Canada has conducted another Express Entry draw targeting Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates, continuing its strategy of prioritizing applicants nominated by Canadian provinces.

On March 16, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 362 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence under Ministerial Instructions #403. Candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 742 to receive an invitation.

PNP candidates typically have higher CRS scores because receiving a provincial nomination adds 600 additional CRS points to their Express Entry profiles.

Express Entry Draw Results – March 16, 2026

Category: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Number of Invitations Issued: 362
Minimum CRS Score: 742
Rank Required: 362 or above
Date & Time of Round: March 16, 2026 at 11:32:52 UTC
Tie-Breaking Rule: October 05, 2025 at 20:35:25 UTC

Under the tie-breaking rule, candidates with a CRS score of 742 were invited only if they had submitted their Express Entry profiles on or before October 05, 2025 at 20:35:25 UTC.

If more than one candidate had the lowest CRS score, the cut-off was determined based on the date and time their profiles were submitted.

Why This PNP Draw Matters

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) remains one of the most reliable pathways to Canadian permanent residence. By targeting PNP candidates through Express Entry, Canada continues to support provinces in addressing local labour shortages and regional economic needs.

Provincial nominations allow provinces and territories to select candidates who can contribute to their specific labour market demands. Once nominated, candidates receive a significant CRS boost, making them highly competitive in Express Entry draws.

This approach helps Canada to:

  • Address regional labour shortages
  • Support provincial economic development
  • Provide a clear pathway to permanent residence for skilled immigrants
  • Encourage newcomers to settle outside major metropolitan areas

Express Entry Snapshot – Provincial Nominee Program

Draw Date: March 16, 2026
Invitations Issued: 362
Minimum CRS Score: 742

This draw reflects IRCC’s continued use of targeted Express Entry rounds, prioritizing candidates who have already secured a provincial nomination and are ready to settle in specific regions across Canada.

🎉 Congratulations to the 362 candidates who received Invitations to Apply!

For candidates with a provincial nomination, PNP-focused Express Entry draws remain one of the fastest and most reliable pathways to Canadian permanent residence in 2026.