WHATSAPP
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted the latest Express Entry draw 340, issuing 536 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) category. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required for this round was 736.
Express Entry Draw 340 Overview
| Date of Draw | March 17, 2025 |
| Number of ITAs Issued | 536 |
| Minimum CRS Score | 736 |
| Program | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) |
| Tie-breaking Rule | March 12, 2025, at 14:02:14 UTC |
This draw continues the trend of PNP-specific invitations, allowing candidates who have received provincial nominations to apply for Canadian permanent residence. The PNP enables provinces and territories to nominate skilled workers who can contribute to their regional labor markets and economic growth.
The previous PNP-specific draw, Express Entry Draw #338, invited 725 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 667. This latest draw saw a decline in the number of ITAs issued while requiring a significantly higher CRS score. The increased CRS cutoff indicates a more competitive selection process for PNP candidates in this round.
The reduction in Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) invitations aligns with Canada’s immigration strategy under the 2025 Immigration Levels Plan. While PNP draws remain consistent, Canada is focusing more on candidates with Canadian work experience (CEC) and strong French proficiency.
Out of 10 draws so far in 2025, 3 were for the Canadian Experience Class, issuing 9,350 ITAs, while 2 French-language proficiency draws issued 11,000 ITAs. Meanwhile, 5 PNP draws accounted for only 2,833 ITAs, indicating a more balanced intake strategy.
This shift suggests that Express Entry applicants with Canadian work experience or French proficiency may have a stronger advantage in upcoming draws.
Stay updated on the latest Express Entry draws and immigration news by following our updates.
