Express Entry Draw #361: CRS Cutoff Rises to 800 with Fewer Invitations Issued

On August 18, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted Express Entry Draw #361, inviting 192 candidates through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) stream. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 800, reflecting a notable increase compared to the previous PNP draw, which featured a lower cutoff and a larger number of invitations.

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Key Highlights of Express Entry Draw #361

Date of Draw: August 18, 2025
Number of Invitations Issued: 192
Minimum CRS Score Required: 800
Program Targeted: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Tie-Breaking Rule: February 11, 2025 at 19:17:09 UTC

What This Draw Means for Candidates

This draw signals two important trends:

Higher CRS Threshold
- With the CRS cutoff set at 800, candidates needed both a provincial nomination and strong overall profiles to secure an invitation.
- Typically, a PNP nomination alone adds 600 points to an applicant’s CRS score, meaning base scores of around 200+ were still required.
Fewer Invitations Issued
- Only 192 invitations were issued this round – lower than in several previous PNP draws.
- This reduction suggests IRCC is pacing invitations carefully, possibly in response to immigration targets and processing capacity.

How Does This Compare to the Previous PNP Draw?

The last PNP-specific draw saw:

More invitations issued (higher intake).
Lower CRS cutoff, making it more accessible for PNP nominees.

By contrast, this round reflects a more selective approach, tightening the CRS score while reducing invitations. Candidates relying on provincial nominations should anticipate ongoing fluctuations and prepare accordingly.

Why Provincial Nominee Programs Remain Critical

Provincial Nominee Programs continue to be one of the strongest pathways for immigration candidates who may not otherwise achieve a competitive CRS score in general Express Entry draws. Benefits include:

600 CRS points added automatically with a nomination.
Province-specific opportunities tailored to local labor market needs.
Higher chances of receiving an ITA despite shifting federal cutoffs.

What Should Candidates Do Next?

Stay proactive: Monitor future draws, as CRS trends may continue to shift throughout 2025.
Strengthen your profile: Explore language test improvements, work experience, and education credentials.
Consider provincial opportunities: Each province has unique nomination streams; applying strategically can significantly improve your chances.

Find Out If You Are Eligible

At Earnest Immigration, we help candidates navigate the complexities of Canada’s immigration system – whether through Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, or other permanent residency pathways.