In a continued push to welcome provincially nominated skilled workers, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a new Express Entry draw on March 2, 2026, specifically targeting candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
A total of 264 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued in this round, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 710 required to receive an invitation.
Check Your Skilled Assessment & Eligibility
Key Highlights of the Draw:
- Draw Date: March 2, 2026
- Program Targeted: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Number of Invitations Issued: 264
- Minimum CRS Score Required: 710
- Rank Required: 264 or above
- Tie-Breaking Rule: August 07, 2025 at 18:02:56 UTC
In cases where more than one candidate had the lowest CRS score of 710, IRCC applied the tie-breaking rule based on the date and time candidates submitted their Express Entry profiles. Only those who created their profiles before the specified timestamp were invited.
Why Is the CRS Score High in PNP Draws?
PNP-specific draws generally have higher CRS cut-offs because candidates with a provincial nomination automatically receive an additional 600 CRS points. This bonus significantly boosts their ranking in the Express Entry pool.
For example, a candidate with a base CRS score of 110 would reach 710 points after receiving a provincial nomination.
What This Means for Express Entry Candidates
This latest draw clearly shows Canada’s ongoing focus on candidates who meet provincial labor market needs. If your CRS score is lower in general draws, securing a provincial nomination can dramatically improve your chances of receiving an ITA.
The PNP pathway remains one of the most reliable routes to Canadian permanent residency, especially for applicants aligned with specific provincial workforce demands.
How to Apply Through Express Entry and PNP
- Create your Express Entry profile through the IRCC portal.
- Explore provinces offering Express Entry-aligned PNP streams such as Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Nova Scotia.
- Apply for a provincial nomination.
- Accept the nomination in your Express Entry profile to gain 600 additional CRS points.
- Wait for the next PNP-specific draw and receive your ITA.
- Submit your PR application within 60 days after receiving the invitation.
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