Express Entry- 264 PNP Candidates Invited in Latest Draw, CRS Cut-Off at 710

Key Details of New EE Draw

To be eligible for this round, candidates were required to meet two specific conditions:

• A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 710; and
• An Express Entry profile created before 6:02 p.m. (UTC) on August 7, 2025.

Express Entry Draw Result – 2 March 2026

Date	EE Draw Category	No. of ITAs	Minimum CRS Score Requirement	Tie-breaking rule
2 March 2026	Provincial Nominee Program	264	710	August 07, 2025 at 18:02:56 UTC

Click here to see the complete list of Express Entry draws until date

Why PNP Candidates Continue to Receive Priority

Under the Express Entry system, a provincial nomination significantly strengthens a candidate’s profile. Once nominated by a province, a candidate receives an additional 600 CRS points. This substantial boost almost guarantees an ITA in a subsequent federal draw, as seen in the current round where the CRS cut-off reached 710.

So far in 2026, IRCC has largely concentrated on candidates already in Canada, particularly those with Canadian work experience or provincial nominations. This approach reflects a broader trend of supporting economic integration and addressing immediate workforce shortages.

Express Entry Draw Distribution in 2026

The breakdown of draw types conducted this year shows a clear emphasis on Provincial Nominee Program rounds:

Draw Type	Number of Draws
Provincial Nominee Program	5
Canadian Experience Class	3
French-Language Proficiency	1
Physicians with Canadian Work Experience	1
Healthcare and Social Services	1

PNP draws have been the most frequent category in 2026, underscoring the importance of provincial alignment in Canada’s immigration framework.

Total ITAs Issued in 2026 So Far

In total, IRCC has issued 35,112 ITAs across various categories this year:

Draw Type	ITAs Issued
Canadian Experience Class	20,000
French-Language Proficiency	8,500
Healthcare and Social Services	4,000
Provincial Nominee Program	1,798
Physicians with Canadian Work Experience	391

The data shows that while Canadian Experience Class candidates have received the largest share of invitations, PNP candidates continue to play a crucial role in the selection process.

What This Means for Express Entry Candidates

If you are currently in the Express Entry pool, securing a provincial nomination can significantly improve your chances of receiving an ITA. Provinces continue to target candidates who meet specific regional and occupational needs, making it essential to ensure your profile is accurate, updated, and strategically aligned.

Understanding category-based draws, CRS trends, and provincial requirements is increasingly important in 2026’s competitive landscape.

If you are planning to apply for Canada PR and want a clear assessment of your eligibility under Express Entry or PNP streams, you can consult the experts at Visas Avenue. A professional profile evaluation may help you identify the most suitable pathway and improve your chances of success. Call Toll-Free at 78-18-000-777 or email info@visasavenue.com to begin your process with informed direction.

- Rajneesh Kumar