August 31, 2026 Express Entry Draw: 562 PNP Invitations, CRS 697
On August 31, 2026, a new Express Entry draw issued 562 invitations to apply for permanent residence. The cut-off Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score was 697. This draw specifically targeted candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Latest round details
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date and time | August 31, 2026 at 10:42:13 UTC |
| Round type | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) |
| Invitations issued | 562 |
| Lowest-ranked CRS score | 697 |
| Rank required | 562 or above |
| Tie-breaking rule | April 12, 2026 at 04:32:26 UTC |
The CRS score distribution of candidates in the pool is current as of August 30, 2026.
Why the CRS cut-off is 697
A provincial nomination adds 600 points to a candidate's CRS score. A PNP-specific round only invites candidates who already hold a provincial nomination.
This requirement is why the cut-off is far higher than in general draws. The 697 figure reflects that 600-point addition on top of the candidate's base score. It does not mean applicants need a 697 base score.
How PNP rounds work
Express Entry runs three round types. These are general, program-specific, and category-based rounds. This was a program-specific round limited to PNP-eligible candidates.
To enter the PNP stream, a candidate must first receive a nomination from a province or territory. They must accept this nomination in their Express Entry profile to receive the 600 points.
What the tie-breaking rule means
If more than one candidate has the lowest CRS score (697), the cut-off is applied by profile submission date and time.
Anyone at 697 who submitted before April 12, 2026 at 04:32:26 UTC was invited. Those who submitted after this exact time were not.
What happens next for invited candidates
The statistic "invitations issued: 562" means these candidates received an Invitation to Apply (ITA). They now have a limited window to submit a complete permanent residence application.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Readers should consult a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer about their own specific situation.