Express Entry: Canada Issues 442 Invitations in Latest PNP Draw

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has invited another group of provincial nominees to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry.

In the latest Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw, IRCC issued 442 invitations to apply (ITAs). Candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 760 to qualify.

They also needed to have created their Express Entry profile before 6:01 p.m. UTC on August 7, 2026.

PNP Candidates Continue to Receive Invitations

Provincial nominees have remained a regular focus of Express Entry draws throughout 2026.

The latest round followed another PNP draw on August 4, when IRCC invited 507 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 768.

Other recent draws have targeted different groups.

On August 5, IRCC invited 3,000 Canadian Experience Class candidates with a cut-off score of 516. A day later, 5,000 candidates with French-language proficiency were invited with a minimum CRS of 391.

On August 7, Canada also held its first draw under the revised Transport category, inviting 300 candidates with a minimum score of 470.

Express Entry Has Seen 47 Draws in 2026

The latest PNP round brings the total number of Express Entry draws held in 2026 to 47.

Provincial Nominee Program draws have been the most frequent, with 16 rounds so far this year.

IRCC has also held:

• 13 Canadian Experience Class draws
• 9 French-language proficiency draws
• 2 healthcare and social services draws
• 2 physician draws
• 2 senior manager draws
• 1 trades draw
• 1 transport draw
• 1 skilled military recruits draw

The pattern shows that IRCC has continued to prioritize candidates who already have strong connections to Canada, particularly provincial nominees and applicants with Canadian work experience.

More Than 113,000 Invitations Issued This Year

IRCC has issued 113,865 ITAs through Express Entry in 2026.

Canadian Experience Class candidates have received the largest share, with 48,250 invitations.

French-language proficiency candidates are close behind with 45,500 invitations.

Other invitation totals include:

• Provincial Nominee Program: 7,399
• Healthcare and social services: 8,000
• Trades: 3,000
• Physicians with Canadian work experience: 662
• Senior managers with Canadian work experience: 750
• Transport: 300
• Skilled military recruits: 4

Why PNP Scores Are Often Higher

Provincial nominees usually have higher CRS scores because an enhanced provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points to a candidate’s Express Entry profile.

That is why PNP-specific draws often have much higher cut-off scores than Canadian Experience Class or category-based draws.

A high PNP cut-off does not necessarily mean the entire Express Entry pool has become more competitive. It reflects the additional points received by candidates who have secured provincial nominations.

What Happens After Receiving an ITA?

Candidates invited through Express Entry can submit a permanent residence application to the federal government.

They generally have 60 days to complete and submit their application after receiving an ITA.

IRCC then reviews whether the applicant continues to meet program requirements and whether the information submitted in the Express Entry profile is accurate.