On April 28, 2025, Canada invited 421 candidates for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) stream in Express Entry Draw 343. To be eligible for an Invitation to Apply (ITA), candidates had to score at least 727 on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
This was the smallest PNP-specific Express Entry draw of 2025, and the smallest since January 5, 2022, when only 392 PNP candidates were invited. PNP candidates have received 4,079 ITAs so far in 2025.
Despite the modest number of invitations, the CRS cut-off dropped compared to previous rounds. The last two PNP-specific draws had higher thresholds 736 on March 17 and 764 on April 14, even though they invited larger numbers of candidates. This decline suggests that fewer newly nominated candidates with higher CRS scores have entered the pool in recent weeks.
Another trend worth noting: the pool of candidates with scores of 601+ has grown to 416 individuals, a few hundred more than in earlier months. Typically, the 601+ category (which generally includes PNP nominees) shrinks significantly after each targeted draw. Although this increase is interesting, major growth is unlikely, as provinces have set limits on the number of nominations they can issue.
Highlights of Express Entry Draw 343
Takeaway for Applicants:
Having a provincial nomination and the 600-point boost significantly improves your chances, but it doesn’t guarantee an immediate invitation. Applicants should continue enhancing their core CRS scores wherever possible to increase their chances of getting selected in upcoming draws.
Draw Details:
| Draw Number | 343 |
| Draw Date | April 28, 2025, at 14:18:27 UTC |
| Program | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) |
| Number of Invitations Issued | 421 |
| Minimum CRS Score | 727 |
| Tie-breaking Rule | September 9, 2024 |
About PNP and Express Entry
The PNP enables Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who are interested in settling in specific regions. Candidates with a nomination receive a 600-point CRS boost, significantly increasing their chances of receiving an ITA in a future Express Entry draw.
