Express Entry – Rounds of Invitations Made Simple
Canada selects candidates from the Express Entry Rounds of Invitations Guide pool by issuing invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence throughout the year. These invitations are based on Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, which rank applicants on factors like age, education, work experience, and language ability.
Latest Round of Invitations
- Category: Trade occupations (Version 2)
- Date: September 18, 2025
- Lowest CRS score invited: 505
- Number of invitations issued: 1,250
- Rank required: 1,250 or higher
- Tie-breaking rule: November 5, 2024, at 22:36:09 UTC
This means that if multiple candidates had the same CRS score, priority went to the person who submitted their Express Entry profile earlier.
CRS Score Distribution
As of September 14, 2025, thousands of candidates were in the Express Entry pool. The CRS cut-off scores show you how competitive each draw is, so you can estimate your chances of being invited in future rounds.
Types of Express Entry Draws
The Government of Canada holds different types of rounds during the year:
1. General Rounds
These are for the top-ranking candidates across all programs under Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, Canadian Experience Class).
2. Program-Specific Rounds
These are focused on a specific program, like the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). For example, in a PNP-only draw, only candidates nominated by a province or territory are invited.
3. Category-Based Rounds
The Minister may create special categories to meet Canada’s labour market and economic needs. For example, categories could focus on healthcare workers, trades, or French-speaking candidates.
How the Rounds Work
- The government decides which type of draw will be held.
- They set the number of invitations to issue.
- Candidates with the highest CRS scores who qualify are selected.
- These candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Provincial and Territorial Nominations
If you receive a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination, you get 600 additional CRS points, which practically guarantees an invitation in the next applicable round.
Expert Guidance from Asif Consulting
At Asif Consulting, we help skilled workers, trade professionals, and students understand Express Entry draws and improve their chances of selection. Whether you want to boost your CRS score, secure a provincial nomination, or prepare your application after receiving an ITA, our immigration specialists are here to guide you every step of the way.
Tip from Asif Consulting: Even if your CRS score is slightly below recent cut-offs, you may still have strong chances through category-based rounds or PNP options.
