IRCC issues 264 ITAs in latest PNP draw

Key Takeaways 

Type of draw: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) 

Invitations issued: 264

Minimum CRS score: 710

Tie-breaking rule: August 07, 2025 at 18:02:56 UTC

Prediction for next draw: Canadian Experience Class (CEC) on March 3. Check our dedicated page for more on when we’re expecting the next Express Entry draw. 

Our Analysis of This Express Entry Draw 

IRCC held its fifth  PNP draw of the year on March 2, inviting 264 Express Entry candidates with a provincial nomination to apply for permanent residence. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 710, the lowest CRS for a PNP draw so far this year.

Today’s draw was in line with the previous four draws. It brings the total number of ITAs issued to PNP candidates in 2026 up to 2,221. Compared to this time last year, IRCC had issued 2,297 ITAs in four PNP draws. 

The numbers are close, with a few differences. Last year there were fewer draws with more ITAs issued but so far this year IRCC is inviting PNP candidates every two weeks.

In 2025, the minimum CRS cutoff fluctuated between 802 and 667 for the first four draws. This year the score remained more consistent, ranging from 710 and 789.

These similarities in the number of ITAs are actually a little unexpected given the large increase in PNP allocations for 2026 (up to 91,500). However, IRCC currently has a PNP application backlog of over 108,300 for non-Express Entry applications and 12,400 for Express Entry applications. So, IRCC doesn’t need to hold large draws  to stay on track. 

What’s Next for Express Entry PNP Draws In 2026? 

The size of any given PNP draw is closely tied to how many candidates in the Express Entry pool currently hold a valid provincial nomination. When that number is low, draws tend to be small, and the CRS cut-off rises, since IRCC is pulling from a narrower group. This is worth keeping in mind if today’s numbers look surprising at first glance. 

Zooming out, 2026’s PNP draws have generally been smaller than what we saw at the same point in 2025, even though this year’s admission target for provincial nominees is higher. The 2026 Immigration Levels Plan targets 91,500 PNP admissions.  

Part of what’s shaping demand at the provincial level is that PNP allocations to individual provinces are down in 2026. Ontario received just 14,119 nomination spots this year, and British Columbia received only 5,254, well below its request of 9,000. This means there are simply fewer nominated candidates entering the federal Express Entry pool. 

What Does This Mean for You? 

If you’re an Express Entry candidate and have already received a provincial nomination, the 600-point boost it adds to your CRS score means an invitation to apply for permanent residence is essentially a matter of when, not if. 

If you’re still working toward a provincial nomination, the smaller allocation picture means competition at the provincial level may be tighter than in previous years. It’s worth checking the status of individual PNPs to understand where draws are happening and what scores are competitive. 

One thing to plan for regardless: IRCC currently estimates a processing time of seven months for new PNP permanent residence applications through Express Entry. Once you receive your invitation and submit your application, use the wait time to prepare for your life in Canada. 

Further Resources for PNP Candidates    

For more information:   

• Track PNPs with our Live PNP tracker   

• Learn more about PNPs in our beginner’s guide