Express Entry: 733 ITAs for Provincial Nominees — September 16, 2026
On September 16, 2026, IRCC issued 733 invitations to apply (ITAs) in an Express Entry draw for candidates with a provincial nomination. Eligible candidates needed a minimum CRS score of 725 and to have created their Express Entry profile before 1:36 a.m. UTC on September 17, 2026. This was the largest PNP-focused round since late June and reinforces the 2026 pattern of selecting candidates with Canadian ties — especially provincial nominees and those with Canadian work experience.
How this draw fits the 2026 picture
This round brought Canada’s year‑to‑date Express Entry draw total to 57. So far in 2026 IRCC has issued 129,715 ITAs across draw types, including:
– Canadian Experience Class: 53,250 ITAs
– French‑Language proficiency: 50,500 ITAs
– Provincial Nominee Program: 8,537 ITAs
– Healthcare and social services: 11,500 ITAs
– Trades: 3,000 ITAs
– Transport: 300 ITAs
– Physicians with Canadian work experience: 891 ITAs
– Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience: 1,000 ITAs
– Skilled Military Recruits: 4 ITAs
Why PNP rounds show high CRS cut-offs
Provincial nominees get an automatic 600‑point boost to their Express Entry score, which places them near the top of the pool. Because PNP draws issue a relatively small number of ITAs, cut-offs in those rounds are often very high (examples from 2026 include PNP cut-offs such as 697, 708, 730, 744, 768, 789, 795, 802 and 805). A high PNP cut-off reflects the interaction of the nomination boost, draw size and the candidate pool — not a sudden change in baseline qualifications.
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) — what in‑Canada applicants need to know
If you applied for permanent residence through Express Entry from inside Canada, you may qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit. If your current work permit expires while your BOWP application is in process, you can continue working under maintained status and under the same conditions of your existing permit, provided you remain in Canada. Family members may also be eligible. If you are approaching a work permit expiry, prepare BOWP documentation in good time.
Who should watch these developments
– PNP applicants: Monitor when a provincial nomination will be applied to your Express Entry profile — timing matters.
– Candidates with Canadian work experience: Targeted rounds (CEC, physicians, senior managers) have favoured people with Canadian ties.
– In‑Canada applicants awaiting PR: Check BOWP rules to preserve work authorization.
– Prospective PNP candidates outside Canada: Understand that PNP draws are selective and issue fewer ITAs than high-volume rounds.
Practical takeaways
– PNP nominations strongly improve your ranking but do not guarantee immediate selection.
– Pay attention to your profile creation timestamp and nomination upload timing for tie‑break situations.
– Build contingency plans for maintained status and work authorization if you are in Canada.
– Watch targeted draws that align with your skills (French language, Canadian experience, healthcare, trades, etc.), since volumes and CRS thresholds vary widely by draw type.
This information reflects IRCC’s published draw activity in 2026 and can help you plan, but selection remains at IRCC’s discretion.
For personalized support with your Canadian immigration pathway, contact GTR Immigration. Call us: +91-8810-686-447
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