Canadian landscape - Express Entry draw analysis by Go Far Global
August 6, 2025

Express Entry Draw #358

CRS 739 - Provincial Nominee Program

CRS Score

739

264 vs previous

ITAs Issued

225

3775 vs previous

Program

Provincial Nominee Program

Processing

About 7 months

IRCC, September 3, 2026

How Draw #358 Compares

The round before this one was draw #357 on July 22, 2025, a Healthcare draw that invited 4,000 candidates with a cut-off of 475. Against that round, the CRS cut-off rose by 264 points, from 475 to 739, and invitations fell from 4,000 to 225. The last Provincial Nominee Program draw before this one was #356 on July 21, 2025, 16 days earlier. Compared with that draw, the CRS cut-off fell by 49 points, from 788 to 739, and invitations rose from 202 to 225. In the 12 months up to and including this round, IRCC held 23 Provincial Nominee Program draws with cut-offs from 667 to 816 and 14,002 invitations in total; 739 sat 72 points above the lowest cut-off and 77 points below the highest.

Draw Analysis

What This Draw Means

Express Entry Draw #358 was held on August 6, 2025, targeting Provincial Nominee Program candidates. The minimum CRS score was 739 with 225 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued.

Tie-Breaking Rule

Tie-break date and time: April 23, 2025 at 06:35:51 UTC. Candidates with exactly 739 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 139 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.

Calculate CRS ScoreBook Consultation

RCIC License: R515110

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the CRS cut-off for this draw?
Express Entry Draw #358 had a CRS cut-off score of 739. IRCC issued 225 invitations to apply for Provincial Nominee Program.
How can I improve my CRS score?
You can improve your CRS score by: improving language test scores (IELTS/CELPIP/TEF), gaining Canadian work experience, obtaining additional education credentials, learning French, or securing a provincial nomination (+600 points).
What happens after receiving an ITA?
After receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application with all supporting documents including police certificates, medical exams, and proof of funds.

Ready to Apply for Express Entry?

Our RCIC consultants will help you understand your CRS score, improve your profile, and prepare a strong Express Entry application.

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.