuate. Focus on strategic improvements:
- Retake language tests (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF).
- Get your education credentials assessed through ECA if not already done.
- Gain additional work experience or provincial ties (job offers or studies in Canada).
- Consider French-language proficiency to qualify for category-based draws.
Why PNPs Are Becoming More Competitive
- Provincial demand is evolving: Provinces are now prioritizing sectors like healthcare, trades, IT, and education.
- Fewer overall ITAs per draw: IRCC is managing intake carefully under 2025 immigration targets.
- Higher-profile candidates entering the pool: Many with dual eligibility (Express Entry + PNP) are strengthening competition.
This means that being proactive and strategic is more important than ever for success in Express Entry.
How Earnest Immigration Can Help
At Earnest Immigration, we guide you through every step of your Express Entry and PNP journey. Our licensed immigration experts help you:
- Identify the best-fit Provincial Nominee Programs for your skills and goals.
- Build a competitive Express Entry profile that maximizes CRS potential.
- Prepare accurate, complete documentation to meet tight application deadlines.
- Develop alternate PR strategies, including category-based draws and study/work permit transitions.
Get in touch with Earnest Immigration today to assess your eligibility for PNPs and Express Entry. We’ll help you create a roadmap to Canadian permanent residency – step by step.
