A Trio of Express Entry Draws, PNP Updates, and More
- Gagandeep Singh
- Sep 7
- 3 min read
This has been an eventful week in Canadian immigration, with significant developments in Express Entry, provincial nominee programs, and important policy updates. For aspiring newcomers and those already on their Canadian journey, staying informed is crucial. As a registered Canadian immigration consultant, I'm here to break down the most important news from the first week of September 2025.
A Busy Week for Express Entry: Three Draws in Three Days
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held three back-to-back Express Entry draws this week, inviting a total of 5,749 candidates to apply for permanent residence. Here's a summary of the draws:
September 2: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Draw: 249 candidates with a provincial nomination and a minimum CRS score of 772 were invited. A provincial nomination adds 600 points to a candidate's CRS score, which is why the score for this draw is significantly higher.
September 3: Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Draw: 1,000 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 534 were invited. This draw focused on candidates with at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada.
September 4: French Language Proficiency Draw: 4,500 candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 446 were invited. This draw targeted candidates with strong French language skills.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Updates
Ontario Holds Major Draws
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) was also very active this week, issuing over 4,700 invitations to apply in two separate draws on September 2nd and 3rd. These draws targeted candidates in the Employer Job Offer streams (Foreign Worker, International Student, and In-Demand Skills), with a focus on healthcare, early childhood education, and other priority occupations.
British Columbia PNP Allocation Reduced
In other PNP news, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) has had its allocation for 2025 reduced by 50% to 4,000 nominations. This will make securing a nomination in BC more competitive.
Important Updates for International Students
Effective September 1, 2025, international students applying for a Canadian study permit are now required to show increased proof of funds. This is to ensure that students have sufficient financial resources to support themselves during their studies in Canada.
The Future of the Start-up Visa Program
The Start-up Visa (SUV) program is facing some significant challenges. Recent reports indicate longer processing times of over four years, higher refusal rates, and a reduction in the number of applications that will be processed in the coming years. The quota for the SUV program will be reduced to 2,000 in 2025 and 1,000 in 2026 and 2027. Key updates to the program include a cap on the number of applications that can be submitted by designated organizations, updated settlement fund requirements, and a move to online applications.
A Look at the New Immigration Levels Plan
The recently released 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan indicates a planned decrease in permanent resident admissions and introduces targets for temporary residents for the first time. This reflects a new, more holistic approach to managed migration by the Canadian government.
What to Expect in the Coming Week
Given the high frequency of Express Entry draws this week, it's possible that we may see another draw next week, although the pace may slow down. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.
Immigration Tip of the Week
With the increasing competition in many immigration programs, it's more important than ever to have a strong and accurate profile. Double-check all of your information, ensure that your language test results are up-to-date, and consider getting an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if you haven't already. These small steps can make a big difference in your chances of success.
From the Elgin Immigration Blog
For a comprehensive overview of the steps involved in moving to Canada, we recommend reading our article: Understanding the Steps to Move to Canada.
Conclusion
This week's news highlights the dynamic nature of Canadian immigration. With frequent draws and ongoing policy changes, it's essential to stay informed. If you have any questions about how these updates may affect your immigration journey, please don't hesitate to contact us.
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