On December 15, 2025, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a new Express Entry draw, inviting 399 candidates to apply for permanent residency.
This draw specifically targeted candidates with a provincial nomination and had a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cutoff similar to the previous week’s draw.
For two consecutive weeks, IRCC has conducted back-to-back draws for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates, indicating the government’s emphasis on provincial nominations to address regional labor market needs.
Alternatively, the timing of these draws could be attributed to the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays.
Key Details of the December 15 PNP Express Entry Draw
- Program: Provincial Nominee Program
- Tie-breaking rule: October 18, 2025 at 7:18:52 UTC
- Date and time: December 15, 2025
- CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 731
- Number of invitations issued: 399
- Rank needed: 399 or above
For candidates with the same CRS score, priority was given to those who submitted their profiles before October 18, 2025, at 7:18:52 UTC.
Provincial nominations continue to be a reliable pathway for securing invitations, especially for candidates with moderate CRS scores. Candidates without a nomination are encouraged to explore provincial nominee streams associated with Express Entry.
Provincial nomination provides an additional 600 points to candidates in the pool. Therefore, invitees in the latest Express Entry draw had a CRS score of 131 plus 600 points from the provincial nomination.
Maintaining an active and accurate Express Entry profile is crucial for nominated candidates, as invitations remain subject to tie-breaking rules.
Latest CRS score Distribution In The Pool After The Draw
As of December 15, 2025, the Express Entry pool consisted of 237,302 candidates just before the draw. The distribution of CRS score ranges after the draw is as follows:
- 501-600: 21,783
- 451-500: 68,700
- 401-450: 66,948
- 351-400: 52,574
- 301-350: 18,829
- 0-300: 8,069
- Total: 236,903
This distribution highlights a concentration of candidates in the 401-500 range, emphasizing the importance of higher scores for selection in category-based draws. With a large pool of candidates and ongoing provincial nominations, PNP draws are expected to remain frequent and competitive.
Implications for Immigration Hopefuls
For candidates with CRS scores around 131 aiming for a provincial nomination, the recent draw emphasizes the significance of pursuing provincial nominations to enhance competitiveness. Provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta offer pathways for specific occupations, even for candidates with moderate scores.
Experts recommend optimizing Express Entry profiles by improving language skills, gaining Canadian work experience, or securing a job offer. With immigration targets set to exceed 380,000 newcomers in 2026, more draws are anticipated. Stay informed through official IRCC channels for updates.
As Canada transitions into its 2026 immigration plans, provincial programs are expected to remain a strong and predictable route to permanent residence for skilled workers contributing to the economy.
