Canada issued 356 ITAs to Provincial Nominee Program candidates with CRS scores of 802 or higher. PNP nominees continue to receive priority invitations.
On March 30, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted Express Entry Draw #406, targeting candidates with a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination. A total of 356 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 802. The high CRS cutoff reflects the 600 additional points awarded to candidates who hold a provincial nomination, which significantly boosts their ranking in the Express Entry pool.
Who Received Invitations?
This draw specifically targeted candidates who have received a nomination from a Canadian province or territory through their respective Provincial Nominee Program. To be invited in this round, candidates needed:
- A valid provincial or territorial nomination (which adds 600 CRS points)
- A base CRS score of approximately 202 or higher before the PNP bonus
- An active Express Entry profile in the pool at the time of the draw
What This Means for Your Application
If you already hold a provincial nomination and were not invited in this draw, your CRS score may be slightly below the cutoff. Consider improving your score through language test retakes or additional work experience. If you do not yet have a provincial nomination, pursuing a PNP stream aligned with your qualifications could be an excellent pathway to permanent residence. PNP-specific draws remain consistent, and candidates with nominations continue to see regular opportunities for invitation. Processing times for PNP-based applications typically range from 6 to 8 months after submission.
What Should You Do Next?
Taking the right steps now can position you for success in upcoming draws. Here are the actions we recommend:
- Review your Express Entry profile to ensure all information is accurate and up to date
- Explore provincial nominee programs that match your skills, work experience, and settlement intentions
- Improve your CRS score by retaking language tests (IELTS/CELPIP/TEF) or gaining additional work experience
Ready to Start Your Canadian Immigration Journey?
Our experienced immigration consultants at ITC iLand are here to guide you through every step of the Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Program process. Let us help you maximize your chances of receiving an invitation to apply.
