First Express Entry draw of August
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has held its first Express Entry draw of August, inviting 507 eligible applicants to apply for Canadian permanent residence under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
The draw was held on August 4, 2026, and selected candidates who already had provincial nominations from one of Canada’s enrolled provinces or territories. Provincial nominees receive an extra 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, substantially increasing their likelihood of obtaining an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
August 4, 2026 Express Entry Draw Results
| Category |
Details |
| Draw Date | August 4, 2026 |
| Draw Type | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) |
| Invitations Issued | 507 |
| Minimum CRS Score | 768 |
| Tie-Breaking Rule | May 15, 2026, at 3:58:19 p.m. UTC |
Invitations were issued to those with a CRS score of 768 and above who had uploaded their Express Entry profile before the tie-breaking time and date when several candidates had the lowest score.
What Is a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Draw?
Invitations under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) are for Express Entry candidates who received a nomination from a Canadian province or territory.
A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points to a candidate’s Express Entry profile, significantly boosting the likelihood of an invitation for permanent residence in a future PNP-specific draw. Each province has its set of nomination streams, designed to meet local needs in the labor market, economic priorities, and skills shortages. Once nominated, candidates will be able to receive invitations to IRCC’s PNP-specific Express Entry draws.
Why Was the CRS Score So High?
The minimum CRS score of 768 shows the extra 600 CRS points you get if you receive a provincial nomination. For example, a candidate with a CRS score of 168 would see his total score increase to 768 if he received a provincial nomination.
Due to these bonus points, PNP-specific Express Entry draws usually have much higher CRS thresholds than Canadian Experience Class (CEC), French-language ability or category-based selection draws.
What happens after I receive an invitation?
- Acceptance of Invitation to Apply.
- Submit a full electronic application for permanent residence.
- Uploading all the necessary supporting documentation.
- Undergoing medical exams and biometrics, if required.
- Undergoing a criminality and security check by IRCC.
If you meet all the federal requirements, you may be granted Canadian permanent resident status.
Express Entry Continues to Support Provincial Immigration
Still, one of the main ways to immigrate to Canada as a skilled worker is Express Entry. Besides the Provincial Nominee Program draws, IRCC still continues to hold invitation rounds for:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC) applicants
- Candidates proficient in the French language
- Candidates for selection by category
- Other Express Entry programs that are aligned to Canada’s immigration priorities.
The use of different draw types enables Canada to address labor shortages and achieve provincial and territorial immigration goals.
What this Means for Express Entry Applicants
Canada’s first August Express Entry draw strengthens support for provincial immigration programs.
Candidates who do not have a provincial nomination yet can check Provincial Nominee Program opportunities in their occupation, education, and work experience. A province’s nomination can greatly enhance your chances of getting an Invitation to Apply through Express Entry.
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Disclaimer
This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration programs, processing times, eligibility requirements, and application procedures may change without notice. Readers should consult official Government of Canada resources or seek professional immigration advice before making any immigration decisions.
