Canada Targets Provincial Nominees in Latest Express Entry Draw

Canada has conducted a new round of invitations under the Express Entry system, specifically targeting candidates nominated through provincial programs. The latest draw reflects the country’s continued focus on selecting applicants who meet regional labour market needs through the Provincial Nominee Program pathway.

However, this is the eighteenth Express Entry draw of the year and the eighth draw of the month. This year, Canada held 18 draws across multiple categories, inviting 53,580 skilled candidates. This targeted approach allows provinces to nominate skilled candidates, who then receive priority consideration at the federal level.

With competition intensifying and CRS scores remaining high, this draw highlights the growing importance of securing a provincial nomination to improve your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence.

Express Entry Draw Results

Canada held the latest Express Entry draw on March 30, 2026, issuing 356 ITAs through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The minimum CRS score was 802.

• Date of Round: March 30, 2026
• Type of Draw: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
• Number of ITAs Issued: 356
• CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate Invited: 802
• Tie-Breaking Rule: March 30, 2026, at 10:49:36 UTC

If more than one candidate has the lowest score, the cut-off is based on the date and time they submitted their Express Entry profiles.

Express Entry PNP Draw Summary of 2026

A total of 2939 ITAs have been issued across Express Entry PNP draws in 2026 so far, highlighting Canada’s continued focus on provincial nominees. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Calculate Your CRS Score

What is Trends in Express Entry PNP Draws in 2026?

The Express Entry draws in 2026 show a clear shift toward prioritizing candidates nominated through provincial programs. One of the most noticeable trends is the consistently high CRS cut-offs, often significantly higher than those for regular all-program draws, such as the federal skilled worker program, etc. This is because Provincial Nominee Program candidates receive an additional 600 points, thereby raising their scores.

Another key trend is the moderate but steady number of invitations issued in each draw. Rather than large-scale invitations, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is conducting more targeted draws, focusing on meeting specific provincial labour market needs.

There is also a regular frequency of Provincial Nominee Program draws, typically every few weeks, indicating a structured and predictable selection pattern. This consistency benefits candidates already in the pool with provincial nominations.

Overall, 2026 trends highlight that securing a provincial nomination has become one of the most reliable ways to receive an invitation, making PNP pathways increasingly important for Canada PR applicants.

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Source: canada.ca

Tags: Express Entry Express Entry Latest Draw Express Entry Program Canadian Experience Class Express Entry Draw Canada Immigration Federal Skilled Worker Program Latest Express Entry Draw Canada Immigration News