Why the September 29 Express Entry Draw Was So Competitive
A Historic Moment in Express Entry
In a surprising turn of events, Canada’s latest Express Entry draw set one of the highest CRS cutoffs in nearly 7 years. The minimum score needed was 855 points, which makes this round one of the toughest in history.
Key Details of the September 29 Draw
Here’s a quick breakdown of the draw:
- Program: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Date: September 29, 2025
- Minimum CRS score invited: 855
- Invitations issued: 291
- Tie-breaker rule: Profiles submitted before April 8, 2025, 01:25:29 UTC
This means only PNP candidates were invited, and their provincial nominations gave them an extra 600 points, helping them cross the high cutoff.
Why Was the CRS so high?
Compared to the previous PNP draw on September 15, the cutoff jumped by 109 points. This dramatic increase shows how competitive the process has become, especially for those relying on provincial nominations.
Top 5 Highest CRS Scores Ever
This draw now ranks as the third-highest cutoff in Express Entry history. For comparison:
- May 30, 2018 – CRS 902
- Jan 31, 2015 – CRS 886
- Sept 29, 2025 – CRS 855
- Feb 7, 2015 – CRS 818
- Nov 18, 2024 – CRS 816
Clearly, the September 29 draw has joined the list of Canada’s most competitive selection rounds.
Latest CRS Score Distribution in the Pool
At the time of this draw, there were 250,993 candidates in the Express Entry pool. Most of them were clustered in the 451–500 range, which means a huge number of candidates are still waiting just below the top scores.
This distribution shows why competition is heating up many strong candidates are waiting for their chance.
What This Means for Future Candidates
This draw clearly shows that:
- Provincial nominations are more important than ever in securing an ITA.
- The competition in the pool is extremely tight, especially for those without nominations.
- Staying updated, preparing strong profiles, and targeting PNP streams will be key strategies moving forward.
Conclusion
The September 29 Express Entry draw set one of the highest bars ever. While this creates challenges, it also emphasizes the growing importance of strategic planning and provincial programs for those dreaming of Canadian PR.
Get in touch with SPS Global
Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Global. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).
