Canada Holds Biggest PNP Express Entry Draw of 2026
Introduction
After several weeks of slow activity, Canada has conducted its largest Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Express Entry draw of 2026. As a result, many candidates received invitations to apply for permanent residence, and the CRS score requirement dropped significantly.
Let’s break down what happened and what it means for immigration candidates.
Canada Invites 955 PNP Candidates
On June 22, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 955 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through an Express Entry draw targeting candidates with a provincial nomination.
This is the largest PNP draw of 2026 and the biggest PNP-specific Express Entry draw since December 2024.
Key Draw Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Draw Date | June 22, 2026 |
| Program | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) |
| Invitations Issued | 955 |
| CRS Cutoff Score | 730 |
| Tie-Breaking Date | March 9, 2026 |
Candidates with a CRS score of 730 needed to have submitted their Express Entry profile before March 9, 2026, to receive an invitation.
Why This Draw Is Important
This draw marks a major shift compared to recent PNP rounds.
Previously, invitation numbers had been falling while CRS cutoffs were increasing. However, this latest draw reversed both trends.
As a result, invitation numbers increased dramatically while the CRS requirement dropped by 75 points.
This suggests that provinces recently added a large number of new nominations into the Express Entry system, giving IRCC more candidates to invite.
Growing Importance of Provincial Nominee Programs
Canada has significantly increased its PNP targets in recent years.
The Immigration Levels Plan raised PNP admissions from 55,000 in 2025 to 91,500 in 2026.
Because of this increase, provinces such as Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba have been actively issuing nominations to attract skilled workers.
Consequently, provincial nominations continue to be one of the strongest pathways to Canadian permanent residence.
Latest Express Entry Pool Snapshot
As of June 21, 2026, the Express Entry pool contained 239,645 candidates.
Notably, there were 941 candidates in the CRS range of 601 to 1,200, which is where most provincial nominees are found after receiving their 600-point bonus.
Meanwhile, more than 20,000 candidates remained in the CRS range of 501 to 600, creating strong competition for future Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws.
Final Thoughts
Canada’s latest Express Entry draw brought positive news for provincial nominees. With 955 invitations issued and the CRS cutoff dropping to 730, the draw highlights the growing importance of provincial nominations in Canada’s immigration system.
Moreover, the increase in invitation numbers suggests that provinces are actively nominating skilled workers to meet Canada’s long-term immigration goals. As a result, candidates seeking permanent residence should continue exploring PNP opportunities and keep their Express Entry profiles updated.
Get in touch with SPS Global
Receive advice on any of your questions regarding immigration. Get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Global. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).
