IRCC Invites 334 Express Entry Candidates in PNP Draw on May 25, 2026

Key Takeaways 

Our Analysis of this Express Entry Draw

What Does this Mean for PNP Candidates?  

PNP draws have maintained a predictable rhythm this year, with a draw every alternate week. In fact, with IRCC skipping a CEC draw (and category-based draw) in the week of May 11, PNP is the only Express Entry draw that has kept its familiar cadence going. 

Although draw sizes have fluctuated, that has been because of the variation in the number of candidates entering the pool with a 601+ CRS score. From IRCC’s perspective, nothing has changed. Once you get a provincial nomination and the 600-point boost that comes with it, you can generally expect an ITA in the following PNP draw. 

However, IRCC also has a huge backlog of PNP applications in the processing stage. As of May 12, 2026, this includes 14,000 Express Entry PNP and 110,200 non-Express Entry (base) PNP applications. In the last month, the backlog has increased by about 2,400 applications. Taken together, the backlog far exceeds the PNP admissions target of 91,500 for 2026.  

That said, average processing times have also increased. Currently, the processing time for non-Express Entry applications is touching 14 months and for Express Entry PNP applications, it is seven months. Realistically, this means that PNP candidates who receive an ITA now (or later in the year) will only be approved for permanent residence in 2027. So, they will be considered under next year’s admission targets. 

What’s Next for Express Entry Candidates 

If you’re in the Express Entry pool or about to enter it with a score that’s below the current CEC cut-off range, getting a provincial nomination remains your best shot at an ITA. A provincial nomination adds 600 points to your CRS score and almost guarantees an invitation in the next PNP draw. 

Give some thought to where you would like to live in Canada. Then research the PNP streams offered by those provinces and assess your eligibility. Keep in mind not all PNP programs are delivered through the Express Entry system. 

There are other ways to improve your CRS score, too, including: 

• Improving your language test scores 

• Learning the second official language. This offers an added advantage, as an NCLC 7 score across language abilities can also help you qualify for French-language category draws. 

• Maximize your spousal factor points. This could mean getting them to retake a language test or to get their educational credentials assessed. 

• Getting another education credential or an extra year of work experience. 

• Getting Canadian work experience on a work permit can boost your score. A combination of Canadian and foreign work experience also gets you extra points for skill transferability. 

• If you’re in a priority occupation, such as healthcare or social services, or trades, getting one year of experience in an eligible NOC can help you qualify for a category-based draw. 

If you’re planning to start the immigration process in a few months, the Express Entry system might look different by then. IRCC has proposed reforms to Express Entry programs and CRS points. These could affect eligibility criteria and could remove or change CRS points for certain factors, such as siblings in Canada, spousal points, and even provincial nominations. The public consultation on these proposed reforms is now closed and IRCC will review stakeholder inputs before making a final decision. 

Further Resources for PNP Candidates    

For more information:     

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