Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a new Express Entry draw on May 25, 2026. This round specifically targeted candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). As a result, IRCC invited 334 candidates to apply for Canadian permanent residence. To qualify, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 805. The higher cut-off reflects the additional CRS points awarded through provincial nominations, which continue to play a major role in Canada’s economic immigration system.

Check Your Skilled Assessment & Eligibility

Key Highlights of the May 25, 2026 Draw

  • Draw Name: Provincial Nominee Program
  • Date and Time: May 25, 2026 at 15:22:56 UTC
  • CRS Score: 805
  • Invitations Issued: 334
  • Rank Required: 334 or above
  • Tie-Breaking Rule: October 16, 2025 at 18:16:33 UTC
If more than one candidate had the lowest CRS score, IRCC selected profiles based on the date and time they submitted their Express Entry profiles. Therefore, candidates who created their profiles earlier received priority.

Why PNP Draws Matter

Provincial Nominee Program draws help Canadian provinces and territories select skilled workers based on local labour market needs. Candidates who receive a provincial nomination gain an additional 600 CRS points, significantly increasing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). As a result, PNP-linked Express Entry candidates often receive invitations even when general Express Entry cut-offs remain competitive.

Understanding Express Entry Programs

IRCC manages three major immigration programs through Express Entry:
  • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
  • Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
In addition, Canada also conducts category-based and Provincial Nominee Program draws to target candidates with specific skills, work experience, or language abilities.

How the CRS Score Works

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) ranks candidates based on several factors, including:
  • Age
  • Education
  • Work experience
  • Language proficiency
Moreover, candidates can gain additional CRS points through provincial nominations, Canadian education, arranged employment, or French-language proficiency. Because of this, improving your profile can greatly increase your chances of receiving an ITA.

Steps to Get an ITA

If you are planning to apply through Express Entry:
  1. First, check your eligibility under FSWP, FSTP, or CEC
  2. Next, create your Express Entry profile
  3. Then, receive your CRS score
  4. Finally, wait for a draw and receive an ITA if your score meets the cut-off

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry is Canada’s online immigration system used to manage applications for skilled workers. It allows IRCC to select candidates based on CRS scores, labour market demands, and provincial requirements.

Check Your Skilled Assessment & Eligibility

Start Your Canada PR Journey

Planning to apply for Canada PR? This latest PNP draw highlights Canada’s continued focus on attracting skilled workers through provincial nomination pathways. Apical Immigration Experts can guide you with profile evaluation, documentation, and complete PR process support.