Canada has issued a new Express Entry draw for candidates through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This time, 380 candidates received Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence on May 11, 2026.
This draw demonstrates Canada’s ongoing focus on selecting skilled workers who have already been chosen by a Canadian province or territory. For many applicants, a provincial nomination is one of the best ways to improve their chances of obtaining permanent residence.
It was the 27th Express Entry draw of 2026. The minimum score required climbed by 3 points from the last PNP draw and the number of invitations issued dropped by 93.
So far this year, Canada has issued 4,116 invitations to apply for permanent residence through PNP-based Express Entry draws.
Latest Express Entry Draw Results
The latest draw was on May 11, 2026. Candidates required a minimum CRS score of 798 to receive an invitation.
| Round date | 11 May 2026 |
|---|---|
| Draw Type | Provincial Nominee Program |
| ITAs issued | 380 |
| Lowest Ranked Invited Candidate CRS Score | 798 |
| Tie-Breaking Rule | January 07, 2026 at 05:23:31 UTC |
The tie-breaking rule was applied, meaning that where there were multiple candidates with the same CRS score, invitations were issued to those who submitted their Express Entry profile first.
What Is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?
Under the Provincial Nominee Program, Canadian provinces and territories can nominate skilled workers who meet their local labour market needs. A provincial nomination gives you an additional 600 CRS points in the Express Entry system, virtually guaranteeing an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
Many applicants opt for the PNP pathway as this can improve their chances of receiving an ITA, especially if their CRS score is not sufficient for regular Express Entry draws.
What Is A CRS Score
Canada uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to rank Express Entry candidates on points. Points are awarded for things such as:
- Age
- Education
- Experience at work
- Language skills in English or French
- Education or work experience in Canada
- Nomination by province
Getting a provincial nomination adds 600 points. This is why PNP draw scores tend to be much higher than other Express Entry draws.
2026 Express Entry PNP Draw Summary
Here’s a summary of all the Provincial Nominee Program-based Express Entry draws conducted by IRCC in 2026. In total, 4,116 ITAs have been issued in 10 PNP-based draws, with CRS scores between 710 and 802.
| Date | ITAs Issued | Minimum CRS Score |
|---|---|---|
| May 11, 2026 | 380 | 798 |
| April 27, 2026 | 473 | 795 |
| April 13, 2026 | 324 | 786 |
| March 30, 2026 | 356 | 802 |
| March 16, 2026 | 362 | 742 |
| March 02, 2026 | 264 | 710 |
| 16 Feb 2026 | 279 | 789 |
| February 03, 2026 | 423 | 749 |
| Jan 20, 2026 | 681 | 746 |
| Jan 05, 2026 | 574 | 711 |
2026 Express Entry Draw Analysis
This year, Canada has held different types of Express Entry draws including inviting candidates from different categories and occupations.
| Draw Types | Number of ITAs | Number of Draws |
|---|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program | 4,116 | 10 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 34,250 | 8 |
| French-Language proficiency | 26,000 | 5 |
| Physicians with Canadian work experience | 391 | 1 |
| Healthcare and social services | 4,000 | 1 |
| Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience | 250 | 1 |
| Trades | 3,000 | 1 |
| Total | 72,007 | 27 |
Why This Drawing Matters
The most recent draw shows that Canada continues to favour skilled immigrants who can help to fill provincial labour shortages and drive economic growth. Provinces are actively recruiting candidates with experience in sectors experiencing labour shortages, including healthcare, construction, trades, education and technology.
A provincial nomination can be a game-changer for many candidates in their immigration journey. Candidates with lower CRS scores can be invited if they qualify for a provincial program.
The results also demonstrate the competitiveness of Express Entry in 2026. CRS scores are still changing for the type of draw and the number of candidates in the pool.
What Applicants Must Do Next
If you are a candidate wishing to obtain Canadian permanent residence, ensure your Express Entry profile is accurate and that you update it regularly. Increasing language test scores, obtaining more work experience or applying for a provincial nomination can increase the chances of receiving an invitation.
Canada continues to adjust its immigration priorities throughout the year, so it’s important to stay on top of the changing draw trends and eligibility requirements.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I apply Express Entry without provincial nomination?
yep. Many candidates apply directly through Express Entry without a provincial nomination. But a provincial nomination is a major 600 CRS point boost.
Why are PNP draw scores so elevated?
PNP candidates already receive 600 extra CRS points with their nomination. That is why PNP draw CRS cut-offs are usually much higher than regular EE draws.
What happens after getting an ITA?
When you get an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you typically have 60 days to submit your complete permanent residence application and supporting documents.
Is Express Entry the quickest way to Canada?
Express Entry is still one of the fastest immigration pathways to Canada for many skilled workers. Processing times may vary according to program and application details.
Are Indian applicants eligible for PNP programs?
Yes. Indian applicants are one of the biggest groups to apply through Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs. Eligibility criteria differ by province and depend on occupation, work experience and language proficiency.
Will CRS scores continue to rise in 2026?
CRS scores may continue to fluctuate throughout the year, depending on the number of candidates in the pool, draw categories and Canada’s immigration targets.
