Canada has continued its 2026 immigration activities with a new Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw under the Express Entry system. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 423 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to eligible candidates in this round.

Check Your Skilled Assessment & Eligibility

Key Highlights of the Draw

  • Draw Name: Provincial Nominee Program
  • Date and Time: February 3, 2026
  • Number of Invitations Issued: 423
  • CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate Invited: 749
  • Rank Required: 423 or above
Tie-Breaking Rule: December 16, 2025 at 22:30:36 UTC (If more than one candidate had the lowest CRS score, priority was given to those who submitted their Express Entry profile earlier.)

Focus on Provincial Nominees

This draw was specifically for candidates who had already received a provincial nomination. A PNP nomination adds 600 CRS points, which explains the higher CRS cut-off. Provinces continue to use this pathway to select skilled workers who meet local labor market needs and can contribute quickly to their economies.

What This Means for Candidates

If you received an ITA, you can now move forward with your permanent residence application. IRCC allows 60 days to submit a complete application with all required documents. For those still in the pool, securing a provincial nomination can significantly boost your chances in upcoming draws.

Looking Ahead

The Provincial Nominee Program remains one of the most reliable routes to Canadian permanent residence. With provinces actively selecting candidates, more PNP-focused draws are expected in the coming months.

Check Your Skilled Assessment & Eligibility

Stay updated with the latest Canadian immigration news with Immigration Experts. Start your Canada PR journey with trusted guidance today. Turn your dream of moving to Canada into reality with Immigration Experts by your side.