Canada has invited 562 candidates to apply for permanent residence through the latest Express Entry draw held on August 31, 2026. The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)-specific draw required candidates to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 697.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its latest Express Entry invitation round on August 31, inviting candidates who had received a provincial nomination.
The draw issued 562 Invitations to Apply (ITAs), with the CRS cut-off set at 697.
Canada Express Entry Draw – August 31, 2026
- Draw number: 438
- Draw type: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Date: August 31, 2026
- Invitations issued: 562
- Lowest CRS score: 697
- Rank required: 562 or above
- Tie-breaking date: April 12, 2026
- Tie-breaking time: 4:32:26 UTC
The 697 CRS cut-off is the lowest recorded for a PNP-specific Express Entry draw in 2026 so far. The previous lowest PNP cut-off this year was 708, recorded in the July 6, 2026 draw.
PNP Continues to Provide a Significant CRS Advantage
Provincial nomination remains an important pathway for Express Entry candidates seeking Canadian permanent residence. Candidates who receive a nomination through an Express Entry-linked provincial program receive additional CRS points, significantly improving their ranking in the Express Entry pool.
IRCC conducts different types of Express Entry draws throughout the year, including general, program-specific and category-based rounds. In a PNP-specific draw, only candidates who are eligible under the Provincial Nominee Program are considered for invitations.
The latest draw therefore provides another opportunity for candidates who have secured a provincial nomination and meet the required CRS threshold.
What the Latest Draw Means for Canada PR Applicants
The latest PNP draw indicates that provincial nomination continues to play an important role in Canada’s Express Entry system. However, the 697 CRS score applies specifically to this PNP draw and should not be interpreted as the general CRS cut-off for Express Entry.
Candidates who receive an ITA must submit their complete permanent residence application within 60 calendar days. Those who do not submit their application within this period will have their invitation expire.
With IRCC continuing to conduct targeted invitation rounds, candidates planning to apply for Canadian permanent residence should monitor Express Entry draws as well as provincial nomination opportunities that match their occupation, work experience and profile.
The next Express Entry draw will depend on IRCC’s invitation schedule and immigration priorities.
