Express Entry: Provincial Nomination Candidates Invited in Latest Draw

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has invited more candidates to apply for permanent residence through the Express Entry system. In its latest draw, the department selected 264 candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

Candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 710 to qualify. They also had to create their Express Entry profile before 6:02 p.m. Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on August 7, 2025.

This draw marks the first selection round of March. It also stands as the fifth PNP-specific draw and the eleventh Express Entry draw held so far this year.

Provincial Nominees Remain a Key Focus

Candidates who receive a provincial nomination gain a strong advantage in the Express Entry system. A nomination adds 600 points to a candidate’s CRS score. This boost almost guarantees an invitation in a future draw.

So far in 2026, IRCC has placed clear attention on candidates already living and working in Canada. Many recent draws have targeted those with Canadian work experience or those nominated by a province.

PNP draws have taken place more often than any other category this year. Five PNP draws have already occurred, compared to three draws under the Canadian Experience Class. The department has also held single draws for French-language proficiency, physicians with Canadian work experience, and healthcare and social services workers.

Express Entry Activity in 2026

Express Entry has remained active throughout the year. Earlier in February, IRCC invited 4,000 candidates working in healthcare and social services with a CRS cut-off of 467. Another draw targeted physicians with Canadian work experience and set a much lower cut-off score of 169, inviting 391 candidates.

The Canadian Experience Class has also seen large draws. In February alone, IRCC invited 6,000 candidates in one round with a CRS score of 508. January brought several more large invitations under the same category.

PNP draws earlier this year showed higher cut-off scores, including 789 and 749 in February. These higher scores reflect the extra 600 points awarded to provincial nominees.

Total Invitations So Far

In 2026, IRCC has issued 35,112 invitations across all Express Entry categories. The Canadian Experience Class accounts for the largest share, with 20,000 invitations issued so far. French-language proficiency draws have added 8,500 invitations, while healthcare and social services draws have brought 4,000.

Provincial Nominee Program draws have resulted in 1,798 invitations this year, including the latest round. Physicians with Canadian work experience have received 391 invitations.

With steady draw activity continuing into March, candidates in the Express Entry pool will watch closely for upcoming rounds. Provincial nominees, in particular, remain well positioned as the government continues to prioritize them for permanent residence invitations.