Canada Express Entry Draw: IRCC Invites 576 PNP Candidates on September 14, 2026

Canada has opened another week of Express Entry activity with a new invitation round for candidates nominated by Canadian provinces.

On September 14, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted an Express Entry draw under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

A total of 576 candidates received Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for Canadian permanent residence. Candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 734 to be considered in this round.

September 14 Express Entry Draw Highlights

Draw Details	Information
Draw Date	September 14, 2026
Draw Number	#442
Draw Type	Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Invitations Issued	576
Minimum CRS Score	734
Rank Required	576 or above

Why Is the CRS Score Higher in a PNP Draw?

A CRS cut-off of 734 may look high when compared with other Express Entry draws, but PNP-specific rounds work differently.

Candidates who receive an eligible provincial nomination through an Express Entry-aligned stream receive 600 additional CRS points. This significantly improves their ranking in the Express Entry pool and explains why PNP draw cut-offs are generally higher.

For candidates whose CRS score may not be competitive enough for other invitation rounds, a suitable provincial nomination can therefore make a major difference to their Canada PR prospects.

CRS Cut-Off Rises in Latest PNP Draw

The previous PNP-specific Express Entry draw was held on August 31, 2026, when 562 candidates were invited with a minimum CRS score of 697.

Compared with that round, the September 14 draw invited 14 more candidates, while the CRS cut-off increased by 37 points to 734.

The increase does not necessarily indicate that Express Entry as a whole has become more competitive. CRS scores can vary considerably depending on the type of draw, number of invitations issued and profiles of eligible candidates in the pool.

September 2026 Has Been Active for Express Entry

September has already brought several opportunities for Express Entry candidates.

IRCC started the month with a Canadian Experience Class draw on September 1, inviting 2,000 candidates with a CRS score of 521.

This was followed by a draw for Physicians with Canadian Work Experience on September 3, in which 229 invitations were issued at a CRS score of 198.

On September 4, IRCC invited another 3,500 candidates under the Healthcare and Social Services Occupations category, with a minimum CRS score of 475.

The September 14 PNP round adds another 576 invitations to an already active month.

Why Provincial Nominee Programs Matter

Provincial Nominee Programs allow participating Canadian provinces and territories to select candidates who can contribute to their local economies and labour markets.

For Express Entry candidates, a provincial nomination can provide an important alternative route towards permanent residence.

However, there is no single eligibility standard for every PNP. Requirements can differ based on the province, occupation, work experience, language ability, education and other selection priorities.

This makes it important for candidates to identify provincial programs that genuinely match their profile rather than focusing only on their current CRS score.

What Should Express Entry Candidates Do Now?

Candidates already in the Express Entry pool should ensure that their profiles remain accurate and up to date.

Language test results, educational credentials, employment details and other important information should be reviewed regularly.

Those with lower CRS scores should also consider whether they may qualify for an Express Entry-linked provincial nomination. Improving language scores, gaining additional eligible work experience and exploring suitable PNP options may help strengthen a candidate's overall Canada PR strategy.

What Could Be the Next Express Entry Draw?

IRCC does not follow a fixed public schedule for Express Entry draws.

Based on recent invitation activity, the next round could target the Canadian Experience Class or another category, but the draw type, number of ITAs and CRS cut-off cannot be confirmed until IRCC officially announces the round.

Candidates should therefore remain prepared rather than relying solely on draw predictions.

Planning for Canada PR?

The latest PNP draw is another reminder that CRS score alone does not tell the complete story of a candidate's Canada PR possibilities.

Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs and category-based selection can create different opportunities depending on an applicant's profile.

At Visas Avenue, we assess factors such as age, education, work experience, occupation and language proficiency to help candidates understand the Canada PR pathways that may be suitable for them.

Want to know your Canada PR options? Get your profile assessed by Visas Avenue.

Disclaimer: Immigration programs, eligibility requirements and invitation rounds are subject to change. Applicants should verify the latest requirements before making immigration decisions.

- Cathlin