Latest Express Entry Draw Targets PNP Candidates
IRCC has issued 362 invitations in a new Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Express Entry draw held on March 16, 2026. Candidates needed a minimum CRS score of 742 to receive an invitation.
This was the sixth PNP draw of 2026. While PNP draws often have high CRS cut-offs, that is because a provincial nomination adds 600 points to a candidate’s score. In other words, the score looks high, but it reflects the major boost that comes with being nominated by a province.
Today’s draw continues a trend of smaller but more frequent PNP rounds this year. That may seem surprising, especially since Canada’s 2026 PNP admissions target is higher than it was in 2025. But IRCC is also managing a large backlog of provincial nominee applications, which may help explain the slower pace.
For Express Entry candidates, a provincial nomination can be a huge advantage. If you qualify for a PNP stream, those extra 600 CRS points can make an invitation much more likely.
We’ve put together a full breakdown of the draw details, key takeaways, and what this could mean for candidates planning their PR journey in 2026.
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