Express Entry: the first November 2025 drawings and invitation routes

In November, the first Express Entry draws have highlighted three invitation pathways prioritized by the Government of Canada: the PNP, CEC and healthcare occupations.

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Analyzing these draws and their results is very useful to help permanent residence (PR) applicants understand which category fits their profile and what score they must achieve to obtain an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

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In this blog, we will do a breakdown of the first three November drawings, highlighting the favored profiles. Read with me to the end if you want to know if your profile is prioritized and how to improve your plan towards permanent residency. Let's get started.

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The first three draws in November: PNP, CEC, healthcare sector

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Three Express Entry drawings were held from November 10 to 14. 

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1. Provincial Nomination Drawing (PNP)

Launched on November 10. Issued 714 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to candidates with a minimum score of 738 CRS.

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This draw was exclusively for candidates who already had a nomination under the Provincial Nomination Program (PNP). The score was quite high (738), so it is a sobering point to reflect on the usefulness of having a nomination, as the province awards an additional 600 points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to the candidate.

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In this lottery, the essential requirement for the ITA is to have been nominated by a province or territory, meeting its specific labor market requirements.

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2. Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Sweepstakes

This lottery was held on November 12. It issued 1000 ITAs to candidates with a minimum CRS score of 533.

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The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is an immigration pathway that favors candidates who have already contributed to the Canadian labor market. The score of 533 is also considered high and is a sign of the competitiveness that exists among applicants with work experience within the country.

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The main requirement to receive an ITA is at least one year of full-time qualifying work experience in Canada (or its part-time equivalent) within the last three years.

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3. Drawing based on category: Health and Social Services Sector

This category is one of the most frequent since the last half of the year. It occurred on November 14 and issued 3500 ITAs. The minimum CRS score was 462, evidently lower than what the PNP and CEC are asking for, confirming its value for certain professionals that Canada urgently needs.

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In addition, this was the largest draw in terms of number of invitations.

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The basic requirement for the ITA is that your profile has primary work experience in one of the government designated NOC codes within the health or social services sectors. For example, 31100 - Medical specialists (surgeons, anesthesiologists), 31102 - general practitioners and family practitioners, 31301 - pharmacists.

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Identify your best path in Express Entry

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Answering these questions will help you evaluate your profile with respect to the categories that received invitations during November:

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• Is my primary work experience within the health or social services sector? (This indicates your potential for selection based on this category).

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• Have I already accumulated 12 months or more of legally qualified work experience in Canada? (This determines your eligibility for the Canadian Experience Class, CEC).

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• Is my CRS score, without considering a nomination, above 533 points? (This reflects your competitiveness in the overall CEC draws).

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• Have I been contacted by any provinces, or do I meet the work experience and/or education requirements of any provinces with open nomination programs? (This defines your plan to obtain the provincial nomination).

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Find out your CRS score with our CRS Calculator.

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General recommendations to improve your Express Entry profile

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Regardless of the draw that fits your profile, there are concrete actions that every applicant can take to increase their chances of receiving an ITA. Do the following depending on your case and raise your Express Entry score:

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1. Focus on improving your level of English and/or French, as the result in the official exams (CELPIP, IELTS, TEF, TCF) is a determining factor in the CRS score. 
2. Apply for the variety of educational credentials (ECA) available to you. For example, master's degrees, doctorates, etc. Have them evaluated by WES or an authorized entity. 
3. Get the most Canadian work experience possible. Take advantage of your time in Canada to work in skilled positions (NOC/TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3).
4. Consider teaming up with your partner (if you have one): the points your spouse or domestic partner brings for education, language and work experience are a big plus to improve your score. 

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If you have doubts about any of the migration paths and your possibility of being invited in the next draws, contact us and we will gladly make a free evaluation of your profile.

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At Immiland Canada, we are ready to guide you and improve your chances of obtaining permanent residency.

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I hope this topic will help you to identify your actions to be successful in Express Entry. Thank you for reading. We look forward to seeing you in the next blog.

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With love,

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Immiland Canada