Canada has resumed Express Entry invitations for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates, marking the first draw since late May.

In the latest Express Entry round held on June 22, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 995 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates with provincial nominations. To receive an invitation, candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 730. This was the first Express Entry draw conducted after a brief pause in June and one of the largest PNP-focused draws of the year.

Why Was the CRS Score So High?

Provincial Nominee Program candidates receive an additional 600 CRS points when they obtain a provincial nomination through an Express Entry-aligned stream. As a result, PNP-specific draws typically have much higher CRS cut-off scores than Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or category-based draws.

For many candidates, securing a provincial nomination remains one of the strongest pathways to permanent residence because it significantly boosts their chances of receiving an ITA in a future Express Entry draw.

A Positive Sign for PNP Candidates

The June 22 draw invited nearly 1,000 candidates, making it one of the largest PNP-specific invitation rounds in 2026. The increase in invitations suggests that provinces continue to play a key role in addressing labour shortages and supporting regional economic growth across Canada.

Throughout 2026, IRCC has consistently targeted candidates with provincial nominations, Canadian work experience, and other in-demand qualifications as part of its evolving immigration strategy.

What This Means for Prospective Immigrants

For individuals currently in the Express Entry pool, obtaining a provincial nomination can be a game changer. With an additional 600 CRS points, many candidates move to the top of the ranking system and become highly likely to receive an invitation for permanent residence.

As provinces continue selecting candidates through their Provincial Nominee Programs, skilled workers, international graduates, and individuals with strong ties to a province may see increased opportunities to immigrate to Canada.

At Method Immigration, we continue to monitor the latest Express Entry and PNP developments to help clients identify the best pathway to Canadian permanent residence.

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