The immigration department issued a new round of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for Express Entry candidates holding a provincial nomination. In this draw, 562 ITAs were granted to applicants who met a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 697 and had created their Express Entry profile before 04:32 UTC on 12 April 2026.
Latest Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw – 31 August 2026
| Criterion | Detail |
|---|---|
| Draw type | Provincial Nominee Program |
| CRS cut‑off | 697 |
| ITAs issued | 562 |
| Profile deadline | 04:32 UTC, 12 April 2026 |
This draw represented the 50th Express Entry draw of 2026 and recorded the lowest PNP cut‑off score of the year, 63 points lower than the previous round.
2026 Express Entry draw activity (summary)
| Draw type | Number of draws | ITAs issued (cumulative) |
|---|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program | 17 | 7,961 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 14 | 49,250 |
| French‑Language proficiency | 10 | 50,500 |
| Physicians with Canadian work experience | 2 | 662 |
| Healthcare and social services | 2 | 8,000 |
| Senior Managers with Canadian work experience | 2 | 750 |
| Trades | 1 | 3,000 |
| Transport | 1 | 300 |
| Skilled Military Recruits | 1 | 4 |
Across all categories, 115,427 ITAs have been issued in 2026, indicating a strong focus on candidates already connected to the Canadian labour market—particularly provincial nominees and those with Canadian work experience.
Practical considerations for prospective applicants
- CRS threshold: The recent PNP draw required a score of 697, substantially higher than many other draw types. Candidates should aim to improve their CRS components (age, education, language, work experience, and provincial nomination) to stay competitive.
- Profile timing: The deadline for profile creation (04:32 UTC, 12 April 2026) was critical for eligibility in this draw. Future draws may impose similar cut‑off dates, so maintaining an up‑to‑date profile is essential.
- Provincial nomination advantage: Holding a provincial nomination adds 600 points to the CRS score, often pushing candidates above the cut‑off for PNP draws even when their baseline score is lower.
- Category trends: The predominance of PNP and Canadian Experience Class draws suggests that candidates with Canadian work history or provincial support have higher odds of receiving an ITA in 2026.
Applicants should regularly monitor IRCC draw announcements and ensure their Express Entry profiles reflect the most current information to maximise their chances of receiving an invitation.
Source article: www.cicnews.com
