Express Entry Draw #342
CRS 764 - Provincial Nominee Program
CRS Score
764
385 vs previous
ITAs Issued
825
6675 vs previous
Program
Provincial Nominee Program
Processing
About 7 months
IRCC, September 3, 2026
How Draw #342 Compares
The round before this one was draw #341 on March 21, 2025, a French Language draw that invited 7,500 candidates with a cut-off of 379. Against that round, the CRS cut-off rose by 385 points, from 379 to 764, and invitations fell from 7,500 to 825. The last Provincial Nominee Program draw before this one was #340 on March 17, 2025, 28 days earlier. Compared with that draw, the CRS cut-off rose by 28 points, from 736 to 764, and invitations rose from 536 to 825. In the 12 months up to and including this round, IRCC held 20 Provincial Nominee Program draws with cut-offs from 663 to 816 and 19,141 invitations in total; 764 sat 101 points above the lowest cut-off and 52 points below the highest.
What This Draw Means
Express Entry Draw #342 was held on April 14, 2025, targeting Provincial Nominee Program candidates. The minimum CRS score was 764 with 825 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued.
Tie-Breaking Rule
Tie-break date and time: August 17, 2024 at 18:35:52 UTC. Candidates with exactly 764 points were invited only if they submitted their profile before this time.
What This Means For You
Provincial Nominee Program
This PNP-aligned draw required a provincial nomination (600 CRS points). Without PNP, candidates needed a base score of approximately 164 points.
If Your Score is Higher
You likely would have received an ITA in this draw. Ensure your profile is complete and up-to-date to receive invitations in future draws.
If Your Score is Lower
Focus on improving your CRS score through better language tests, additional education, Canadian experience, or a provincial nomination.
How to Improve Your CRS Score
Improve Language Scores
Retake IELTS/CELPIP to achieve CLB 9+ in all abilities. Each band increase significantly boosts your score.
Provincial Nomination (+600 Points)
Apply for PNP programs in provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, or Alberta. An Express Entry-linked nomination adds 600 CRS points; 2026 Provincial Nominee Program rounds have cut off between 697 and 805.
Gain Canadian Experience
Work in Canada on a work permit to earn up to 80 CRS points for Canadian work experience.
Learn French (Up to 50 Points)
French proficiency (CLB 7+) adds bonus points and qualifies you for French-language draws with lower cut-offs.
Get Expert Help
Our RCIC consultants can calculate your exact CRS score, identify the best strategies to improve it, and help you navigate the Express Entry process.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Immigration laws and policies change frequently. Each case is unique and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) before making immigration decisions.