New Express Entry Draw Issues 324 PNP Invitations
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a new Express Entry draw on April 13, 2026, issuing 324 Invitations to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. This draw was specifically for candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Draw Details and CRS Score Requirements
The latest round exclusively targeted candidates who had already received a nomination from a Canadian province or territory. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required for an invitation was 786. This score is significantly higher than in general draws because a provincial nomination automatically adds 600 points to a candidate’s base score, placing them at the top of the pool.
According to official data released by IRCC, the draw occurred at 10:51:11 UTC. A tie-breaking rule was also applied, with the cut-off set to November 19, 2025, at 18:53:59 UTC. This mechanism is used when multiple candidates have the same minimum score; only those who submitted their profile before this specific date and time received an invitation. To be invited, a candidate needed a rank of 324 or above.
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What This Means for Express Entry Candidates
This program-specific draw highlights the continued importance of Provincial Nominee Programs within Canada’s immigration strategy. These programs allow provinces to select immigration candidates who meet their local economic and demographic needs. For applicants, securing a provincial nomination is a critical advantage, often guaranteeing an invitation in a subsequent PNP-specific draw.
Candidates in the Express Entry pool without a provincial nomination were not included in this round. However, they remain eligible for other types of draws, including general rounds and category-based selections. General rounds invite top-ranking candidates regardless of their program, while category-based rounds target individuals with specific skills, such as work experience in in-demand occupations or strong French language abilities. It is important for all candidates to keep their Express Entry profiles up-to-date and explore PNP options relevant to their qualifications.
