Canada continues to prioritize provincially nominated candidates through the Express Entry system, reinforcing the important role provinces and territories play in addressing regional labour market needs. In the latest round of invitations, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw under the Express Entry system.
On February 3, 2026, IRCC issued 423 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence under Ministerial Instructions #393. Candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 749, reflecting the additional 600 CRS points awarded to applicants who receive a provincial nomination.
Express Entry Draw Results [ February 3, 2026 ]
Program: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Number of Invitations Issued: 423
Minimum CRS Score: 749
Rank Required: 423 or above
Date & Time of Round: February 3, 2026 at 13:21:40 UTC
Tie-Breaking Rule: December 16, 2025 at 22:30:36 UTC
Under IRCC’s tie-breaking rule, candidates with a CRS score of 749 were invited only if they had submitted their Express Entry profiles on or before December 16, 2025, at 22:30:36 UTC.
Why This PNP Draw Is Important
Provincial Nominee Program draws remain a key pillar of Canada’s immigration strategy, allowing provinces and territories to select candidates who best meet their local economic and labour market needs. This draw helps to:
- Support regional labour shortages across multiple provinces
- Accelerate permanent residence for candidates with provincial job offers or ties
- Strengthen economic growth outside major metropolitan areas
- Retain skilled workers already contributing to provincial economies
PNP candidates benefit significantly from Express Entry alignment, including faster processing times and a substantial CRS boost through provincial nomination.
Express Entry Snapshot – Provincial Nominee Program
| Draw Date | Invitations Issued | Minimum CRS Score |
|---|---|---|
| February 3, 2026 | 423 | 749 |
This latest PNP draw highlights IRCC’s continued commitment to working closely with provinces and territories to build a balanced and regionally responsive immigration system.
🎉 Congratulations to the 423 candidates who received Invitations to Apply!
If you are seeking permanent residence through a provincial pathway, securing a provincial nomination remains one of the strongest and most reliable routes through Express Entry.
