Express Entry
Express Entry Draw #343 Sent Invites to 421 PNP Candidates
Canada’s Express Entry system is off to a strong and strategic start in 2025. With Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) focusing on Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates, more skilled individuals are seeing pathways to permanent residency open up. For those keeping an eye on the latest immigration updates, April brought significant developments worth noting.
If you’re aiming to move to Canada this year, understanding the latest Express Entry draw #343 and trends is key to planning your next steps.
Express Entry Draw #343 Highlights
On April 28, 2025, IRCC issued 421 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under a targeted Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw. Candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 727 to receive an invitation.
To qualify, candidates had to create their Express Entry profile before 5:11 PM (UTC) on September 9, 2024.
This draw follows another PNP-specific draw held earlier on April 14, 2025, where 825 invitations were issued with a higher CRS cut-off of 764.
Summary of Express Entry Draws in April 2025
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Cut-off CRS Score |
| April 28 | Provincial Nominee Program | 421 | 727 |
| April 14 | Provincial Nominee Program | 825 | 764 |
Key Takeaways from 2025 Draw Trends
- Focus on PNP: Most draws since March have favored Provincial Nominee Program candidates.
- French Language Proficiency: Candidates demonstrating French skills also continue to benefit.
- CEC Draw Pause: Canadian Experience Class candidates last saw a draw on February 5, 2025.
- Priority Categories Await: Apart from French proficiency, no other category-based draws have been held yet in 2025.
With a total of 31,929 ITAs issued so far in 2025, IRCC remains committed to meeting its targets under the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan. Canada plans to welcome 395,000 new permanent residents this year, with 232,150 spots reserved for economic immigration streams like Express Entry.
Can Your Family Join You If You Receive PR Through Express Entry?
Absolutely. If you apply through Express Entry, you can include your:
- Spouse or common-law partner
- Dependent children
- Your spouse or partner’s dependent children
- Dependent children of dependent children
Definition of Dependent Children
- Under 22 years old and not married or in a common-law relationship
- 22 years or older but financially dependent due to a physical or mental condition
If approved, your accompanying family members will also gain permanent resident status.
Additional Options
Canadian PR holders and citizens can later sponsor:
- Parents and grandparents under the Parents and Grandparents Program
- Visiting relatives through the Super Visa program
How 2025 Brings New Opportunities Through Express Entry
As the Express Entry landscape evolves in 2025, candidates should pay close attention to PNP opportunities and Express Entry draw #343. The trend of higher CRS scores for PNP candidates shows that while the competition is fierce, pathways remain wide open for those prepared.
If you are serious about making Canada your new home, now is the time to act strategically and position yourself well in the Express Entry pool. Stay tuned with Canada Immigration News for the latest updates on Express Entry invitations, and let us help you move closer to your Canadian dream!
