IRCC Invites 225 ITAs in Express Entry Draw 358 – PNP Category, with a Minimum CRS Score of 739

By Vicky

August 7, 2025 | 2 min read

On August 6, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held Express Entry Draw 358, inviting 225 candidates through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)-specific round. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) was 739, marking a slight drop from some of the more recent draws.

Key Highlights of the Latest Express Entry Draw 358 (PNP Category)

Date of Draw: August 06, 2025
Draw Type: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Number of ITAs Issued: 225
Minimum CRS Score: 739
Tie-Breaker Rule: April 23, 2025, at 06:35:51 UTC

Looking back at Express Entry Draw #356, held on July 21, 2025, just 202 ITAs were issued with a minimum CRS score of 788. In contrast, this latest round:

Invited more candidates (225 vs. 202)
Had a lower CRS cut-off (739 vs. 788)

This shift offers hope to candidates currently in the pool or those planning to enter, as the trend signals potential accessibility improvements for PNP applicants.

While competition remains tight, this draw reinforces that the PNP remains one of the most reliable paths to Canadian permanent residence. The reduced CRS cut-off and increased number of invitations suggest that candidates with provincial nominations remain a top priority for IRCC.

If you’re aiming to immigrate to Canada and your CRS score isn’t currently competitive, a provincial nomination could significantly improve your chances.

Want to know if you’re eligible for Express Entry or PNP?

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