Synopsis: The April 28, 2025, Express Entry draw invited 421 Provincial Nominee Program candidates with a CRS cutoff of 727. This PNP-focused approach aligns with Canada’s 2025 immigration strategy to target regional labour shortages, amid reduced overall PR targets and evolving policy priorities.
On April 28, 2025, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its second Express Entry draw of the month, exclusively targeting candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This draw, which invited 421 candidates to apply for permanent residency (PR) with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 727, highlights the evolving landscape of Canadian immigration policy and the government’s focus on regional economic needs127.
Table of Contents
- Key Details of the April 28, 2025, Express Entry Draw
- Why the Focus on PNP Draws?
- CRS Score Distribution: How Competitive Is the Pool?
- The 2025 Immigration Levels Plan: A New Direction
- Provincial Nominee Allocations: Regional Impacts
- What’s Next for Express Entry Candidates?
- Conclusion: Navigating the 2025 Immigration Landscape
Key Details of the April 28, 2025, Express Entry Draw
- Draw Type: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Date: April 28, 2025
- Invitations Issued: 421
- CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate: 727
- Tie-Breaking Rule: September 9, 2024, at 17:11:19 UTC (candidates with the lowest score are ranked by the date and time of their Express Entry profile submission)1247
This draw was the seventh PNP-specific Express Entry draw of 2025, continuing a trend where IRCC prioritizes provincial nominees. Candidates who receive a provincial nomination receive an automatic 600-point boost to their CRS score, making them highly competitive in the pool and virtually guaranteeing an invitation to apply for PR12.
“The Provincial Nominee Program aligns with the federal Express Entry system. Candidates who receive a provincial nomination automatically obtain an additional 600 CRS points.”
Why the Focus on PNP Draws?
Addressing Regional Labour Shortages
Canada’s 2025 immigration strategy is sharply focused on addressing regional labour shortages and fostering growth beyond major urban centers like Toronto and Vancouver15. The PNP empowers provinces and territories to nominate candidates whose skills match local economic needs, such as healthcare, skilled trades, and technology.
Demographic Pressures
With over 20% of Canada’s population now over age 65, and a shrinking pool of young workers, targeted immigration is essential to sustaining economic growth and supporting critical sectors. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, IRCC issued over 5,000 PNP-specific invitations to apply (ITAs), and the April 28 draw continues this momentum15.
Shift Away from All-Program Draws
Notably, April 2025 has seen no all-program, Canadian Experience Class (CEC), or category-based draws outside of French language proficiency. This has left many temporary residents, including international graduates and workers, waiting for opportunities as the government recalibrates its selection priorities712.
CRS Score Distribution: How Competitive Is the Pool?
As of April 28, 2025, the Express Entry pool contained 246,673 candidates. Here’s a snapshot of the CRS score distribution:
| CRS Score Range | Number of Candidates |
| 601-1200 | 416 |
| 501-600 | 20,708 |
| 451-500 | 72,523 |
| 401-450 | 68,267 |
| 351-400 | 53,640 |
| 301-350 | 22,553 |
| 0-300 | 8,566 |
| Total | 246,673 |
The high CRS cutoff of 727 in this draw reflects the significant advantage of provincial nominees, whose 600-point bonus propels them to the top of the pool. In comparison, the majority of candidates fall within the 451-500 range, making a provincial nomination a game-changer for those seeking PR1.
The 2025 Immigration Levels Plan: A New Direction
Lower Admission Targets
Canada’s 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan sets lower targets than previous years:
- 2025: 395,000 new permanent residents
- 2026: 380,000
- 2027: 365,000
These figures are down from the previously planned 500,000 per year, reflecting a shift toward more sustainable growth and a response to pressures on housing, healthcare, and infrastructure3681011.
“The Liberals’ 2025 election platform acknowledges that the previous federal government let immigration levels grow at an ‘unsustainable’ pace, putting pressure on housing and social infrastructure, and that they would have to ‘adjust the numbers to get back on track.’”
Prioritizing In-Canada Applicants
More than 40% of PR admissions in 2025 are expected to come from those already in Canada as temporary residents (students or workers), with economic immigration representing the largest share of admissions-nearly 62% by 2027811.
Focus on Critical Sectors
The plan emphasizes transitions to PR for those already in Canada and targets key sectors such as health care, skilled trades, and education. Category-based draws in 2025 will focus on:
- French language proficiency
- Healthcare and social services
- Trades
- Education
“For 2025, the focus of the federal economic class draws will be to invite candidates with experience working in Canada (Canadian Experience Class) to apply for permanent residence.”
Provincial Nominee Allocations: Regional Impacts
Reduced Nomination Allocations
Despite the importance of the PNP, 2025 has seen a significant reduction in provincial nomination allocations across the country. For example:
- British Columbia: Allocation cut from 8,000 in 2024 to 4,000 in 20255
- Alberta: From 9,750 to 4,875
- Manitoba: From 9,540 to 4,750
- Saskatchewan: From 8,000 to 3,625
- New Brunswick: From 5,500 to 2,750
- Yukon: From 430 to 2159
These cuts have forced provinces to prioritize nominations for in-demand occupations, particularly in health care and essential services, and to temporarily pause intake for some streams59.
“The nominee program is the only tool that allows B.C. to nominate new immigrants in high-demand jobs to stay in the province. The vast majority of applicants already live and work in B.C.”
Provincial Advocacy
Several provincial ministers have publicly opposed the cuts, arguing that reduced allocations will impact their ability to address local labour shortages and undermine regional economic growth9.
What’s Next for Express Entry Candidates?
Fierce Competition in the Pool
With over 246,000 candidates in the Express Entry pool, competition remains intense. PNP nominees, with their 600-point boost, continue to dominate invitations, while candidates without nominations must seek ways to improve their CRS scores-such as enhancing language proficiency, gaining more work experience, or securing a provincial nomination12.
Limited Draws for Other Categories
April 2025 has seen only PNP draws, with no all-program or CEC draws since February. The only category-based draws have targeted French language proficiency, reflecting the government’s commitment to Francophone immigration outside Quebec712.
Staying Informed and Strategic
Candidates are advised to:
- Monitor provincial nominee program updates and requirements
- Explore opportunities in in-demand sectors (healthcare, trades, education)
- Stay updated on Express Entry trends and IRCC announcements
“For those dreaming of Canadian PR, staying informed about provincial requirements and Express Entry trends is crucial.”
Conclusion: Navigating the 2025 Immigration Landscape
The April 28, 2025, Express Entry draw underscores a pivotal shift in Canada’s immigration strategy-one that prioritizes regional needs, sustainable growth, and the integration of newcomers already in the country. While the path to permanent residency remains highly competitive, especially for those without a provincial nomination, understanding the evolving priorities and adapting to new realities will be essential for success.
As Canada continues to adjust its immigration system, both candidates and employers must remain agile, informed, and proactive. The focus on PNPs, critical sectors, and in-Canada applicants is likely to shape the Express Entry landscape for the foreseeable future.
“Canada’s immigration system is nimble and responsive to our country’s needs… These priorities maintain the focus on bringing in skilled workers with the potential to integrate and contribute to Canada’s future, including by transitioning more temporary residents to permanent residence.”
For the latest updates, candidates should regularly check the IRCC website and consider seeking professional advice to maximize their chances in a rapidly changing environment.
