Express Entry Draw #366: 228 PNP Candidates Invited

On September 15, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held Express Entry Draw #366, inviting 228 candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) stream. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 746, with the tie-breaking rule set at March 31, 2025, 13:39:06 UTC.

Table of Contents

Draw Details at a Glance

Detail	Information
Date of Draw	September 15, 2025
Program	Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Invitations Issued	228
Minimum CRS Score	746
Tie-Breaking Rule	March 31, 2025 at 13:39:06 UTC

What This Draw Means

Slightly Lower Cut-Off but Still High
The CRS of 746 is a drop from some earlier PNP draws, but remains quite high. Provincial nominations continue to offer one of the most powerful boosts in Express Entry – applicants get +600 points for a valid nomination. Thus, base scores needed are still significant.
Smaller Invitation Volume Compared to Some Rounds
With just 228 invitations, this round is modest compared to category-based draws or large French draws. That suggests IRCC is being selective with PNP rounds, especially as it balances immigration targets and capacity.
Importance of Provincial Nominations
This draw reaffirms how crucial having a provincial nomination is – especially for candidates whose base CRS (without nomination) likely wouldn’t meet the cutoff in other draws. For many, securing a PNP stream is a strong path forward.

Trends & Comparisons

To place this draw in context:

Draw Number	Date	Program	Invitations	CRS Cut-off
#363	September 2	PNP	249	772
#366	September 15	PNP	228	746

CRS Dropped: From 772 to 746 – a notable decrease, meaning perhaps slightly more room for candidates with less “perfect” profiles (while still quite strong).
Fewer ITAs than some rounds: The smaller number indicates increased selectivity, possibly due to the specific profile of the pool, provincial needs, or IRCC’s overall planning.

Who Stands to Benefit

Candidates with PNP nominations: Those who already have a provincial nomination are the clear winners here. Even with a base CRS that might be far below 746, the 600-point addition often pushes them over the threshold.
Applicants with strong language, work experience, or education credentials: With base scores still being important, investing in language tests, credentials evaluation, or additional work experience can make a difference.
Those considering PNP streams: If you are eligible for provincial streams, this draw underscores why applying through them can significantly improve your chances.

What You Should Do Next

Check your profile: If you hold a nomination or are eligible for one, verify you meet all documentation and program requirements.
Boost all possible CRS components: Language, education, work experience, and maybe even a job offer or provincial connections.
Explore which provinces have open nominations that suit your skills and experience.
Prepare your documents ahead: Provincial nomination letters, education credentials, language test results, etc., because when draws occur, timelines matter.

Final Thoughts

Express Entry Draw #366 demonstrates once again that the PNP stream is a high-reward route – but one that demands strong preparation. The CRS cutoff of 746 is still steep, but slightly more accessible than some prior PNP cuts, depending on your profile. If you can secure a nomination, you dramatically increase your odds.