Canada conducted its latest Express Entry draw on March 2, 2026, continuing its strategic use of category-based and program-specific invitations to manage immigration intake. The round focused exclusively on candidates nominated through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), reinforcing the growing importance of regional immigration pathways.
With fewer invitations issued compared to earlier large-scale category draws this year, the latest selection reflects a targeted approach. By prioritising provincially nominated candidates, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) once again demonstrated its commitment to aligning immigration with local labour market needs.
Express Entry Draw Details – March 2, 2026
Invitation Round: #399
Date of Round: March 2, 2026
Type of Draw: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) Issued: 264
CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate Invited: 710
Tie-Breaking Rule: Profile created on or before August 7, 2025, at 18:02 UTC
Program Focus: Candidates holding a valid provincial nomination
Overview & Purpose of the Draw
The primary objective of this round was to support provincial and territorial governments in meeting their specific workforce demands. By selecting candidates already nominated at the regional level, the federal government ensured immigration admissions remained responsive to local economic realities.
This draw reinforced the role of the Provincial Nominee Program as a key economic immigration pathway. Provinces nominate candidates based on labour shortages, demographic needs, and sector-specific gaps within their jurisdictions.
By issuing invitations to provincially nominated applicants, IRCC maintained alignment between federal immigration targets and regional development strategies. The approach helps distribute newcomers more evenly across Canada rather than concentrating them in major metropolitan areas alone.
Impact on Canada’s Immigration System
The high CRS cut-off of 710 reflects the additional 600 points awarded to candidates with a provincial nomination. This underscores how crucial a nomination has become for applicants seeking to strengthen their Express Entry profile.
The limited number of ITAs issued in this round signals a more selective intake compared to broader category-based draws. It indicates that Canada is balancing large occupation-focused rounds with smaller, region-driven selections.
Continued emphasis on the PNP stream highlights the decentralisation of immigration selection. Provinces are playing an increasingly influential role in determining which skilled workers receive permanent residence invitations.
What Is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a major driver of Canada’s immigration strategy, enabling provinces to nominate skilled workers who meet local labour market needs and economic priorities.
In recent years, PNP streams have accounted for nearly half of all Express Entry invitations, reflecting their growing influence. Nominees receive a +600 CRS point boost, greatly improving chances of permanent residence through the Express Entry system.
The March 2, 2026, draw demonstrates Canada’s ongoing effort to tailor immigration selection according to economic priorities at both the federal and provincial levels. By leveraging the Provincial Nominee Program, the country continues to refine a system designed to address labour shortages while promoting sustainable regional growth.
Summary of Express Entry Draws in 2026
Total ITAs issued in 2026: 35,112