Canada Invites 733 Provincial Nominees in Latest Express Entry Draw: Your Path to Permanent Residence

Canada's commitment to welcoming skilled immigrants through its Express Entry system remains steadfast, and the latest draw on September 28, 2026, underscored the crucial role of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) in achieving permanent residence. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) extended 733 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates who had secured a provincial nomination, a clear indicator of the value provinces place on attracting talented individuals to meet their specific labour market needs. ## Latest Express Entry Draw Details: A Boost for Provincial Nominees For those wondering about the most recent Express Entry activity, the September 28, 2026 draw specifically targeted candidates who had received a nomination from a Canadian province or territory. A total of 733 invitations were issued to these highly qualified individuals. To be considered in this draw, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 725. This score reflects the significant 600 additional points awarded for a provincial nomination, effectively giving these candidates a substantial advantage in the Express Entry pool. The timestamp for profile creation was set at 1:36 a.m. Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on September 17, 2026, for tie-breaking purposes. This strategic draw emphasizes Canada's ongoing effort to align federal immigration goals with regional economic and demographic requirements. ## What is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and Why Does it Matter? **What is a Provincial Nominee Program?** The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and are interested in settling in a particular province. Each province and territory has its own unique immigration programs, often targeting specific skills, occupations, or investment categories that address local labour shortages and economic development priorities. **How does a provincial nomination boost your CRS score?** Securing a provincial nomination is one of the most impactful ways to significantly increase your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in the Express Entry system. A provincial nomination automatically grants an additional 600 points to a candidate's profile. Considering that many all-program draws have CRS cut-off scores in the 400s or low 500s, these 600 points often guarantee an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in a subsequent Express Entry draw. This makes the PNP a highly sought-after pathway for many aspiring immigrants. ## Express Entry Trends in 2026: A Year of Targeted Selections The 2026 Express Entry draws have shown a clear pattern of targeted invitations, focusing on candidates who already have strong ties to Canada, such as those with provincial nominations or Canadian work experience. This approach helps ensure that new permanent residents are well-positioned to integrate successfully into the Canadian labour market and communities. Throughout 2026, IRCC has conducted 57 Express Entry draws, issuing a total of 129,715 ITAs. While Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and French-Language proficiency draws have seen the highest volume of ITAs, PNP draws, though fewer in number, consistently invite candidates with significantly higher CRS scores due to the 600-point boost. This particular draw on September 28th was notably the largest invitation round for provincial nominees since late June 2026, indicating a renewed focus on this vital immigration stream. # ## Breakdown of ITAs Issued by Draw Type in 2026: * **Canadian Experience Class:** 53,250 ITAs * **French-Language Proficiency:** 50,500 ITAs * **Provincial Nominee Program:** 9,270 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 ## What Happens After Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA)? Receiving an ITA is a significant milestone, but it's just the beginning of the permanent residence application process. Once you receive an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence to IRCC. This period requires meticulous attention to detail and thorough document preparation. During these 60 days, you must gather and upload all required supporting documents, including educational credential assessments, language test results, reference letters for work experience, police certificates, medical examination results, and proof of funds, among others. Any discrepancies or missing documents can lead to delays or even refusal of your application. This is where expert guidance from an Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) like Samaneh Kavei becomes invaluable. # ## Understanding the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) **What is a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)?** For foreign nationals already in Canada who have applied for permanent residence through Express Entry and hold a valid work permit, a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) can be a lifeline. This permit allows eligible applicants to continue working in Canada while their permanent residence application is being processed. To qualify for a BOWP, you must generally have applied for permanent residence under an eligible Express Entry program (Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades Program, or certain Provincial Nominee Programs), have an existing work permit that is due to expire within four months, and be physically present in Canada. If your existing work permit expires before your BOWP application is finalized, you can benefit from