Express Entry PNP Draw: July 21, 2025
*Draw Type: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
* Date: July 21, 2025
* Invitations Issued: 202 ITAs
* CRS Cut-Off Score: 788
* Tie-Breaking Rule: Applied to prioritize candidates with the same CRS score based on the date and time of their Express Entry profile submission.
This draw continues the trend of high CRS cut-offs for PNP-specific rounds, largely due to the 600-point boost awarded to candidates with a provincial nomination. With only 471 candidates in the 601–1200 CRS score range as of June 22, 2025, this draw likely targeted a significant portion of PNP-nominated candidates in the pool.
The focus on PNP draws aligns with Canada’s 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, which allocates 55,000 spots for PNP admissions in 2025, a reduction from 110,000 in 2024. This shift emphasizes quality over quantity, prioritizing skilled workers who can address specific provincial labor shortages, such as healthcare professionals in Alberta or tech workers in Ontario.
How to Increase Your CRS Score: Actionable Strategies
For candidates in the Express Entry pool or those planning to apply, improving your CRS score is critical to securing an ITA, especially in competitive PNP draws. The Comprehensive Ranking System evaluates candidates based on factors like age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and additional qualifications. Here are eight practical ways to boost your CRS score:
Improve Language Proficiency
Language skills (English and/or French) can contribute up to 160 points for single applicants or 150 points for those with a spouse, plus up to 50 bonus points for bilingualism.
Retake language tests like IELTS, CELPIP (English), or TEF/TCF (French) to aim for a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 9 or 10. For example, achieving CLB 10 (IELTS 8.0+ in each band) can add 20–30 points compared to CLB 7. Learning French, even at a basic level, can also qualify you for French proficiency category-based draws, which have lower cut-offs (e.g., 379–428).
Secure a Provincial Nomination
A PNP nomination adds 600 CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an ITA in PNP-specific draws.
Research provincial streams aligned with your occupation. For example, Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities Stream targets tech and healthcare professionals, while British Columbia prioritizes trades. Regularly check for Notifications of Interest (NOIs) from provinces like Ontario or Alberta and ensure your Express Entry profile is complete and up-to-date.
Gain Additional Work Experience
Skilled work experience (NOC TEER 0, 1, or 2) can add up to 70 points for single applicants or 80 points with a spouse. Canadian work experience is particularly valuable for CEC eligibility and can boost your score significantly.
If you’re in Canada on a work permit, aim for at least one year of skilled work to qualify for CEC. For foreign work experience, ensure it’s well-documented and maximize points by accumulating three or more years in a skilled occupation.
Upgrade Your Education
Higher education credentials can add up to 150 points for a single applicant or 140 points with a spouse.
If you have a bachelor’s degree, consider pursuing a master’s or PhD, which can add 15–30 points. Ensure your credentials are evaluated by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign degrees.
Include Your Spouse’s Qualifications
A spouse’s language skills, education, or Canadian work experience can add up to 40 points to your CRS score.
If your spouse has strong language skills (CLB 7 or higher) or a Canadian degree, include their details in your Express Entry profile. If they lack these, consider having them take a language test or pursue additional education.
Maximize Age Points
Candidates aged 20–29 receive the maximum 110 points for age, with points decreasing after 30.
If you’re close to turning 30, submit your Express Entry profile as soon as possible to lock in higher age points. While you can’t change your age, acting quickly can make a difference.
Update Your Profile Regularly
Failing to update your profile with new qualifications or changes (e.g., additional work experience or improved language scores) can cost you points or lead to rejection.
Review your Express Entry profile regularly and update it with new achievements, such as additional work experience, higher language scores, or updated proof of funds (required by July 28, 2025, for some candidates). Use IRCC’s free CRS calculator to track your score.
Explore Category-Based Draws
Category-based draws, such as those for healthcare, trades, or French proficiency, often have lower CRS cut-offs (e.g., 379 for French proficiency on March 21, 2025).
If your occupation aligns with priority categories (e.g., nurses, carpenters, or teachers), ensure your profile reflects these skills. Learning French can also open doors to category-based draws with significantly lower cut-offs.
