Canada Invites 576 Provincial Nominees to Apply for PR through Express Entry

Canada Immigration News | September 2026

Canada has invited 576 candidates with provincial nominations to apply for permanent residence through the Express Entry system. In a draw held on September 14, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) category.

Candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 734 to receive an invitation in this draw.

The latest selection provides an opportunity for eligible provincial nominees to move forward with their Canadian permanent residence applications.

Express Entry Draw: September 14, 2026

IRCC conducted a Provincial Nominee Program-specific draw, selecting candidates who had received a provincial nomination and were eligible under the Express Entry system.

Latest Express Entry Draw Results

Draw Details	Information
Draw date	September 14, 2026
Draw category	Provincial Nominee Program
Invitations issued	576
Minimum CRS score	734
Tie-breaking date	August 29, 2026
Tie-breaking time	9:39 p.m. UTC

To be considered for an invitation, candidates needed a minimum CRS score of 734 and an Express Entry profile created before 9:39 p.m. UTC on August 29, 2026. The tie-breaking rule applies when multiple candidates have the same CRS score as the lowest-ranked candidate invited in the draw.

What Is the Provincial Nominee Program?

The Provincial Nominee Program is a Canadian immigration pathway that allows participating provinces and territories to nominate eligible foreign nationals for permanent residence.

Each province and territory establishes its own immigration streams and selection criteria according to its labour market, economic, and demographic priorities. The PNP operates through two main pathways:

1. Enhanced Provincial Nominee Program

Enhanced PNP streams are aligned with the federal Express Entry system. Candidates must qualify for an eligible Express Entry program and receive a provincial nomination through an Express Entry-aligned stream. A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points to a candidate’s profile, substantially increasing their ranking within the Express Entry pool. Candidates may then receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence through a subsequent Express Entry draw.

2. Base Provincial Nominee Program

Base PNP streams operate outside the Express Entry system. Candidates apply through a provincial or territorial immigration stream and, if nominated, submit a separate permanent residence application to IRCC. The processing procedure and requirements differ from those of enhanced PNP streams.

Why Was the CRS Cut-Off 734?

The CRS is the points-based system IRCC uses to rank eligible candidates in the Express Entry pool. Candidates receive points based on factors such as:

Age
Education
Language proficiency
Skilled work experience
Canadian work experience
Spouse or partner factors, where applicable
Additional factors, including provincial nominations

For this draw, the minimum CRS score was 734.

Provincial nominees selected through Express Entry receive 600 additional CRS points after obtaining a qualifying nomination. This means that a candidate’s underlying CRS score before the nomination points may be considerably lower than the draw’s cut-off. However, receiving a provincial nomination does not automatically guarantee an invitation. Candidates must still meet the applicable Express Entry and provincial program requirements.

Express Entry Draws in 2026

With the completion of the September 14 selection round, Canada had conducted 54 Express Entry draws in 2026. IRCC had issued 121,732 invitations to apply across various draw categories.

Express Entry Invitations Issued in 2026

Draw Category	ITAs Issued
Canadian Experience Class	53,250
French-language proficiency	50,500
Healthcare and social services	11,500
Provincial Nominee Program	8,537
Trades	3,000
Physicians with Canadian work experience	891
Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience	1,000
Transport	300
Skilled Military Recruits	4
Total	121,732

The figures show that IRCC has continued to issue invitations through multiple Express Entry categories, including Canadian Experience Class, French-language proficiency, healthcare and social services, and provincial nominee selections. The number of invitations issued in a draw does not determine the number of permanent residents ultimately admitted to Canada, as invited candidates must still submit an application and meet federal requirements.

What Happens After Receiving an Invitation to Apply?

Candidates who receive an ITA through Express Entry must submit a complete permanent residence application within the deadline specified in their invitation.The next steps generally include:

Review the invitation: Confirm the draw details, eligibility, and application deadline.
Prepare supporting documents: Gather identity documents, education credentials, language test results, work experience records, and other required evidence.
Complete the online application: Provide accurate information and upload the required documents.
Pay applicable fees: Pay the required application and associated fees.
Submit the application: Submit the complete permanent residence application before the deadline.
Wait for IRCC’s decision: IRCC reviews the application and determines whether the candidate meets the requirements for permanent residence.

An invitation is not the same as permanent residence approval. IRCC must assess the complete application before making a final decision.

Can Provincial Nominees Apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit?

Certain provincial nominees who are already in Canada and have submitted a permanent residence application may qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP).

A BOWP can allow eligible applicants to continue working in Canada while waiting for a decision on their permanent residence application.

If an eligible applicant’s current work permit expires while their BOWP application is being processed, they may benefit from maintained status, provided they meet the applicable conditions. Eligible family members may also be able to apply for a BOWP. Eligibility depends on the applicant’s immigration status, permanent residence application stage, and other federal requirements.

What This Draw Means for Prospective Immigrants

The September 14 draw highlights the role of provincial nominations in Canada’s Express Entry system. For candidates who have already received a qualifying provincial nomination, the additional 600 CRS points can significantly affect their ranking in the Express Entry pool.

Foreign nationals who have not yet received a nomination may wish to explore provincial immigration streams that match their qualifications, employment background, and settlement plans. However, provincial nomination criteria, invitation schedules, and available spaces vary by province and may change throughout the year. Candidates should carefully review the requirements of each pathway before submitting an application or Expression of Interest.

Key Takeaways

IRCC issued 576 invitations in the September 14, 2026, Express Entry draw.
The draw targeted candidates with provincial nominations.
The minimum CRS cut-off score was 734.
Candidates needed to create their Express Entry profiles before August 29, 2026, at 9:39 p.m. UTC to meet the tie-breaking rule.
A qualifying provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points.
Canada had conducted 54 Express Entry draws in 2026 as of September 14.
IRCC had issued 121,732 invitations across Express Entry categories in 2026.
Receiving an ITA does not guarantee permanent residence approval.

Start Your Canada Immigration Journey Today!

Are you planning to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry, a Provincial Nominee Program, or another Canadian immigration pathway? Canada Immigration Global (CIG) provides guidance to individuals and families exploring Canadian immigration options and preparing their applications. Our team can help you understand immigration program requirements, review your profile, and explore pathways that may align with your qualifications and long-term goals. Contact Canada Immigration Global to learn more about your Canadian immigration options.

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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.