Canada Conducts First Express Entry Draw of July, Inviting 534 Provincial Nominees
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted its first Express Entry draw of July 2026, issuing 534 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Key Highlights
- Draw Date: July 6, 2026
- Program: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Invitations Issued: 534
- Minimum CRS Score: 708
- Tie-Breaking Rule: June 4, 2026, at 14:49:51 UTC
- One of the most notable aspects of this draw is that the minimum CRS score of 708 is the lowest PNP cut-off recorded so far in 2026, reflecting a positive trend for provincially nominated candidates. Since a provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points to a candidate’s Express Entry profile, applicants who received invitations had a base CRS score of approximately 108 or higher before receiving their nomination.
- This draw reinforces Canada’s continued focus on supporting provincial labour market needs by selecting candidates with skills aligned to regional economic priorities. Provincial Nominee Programs remain one of the strongest pathways to Canadian permanent residence for skilled workers who may not otherwise have highly competitive CRS scores.
- If you are planning your Canadian immigration journey, obtaining a provincial nomination can significantly improve your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence.
- Need help identifying the right PNP pathway? Connect with Hodophiles Xplore Visas Pvt. Ltd. for a personalized assessment and expert guidance on your Canada PR options.
