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Young professional working at a sun-lit desk with a Toronto skyline view — Canadian Express Entry guide

Provincial nominees receive invitations in first Express Entry draw since May

The latest Express Entry draw issued 955 invitations to Provincial Nominee Program candidates. This draw is notable because it's the first since May and indicates a shift in focus towards these candidates. To be eligible, applicants needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score of 730 and had to have created an Express Entry profile before March 9, 2026.

The draw, held on June 22, 2026, required candidates to have a CRS score of 730 or higher and to have created their profile before 1:02 a.m. Universal Coordinated Time on March 9, 2026. For more information on the Express Entry program, you can visit the official government website.

what this means for applicants

This draw is positive news for Provincial Nominee Program candidates who have been waiting for an opportunity to apply for permanent residence. The minimum CRS score of 730 suggests that competition for invitations remains high, but focusing on PNP candidates may allow for a more targeted approach to addressing labor market needs in specific provinces. Applicants who received an Invitation to Apply should review the Express Entry document checklist to ensure they have all necessary documents for a complete application. This checklist is a crucial step in the process, as it helps applicants avoid delays or rejections due to incomplete submissions.

how often are Express Entry draws held

Express Entry draws are typically held regularly, but their frequency and timing can vary. The 2026 Levels Plan may impact the size and frequency of these draws. For instance, the plan's emphasis on meeting specific immigration targets could lead to more frequent draws or adjustments in the number of invitations issued. To understand the cadence and timing of Express Entry draws better, you can refer to our guide on how often Express Entry draws are held.

what's next for affected applicants

Applicants who received an Invitation to Apply in this draw should review the Express Entry application process to understand the next steps. The CRS score calculator can also help determine eligibility for future draws. For more detailed information on Express Entry and related topics, our guides on Express Entry proof of funds, Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), and Express Entry draw types provide useful insights.

Official current rules are at canada.ca/immigration; this guide is independent reference content. Information is current as of the latest update and is subject to change; for the most up-to-date information, please visit canada.ca

A small portion of this article — research support, fact-cross-checking, and copy-editing — was assisted by AI tooling. Editorial decisions, source verification, and final sign-off remain with our team. We cite primary sources from canada.ca for every factual claim.

Last reviewed: June 23, 2026

IRCC.com is an independent news site and not affiliated with the Government of Canada.

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