IRCC Invites 534 Express Entry Candidates in PNP Draw on July 6, CRS Cut-Off Drops to 708

Key Takeaways 

Our Analysis of this Express Entry Draw

What Does This Mean for PNP Candidates?

The first half of 2026 ended with PNP invitation volumes nearly identical to the same period last year: 5,405 ITAs by the end of June, compared to 5,495 in the same period in 2025. This is striking given that IRCC’s overall Express Entry activity nearly doubled in H1 2026, with close to 90,000 total ITAs issued across all draw types.

This doesn’t mean that IRCC has favoured other draw types over PNP. Express Entry-linked PNP draw sizes are determined by how many candidates hold a valid provincial nomination and are sitting in the federal pool. IRCC cannot issue more PNP invitations than there are eligible nominees — and provinces have not significantly increased their Express Entry-aligned nomination volumes despite a higher federal admissions target of 91,500 for 2026.

The backlog, too, remains significant. As of the June 8, 2026, IRCC had approximately 14,000 Express Entry-linked PNP applications and 110,200 base PNP applications in its inventory. The processing time for Express Entry PNP applications sits at around six months. Practically speaking, candidates who receive an ITA today and submit a complete application will only receive permanent residence in early 2027.

In terms of frequency, PNP draws ran every two weeks from January through May. The only deviation was in June, which had just one draw on the 22nd. The fact that today’s draw was conducted at the usual two-week gap suggests that June may have been a one-off pause, rather than a shift in strategy.

What’s Next for Express Entry Candidates

A provincial nomination is still the most reliable way to move up the queue if your CRS score sits below the current CEC cut-off range. The 600-point boost it adds to your score almost guarantees an ITA in a subsequent PNP draw. Research which provinces have Express Entry-aligned streams that match your occupation and where you want to settle. Keep in mind that some provinces — including BC, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick — have narrowed their focus to specific sectors such as healthcare, trades, and public services.

If a nomination is not within reach right now, there are other ways to strengthen your position:

• Retake your language test if there’s room to improve.
• French-language draws have had CRS cut-offs well below the CEC range throughout the year. If you have some French proficiency, improving it to NCLC 7 across all four abilities can help you qualify for dedicated rounds.
• Experience in a priority occupation — healthcare, trades, STEM, or education — may qualify you for a category-based draw. However, the timing and frequency of these draws are unpredictable.
• If you have a spouse or partner, make sure their profile is included and their scores are optimized.
• Gain more work experience in or outside Canada or pursue further education.

IRCC has proposed significant changes to Express Entry, including consolidating the three current federal programs into one and revising the CRS point system. Among the proposed changes is a reconsideration of the 600-point boost for provincial nominations. However, nothing has been finalized yet. The Moving2Canada team is tracking these developments closely. Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on Express Entry reforms.

Further Resources for PNP Candidates

For more information:     

• Track PNPs with our Live PNP tracker     
• Learn more about PNPs in our beginner’s guide