Canada has conducted another Express Entry draw, issuing 562 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The latest invitation round, held on August 31, 2026, targeted candidates who had received a provincial or territorial nomination and met the eligibility requirements for Express Entry.
The draw recorded a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 697, reflecting the additional CRS points awarded to candidates with a provincial nomination. The latest round highlights the continued role of provincial nominations in helping skilled immigrants secure invitations for permanent residence in Canada.
Express Entry Draw #438:
✅ Invitation Round: #438
✅ Date of Round: August 31, 2026
✅ Type of Draw: Provincial Nominee Program
✅ Number of ITAs Issued: 562
✅ CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate Invited: 697
PNP Overview
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows participating Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who meet their specific economic and labour-market requirements. Each province can establish its own eligibility criteria and nomination streams based on factors such as work experience, education, occupation, language ability and connections to the province.
Candidates who receive an Express Entry-linked provincial nomination receive 600 additional CRS points. This significantly increases their ranking in the Express Entry pool and generally places them in a strong position to receive an ITA in a subsequent federal draw.
The PNP therefore provides an important pathway for skilled workers who may not have a sufficiently high CRS score through their human capital factors alone.
About the Latest Draw
Express Entry Draw #438 was specifically dedicated to PNP candidates. With 562 ITAs issued, the August 31 draw provided another opportunity for provincially nominated candidates to move forward with their Canadian permanent residence applications.
The 697 CRS cut-off is consistent with the scoring structure of PNP-specific draws, where candidates benefit from the substantial additional points attached to a provincial nomination. Unlike category-based draws, which focus on specific occupations or characteristics, PNP draws target candidates who have already received a nomination from a participating province or territory.
Candidates who received an ITA can now proceed with submitting their permanent residence application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), provided they continue to meet the applicable requirements and submit the required documents within the prescribed timeframe.
Impact on Immigration
The latest PNP draw reinforces the importance of provincial nomination pathways within Canada's broader immigration system. By issuing 562 ITAs, Canada continues to provide a dedicated route for candidates whose skills and experience align with provincial labour-market needs.
For prospective immigrants, the draw also highlights the value of exploring PNP opportunities alongside the federal Express Entry system. Candidates with CRS scores that may not be competitive in some broader Express Entry rounds can potentially strengthen their profiles substantially through a provincial nomination.
The August 31 draw is particularly relevant for skilled workers considering Canada as a long-term immigration destination. Provincial nomination streams can offer opportunities based on regional labour shortages and economic priorities, allowing candidates to pursue permanent residence while also addressing workforce needs across different parts of the country.
Overall, Draw #438 demonstrates that provincial nominations remain a significant component of Canada's economic immigration strategy and continue to provide a pathway for skilled candidates seeking permanent residence.
Canada Express Entry Draw List 2026
Total ITAs issued in 2026: 120427