IRCC issues 356 invitations to Express Entry PNP candidates on March 30

Key Takeaways

Type of draw: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Invitations issued: 356

Minimum CRS score: 802

Tie-breaking rule: February 12, 2026 at 03:54:03 UTC

Prediction for next draw: Canadian Experience Class (CEC) on March 31. Check our dedicated page for more on when we’re expecting the next Express Entry draw.

Our Analysis of this Express Entry draw 

Today’s draw invited 356 candidates and was the seventh PNP draw so far this year. Candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 802 to get an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence.  

Compared to the March 16 draw, todays was similar in terms of the number of ITAs. So far in 2026 we have seen a trend of smaller, but more frequent draws. The number of ITAs has been consistent as well. This shows that IRCC is still prioritizing Express Entry candidates with Canadian experience (most PNP candidates already live and work in Canada).  

Smaller draws might come as something of a surprise given that IRCC has dramatically increased its overall admissions target for PNP candidates in 2026 from 55,000 to 91,500. This is likely because IRCC currently has an Express Entry PNP application backlog of 13,000 applications in the queue

The CRS score this week is an increase  of 60 points over the last PNP draw. The March 16 draw had a CRS of 742. This could be because the number of candidates in the Express Entry application pool shrinks substantially when look at the number of applications with scores higher than between 601 and 1200. Data from March 29 shows there were 351 applications in the pool within that range.

What does this mean for Express Entry candidates? 

While it’s possible that PNP draws will be smaller this year, considering the size of the pool for scores over 601, and IRCC’s continued focused on candidates already in Canada, applying for a Provincial Nomination could still be an advantageous move.  

Every province and territory in Canada (except Quebec and Nunavut) has a PNP program. These programs offer multiple streams to attract candidates based on occupation, education, or skilled work. If you are already eligible for Express Entry, it’s very possible you could also be eligible to apply for one of these streams and, if you are successful, get those extra 600 points which all but guarantees an ITA. 

Keep in mind though, if you are successful in getting an ITA through a PNP draw, you are likely to wait at least seven months for your application to be processed.  

Further Resources for PNP Candidates     

For more information:    

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