Canada Issues 421 PR Invitations in April 2025 Express Entry Draw Under PNP Stream

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada conducted its second Express Entry draw this April, inviting 421 skilled workers through the Provincial Nominee Program stream. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score required for getting an invitation stood at 727, a notably high figure underscoring the competitiveness of Canadian immigration via provincial nomination heavily. 

Canada's strategic plan attracts immigrants who can fuel economic growth in regions beset by acute labour shortages on April 28, 2025. IRCC persists in conducting PNP-only draws in 2025, with this latest round thereby underscoring the importance of regional development in immigration policy.

Express Entry April 28, 2025 – At a Glance

Only candidates with provincial nominations were considered. These nominations add 600 bonus CRS points, making provincial nominees strong contenders in the Express Entry pool.

Why Canada Is Prioritizing PNP in 2025

Canada's 2025 immigration objectives are starkly defined to tackle labour shortages outside major metropolitan areas like Toronto and foster rapid growth elsewhere. Provinces can select immigrants with specific skills their economies desperately need through Provincial Nominee Programs nationwide.

Key Professions Targeted by PNPs:

1. Registered nurses
2. Engineers
3. Truck drivers
4. Electricians
5. Construction managers
6. IT professionals

Over 5,000 invitations were issued via PNP draws in Q1 of 2025 alone. This strategy aligns with Canada's demographic reality: 20% of the population is now over 65, and the need for young, skilled workers is pressing.

CRS Score Breakdown – April 28, 2025

Here's the most recent breakdown of candidates in the Express Entry pool:

With nearly a quarter of a million profiles in the pool, the competition is fierce. A provincial nomination can dramatically shift the odds in an applicant’s favour.

What’s Next for Express Entry in 2025?

As Canada leans more on the PNP system, future draws are expected to focus on regional alignment and category-based selection. Applicants hoping to receive Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada should:

Stay Ahead with These Tips:

1. Apply to relevant PNP streams –

Know what each province is looking for.

2. Boost your CRS score – <

Improve your IELTS score, add work experience, or get a job offer.

3. Update your Express Entry profile regularly – <

Keep information current to reflect your true potential.

4. Track draw trends – <

Monitor IRCC's updates and draw patterns.

5. Stay informed about in-demand skills – <

Match your profile to labour market needs.

Why This Draw Matters

This draw reinforces the message that Provincial Nominee Programs are no longer optional—they are a key gateway to immigration success in 2025. Candidates who rely solely on the Federal Skilled Worker or Canadian Experience Class streams may have to wait longer, as these draws remain paused.

PNPs offer a shortcut for eligible candidates to leap ahead in the Express Entry system, thanks to the 600-point nomination boost.

Need More Info? Here’s What to Do:

Quick Reminder: What is Express Entry?

The Express Entry system is Canada’s flagship immigration management tool. It covers three main programs:

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program
2. Federal Skilled Trades Program
3. Canadian Experience Class

However, in 2025, Provincial Nominee Programs dominate the draws, making provincial alignment essential.

Final Word

With over 246,000 candidates now competing in the Express Entry pool, every advantage counts. The April 28 PNP draw, which invited 421 skilled professionals with CRS scores of 727 and above, is a clear indicator of Canada’s immigration direction in 2025.

If you're aiming for Canadian PR, focus on provincial streams, polish your Express Entry profile, and stay tuned for draw announcements.