Canada Invites 733 Provincial Nominees in September 2026

Canada Express Entry PNP draw September 2026

Canada has invited 733 candidates with provincial nominations to apply for permanent residence through the Express Entry system in a selection round held on September 28, 2026. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted the draw specifically for candidates eligible under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 725.

Candidates also needed to have submitted their Express Entry profiles before the applicable tie-breaking date and time of September 17, 2026, at 1:36:17 a.m. UTC. The selection was the largest Express Entry draw for provincial nominees since June 22, 2026, when IRCC issued 955 invitations under the same category.

The latest round highlights the continued importance of provincial nomination for candidates pursuing Canadian permanent residence through Express Entry.

Express Entry Draw Results: September 28, 2026

The September 28 selection round was the 445th Express Entry draw overall and the 57th draw conducted in 2026.

Draw detail	Result
Draw date	September 28, 2026
Draw type	Provincial Nominee Program
Express Entry round number	445
Invitations issued	733
Minimum CRS score	725
Tie-breaking date	September 17, 2026
Tie-breaking time	1:36:17 a.m. UTC

The tie-breaking rule applies when multiple candidates have the same CRS score as the cut-off. Candidates who scored 725 and submitted their profiles before the specified date and time were eligible to receive an invitation, subject to the draw requirements. Candidates with the same score who submitted their profiles after the tie-breaking point were not selected in this round.

Who Was Eligible for the September 28 Express Entry Draw?

This was a program-specific draw for candidates eligible under the Provincial Nominee Program through Express Entry.

To be considered, candidates needed to:

Have an active Express Entry profile.
Be eligible for the applicable Express Entry program and the PNP-specific selection round.
Have a provincial or territorial nomination that qualified under the Express Entry system.
Have a CRS score of at least 725.
Meet the applicable tie-breaking rule where their score matched the cut-off.

Importantly, candidates who have not received a provincial nomination cannot assume they are eligible for this particular draw simply because they have an Express Entry profile.

Why Does a Provincial Nomination Matter for Express Entry?

Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program allows participating provinces and territories to nominate eligible individuals who meet their immigration requirements and can contribute to their regional labour markets. Some provincial nomination pathways are aligned with Express Entry. These are commonly referred to as enhanced nomination pathways.

When an eligible candidate accepts an enhanced provincial nomination in their Express Entry profile, they receive an additional 600 CRS points. This can substantially increase their ranking and improve their chances of receiving an invitation in a PNP-specific draw. For example, a candidate with a base CRS score of 125 who receives an eligible nomination can reach a total CRS score of 725.

However, obtaining a provincial nomination is a separate process. Candidates must first qualify under a participating province or territory’s requirements, which may involve occupation-specific criteria, employment, work experience, language proficiency or other conditions. Not every provincial immigration pathway is linked to Express Entry. Some operate through a separate, non-Express Entry process with different federal application procedures.

How Does the September Draw Compare With Earlier PNP Draws?

The September 28 round followed another PNP-specific draw held on September 14, 2026.

Draw date	Invitations issued	CRS cut-off
September 28, 2026	733	725
September 14, 2026	576	734
August 31, 2026	562	697
August 17, 2026	442	760
August 4, 2026	507	768
July 20, 2026	511	744
July 6, 2026	534	708
June 22, 2026	955	730

The September 28 draw issued 157 more invitations than the September 14 round, while the CRS cut-off decreased by nine points. However, PNP draw results can vary depending on the number of invitations issued, the candidates in the pool and IRCC’s selection priorities. A lower cut-off in one round does not guarantee a similar result in the next. Candidates should use historical draw results as a reference rather than a prediction of future invitations.

What Happens After Receiving an Express Entry Invitation?

Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) is an important step, but it does not mean that permanent residence has been approved. Candidates who receive an invitation should carefully review the instructions provided through their IRCC account and complete the required application process.

The next steps generally include:

Step 1: Review the invitation. Confirm the draw category, eligibility requirements and application deadline.

Step 2: Verify the information in your profile. Ensure that your personal details, work experience, education, language results and nomination information are accurate.

Step 3: Gather supporting documents. Prepare the required identity documents, police certificates, employment records, education documents and other supporting evidence applicable to your case.

Step 4: Submit the permanent residence application. Complete the online application and provide the required documents and fees within the deadline specified by IRCC.

Step 5: Await IRCC’s decision. The department assesses the application, including eligibility and admissibility requirements, before making a final decision.

An invitation can expire if the candidate does not submit the required application within the permitted period. Candidates should therefore follow their individual invitation instructions rather than rely on general timelines.

Can You Apply for Permanent Residence Without a Provincial Nomination?

Yes. A provincial nomination is not mandatory for every Express Entry pathway.

Candidates may qualify through other Express Entry programs, depending on their circumstances. These include the Canadian Experience Class and the Federal Skilled Worker Program, as well as other applicable federal pathways.

IRCC also conducts category-based selection rounds for eligible candidates who meet specific occupational, language or other category requirements.

The appropriate route depends on factors such as:

Skilled work experience.
Education and educational credential assessments, where required.
English or French language proficiency.
Canadian work or study experience, where applicable.
Age and other CRS factors.
Eligibility for a provincial nomination or category-based selection.

A candidate who does not qualify for a provincial nomination may still have other options. However, eligibility for one immigration program does not automatically establish eligibility for another.

What Should Candidates Do if Their CRS Score Is Too Low?

determine whether they qualify for any available options to improve their ranking or pursue a different pathway. Potential steps include:

Improving English or French language test results, where possible.
Reviewing whether additional eligible work experience can be included.
Confirming that education credentials and educational assessments are recorded correctly.
Exploring provincial nomination pathways for which they may qualify.
Reviewing eligibility for category-based Express Entry draws.
Considering other Canadian immigration programs where appropriate.

A provincial nomination can provide a substantial CRS advantage, but it is not available to everyone and cannot be guaranteed. Candidates should assess their eligibility before spending money on an application or immigration service.

What Does This Draw Mean for Canada's Immigration Applicants?

The September 28 draw demonstrates that provincial nominees remain an important group within Canada’s Express Entry system. The issuance of 733 invitations gives eligible nominees another opportunity to proceed with their permanent residence applications. At the same time, the CRS cut-off of 725 reflects the additional ranking points associated with an enhanced provincial nomination.

Candidates should not interpret this result as a general CRS threshold for all Express Entry applicants. The cut-off applies specifically to this PNP selection round. Future draws may differ in invitation numbers, minimum scores and eligibility requirements. Applicants should continue monitoring official IRCC announcements and keep their profiles accurate and up to date.

Explore Your Canadian Immigration Options with Canada Immigration Global

Canada Immigration Global helps prospective applicants explore Canadian immigration pathways and understand the eligibility requirements relevant to their circumstances. Our team can help you review your background, understand the role of provincial nomination, identify potential immigration pathways and prepare for the documentation requirements associated with an eligible application.

Interested in exploring your options for Canadian permanent residence? Contact Canada Immigration Global to discuss your circumstances and determine which immigration pathways may be suitable for further assessment.

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Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or guarantee eligibility, an invitation, a provincial nomination or permanent residence. Immigration rules, selection criteria and program availability can change.