On April 13, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held Express Entry Draw #409, targeting candidates who have already secured a nomination through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). IRCC issued 324 Invitations to Apply (ITAs), with a minimum CRS cut-off score of 786 points.

Draw at a Glance

Detail	Result
Draw Number	#409
Draw Date	April 13, 2026
Draw Type	Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
ITAs Issued	324
CRS Cut-Off Score	786
Tie-Breaking Rule	November 19, 2025, at 18:53:59 UTC
Express Entry Pool Size (as of March 29, 2026)	230,186 profiles
2026 PNP ITAs Year-to-Date	3,263
2026 Total Express Entry ITAs	59,154

Understanding the 786-Point Cut-Off

The elevated CRS cut-off in PNP-specific draws is expected and reflects the structure of the program. Candidates who receive a provincial nomination through an enhanced PNP stream are automatically credited with 600 additional CRS points on top of their human capital score. The 786 cut-off in this round therefore corresponds to a base human capital score of approximately 186 — meaning candidates with relatively modest CRS scores can become highly competitive once they hold a valid provincial nomination. The cut-off of 786 represents a decrease of 16 points from the previous PNP-targeted draw, signalling a slight easing in the score threshold for nominated candidates.

PNP Draws in 2026: A Consistent and Frequent Pathway

PNP-specific draws have been among the most regularly occurring draw types in 2026. Of the 21 Express Entry draws held between January 1 and April 13, 2026, a significant portion have been PNP-targeted rounds. IRCC has issued 3,263 ITAs to PNP candidates so far this year, out of a total 59,154 invitations issued across all draw types. Notably, IRCC has not held a single general round in 2026; every draw has been program-specific or category-based, reinforcing the importance of strategic profile positioning for clients who do not yet hold a nomination.

What This Means for Practitioners

For clients sitting in the Express Entry pool with moderate CRS scores, a provincial nomination remains one of the most effective tools available to secure an ITA. Each province operates its own streams with distinct eligibility criteria, occupation lists, and intake periods. Practitioners advising clients on PNP strategy should ensure that client profiles are complete, up-to-date, and accurately reflect their occupation under the current NOC classification, as misalignment can affect both provincial and federal eligibility. A provincial nomination does not guarantee PR approval — clients must still meet all federal requirements and submit a complete, well-documented application within the 60-day ITA window.

For the full history of Express Entry rounds, visit the official IRCC page: Express Entry rounds of invitations — Canada.ca

Deepen Your Express Entry Knowledge

Join us at our upcoming course Express Entry Applications 2026 on July 29, 2026 for a comprehensive, 5-hour look at the Express Entry system and federal skilled worker applications. Instructor Andrew Carvajal covers draw trends, category-based and PNP selection strategy, and the practical knowledge practitioners need to advise clients across all Express Entry streams. Learn more and register at lpen.ca.

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