On December 8, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) revealed details of the initial Express Entry draw for the month, marking a significant event in the immigration landscape.
Key Highlights of the Recent Express Entry Draw
The recent draw saw 1,123 candidates receiving invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This draw stands out as the most substantial PNP-focused round in 2025, aligning with the government’s ambitious provincial immigration targets set in early November 2025.
With a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 729, the draw continued the trend of selecting candidates with low scores driven by nominations, a strategy defining Canada’s late-2025 Express Entry approach.
Details of the December 8, 2025 Express Entry Draw
- Program: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Date: December 8, 2025
- CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 729
- Number of invitations issued: 1,123
- Rank required: 1,123 or higher
- Tie-breaking rule: March 05, 2025 at 05:10:48
In this draw, all invitees held a valid provincial nomination, meeting specific criteria to qualify for the invitation.
Eligibility Criteria for Invitation
To be eligible for the recent draw, candidates needed:
- A valid Express Entry profile
- A CRS score of 129 or above
- An approved provincial nomination
These requirements ensured that candidates selected in this draw were well-aligned with regional labor market needs.
Latest CRS score Distribution
IRCC also shared an updated CRS distribution for candidates in the Express Entry pool, providing insights into active profiles across different score ranges.
- 601–1200: 1,110 candidates
- 501–600: 27,096 candidates
- 451–500: 68,679 candidates
- … (full breakdown provided in the original article)
Next Steps for Invitees
Candidates who received ITAs have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application, including necessary documentation such as police certificates, medical exams, and proof of funds. Applications linked to the PNP typically follow a 6-month processing timeline.
Overall, the December 8 draw emphasizes the importance of provincial nominations in Express Entry selections, signaling a shift towards a system focused on in-Canada transitions and regional selection as key pathways to permanent residence.
