Canada has conducted a new Express Entry draw targeting candidates nominated under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), continuing its focus on selecting applicants who meet specific regional labour market needs.

On March 30, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 356 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under a PNP-specific round. Candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 802 to receive an invitation.

This draw reflects Canada’s ongoing strategy of prioritizing candidates who have already secured a provincial nomination, significantly boosting their CRS scores and chances of receiving permanent residence.

Express Entry Draw Results – March 30, 2026

Category: Provincial Nominee Program
Number of Invitations Issued: 356
Minimum CRS Score: 802
Rank Required: 356 or above
Date & Time of Round: March 30, 2026 at 10:49:36 UTC
Tie-Breaking Rule: February 12, 2026 at 03:54:03 UTC

Under the tie-breaking rule, candidates with a CRS score of 802 were invited only if they had submitted their Express Entry profiles on or before February 12, 2026 at 03:54:03 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

Provincial Nominee Program draws play a critical role in Canada’s immigration system. By selecting candidates with provincial nominations, Canada aims to:

  • Address specific labour shortages across provinces
  • Support regional economic development
  • Encourage settlement outside major metropolitan areas
  • Strengthen long-term workforce planning

Candidates who receive a provincial nomination gain an additional 600 CRS points, which is why PNP draws typically have higher CRS cut-offs.

Express Entry Snapshot – Provincial Nominee Program

Draw Date: March 30, 2026
Invitations Issued: 356
Minimum CRS Score: 802

This draw highlights IRCC’s continued emphasis on PNP-specific selections as part of its broader immigration strategy, ensuring provinces can directly contribute to selecting skilled newcomers.

🎉 Congratulations to the 356 candidates who received Invitations to Apply!

For candidates in the Express Entry pool, securing a provincial nomination remains one of the most powerful and reliable pathways to Canadian permanent residence in 2026.