Canada invites 733 provincial nominees to apply for permanent residence

Canada’s immigration department issued 733 invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence on September 28, 2026, targeting candidates who hold a provincial nomination.

Key details of the September 28 draw

• Draw type: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
• CRS cut‑off score: 725 (minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score required)
• Profile deadline: Candidates had to create an Express Entry profile before 1:36 a.m. UTC on September 17, 2026.
• ITAs issued: 733
• Significance: The largest invitation round for provincial nominees since late June 2026, bringing the year‑to‑date total of Express Entry draws to 57.

Eligibility for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
Foreign nationals already in Canada who have applied for permanent residence through Express Entry may qualify for a BOWP. If their existing work permit expires before the BOWP is processed, they can maintain status and continue working under the same conditions, provided they remain in Canada. Family members may also be eligible for a BOWP.

2026 Express Entry draw summary (selected draws)

Date	Draw type	CRS cut‑off	ITAs issued
Sep 28	Provincial Nominee Program	725	733
Sep 16	Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience	389	250
Sep 15	Canadian Experience Class	519	2,000
Sep 14	Provincial Nominee Program	734	576
Sep 4	Healthcare and Social Services	475	3,500
Sep 3	Physicians with Canadian Work Experience	198	229
Sep 1	Canadian Experience Class	521	2,000
…	…	…	…

(The table continues with draws from August 2026 back to January 2026; the full list is available in IRCC releases.)

Cumulative 2026 Express Entry statistics

• Total ITAs issued to date: 129,715

• Breakdown by draw type:

  • Canadian Experience Class: 53,250
  • French‑Language proficiency: 50,500
  • Provincial Nominee Program: 9,270
  • Healthcare and Social Services: 11,500
  • Trades: 3,000
  • Transport: 300
  • Physicians with Canadian work experience: 891
  • Senior Managers with Canadian work experience: 1,000
  • Skilled Military Recruits: 4

Practical considerations for prospective applicants

• CRS score: A score of 725 was required for this PNP draw, significantly higher than many previous draws. Candidates should assess their CRS ranking and consider ways to improve it (e.g., language testing, education credentials, or provincial nomination).
• Profile timing: The deadline for profile creation was 1:36 a.m. UTC on September 17, 2026. Late submissions are ineligible for this round.
• Provincial nomination advantage: Provincial nominees receive a 600‑point boost to their CRS score, often placing them well above the cut‑off. Securing a nomination remains a strong pathway for candidates with lower baseline scores.
• BOWP eligibility: Applicants already in Canada with a pending permanent‑residence application can apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit to maintain legal status and work rights while awaiting a decision.