Express Entry PNP Draw: 473 Candidates Invited at CRS 795

Canada has just conducted another Express Entry draw exclusively targeting candidates with a provincial nomination. On April 28, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 473 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 795.

This marks the ninth PNP-specific draw of the year. If you are struggling to remain competitive in the general Express Entry pool, today’s results highlight exactly why securing a provincial nomination is the most powerful move you can make in 2026.

Here is what you need to know about this draw and the legal framework driving your permanent residence strategy.

Understanding the 795 CRS Score

When candidates see a cut-off score of 795, panic often sets in. General draws usually hover between 400 and 520. How is anyone achieving a score near 800?

The answer lies in the mechanics of the Provincial Nominee Program. Under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) Ministerial Instructions governing Express Entry, when a province nominates you through an “enhanced” stream, IRCC automatically adds 600 bonus points to your base CRS score.

This means the lowest-ranked candidate invited in today’s draw actually had a base human capital score of just 195. A score of 195 is typically far too low to ever receive an ITA in a standard draw. But with a provincial nomination, that candidate was propelled to the top of the pool.

Why the PNP is Your Safest Bet in 2026

So far in 2026, IRCC has not held a single “general” all-program draw. Every single round of invitations has been restricted either to specific occupational categories (like French speakers or healthcare) or to candidates with a provincial nomination.

The PNP is currently the only mechanism that allows you to legally bypass the intense competition of the federal pool.

The Ontario Context: OINP Changes are Looming

If you are based in Ontario, the urgency to secure a nomination is higher right now than it has been in years.

Just days before this Express Entry draw, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) issued over 2,100 invitations in massive regional rounds. However, major regulatory changes under the Ontario Immigration Act, 2015 are proposed to take effect on May 30, 2026. These changes are set to revoke existing OINP categories and replace them with a newly consolidated framework.

If you have an active OINP application or recently received an invitation, the clock is ticking. You must secure your certificate of nomination before the system overhauls to catch the next Express Entry PNP draw.

What Happens After You Receive Your ITA?

If you were among the 473 candidates invited today, you now have exactly 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application.

For PNP candidates, this stage carries unique risks. The IRCC officer reviewing your federal application will cross-reference it with the information you provided to the province. Any discrepancies regarding your work history, NOC code duties, or employer details can lead to a refusal or an allegation of misrepresentation under section 40 of IRPA, which carries a five-year ban from Canada.

Don’t Leave Your Canadian Future to Chance

Navigating Ontario’s immigration programs requires absolute precision. A single missing document or miscalculated wage can result in a devastating refusal. At Cambria Law Firm, our immigration team doesn’t just fill out forms—we build bulletproof legal strategies.

Protect your ITA and ensure your application meets every strict OINP and IRCC standard. Book an in-depth, strategic consultation with our immigration experts today. We will audit your profile, identify critical gaps, and map your exact path to permanent residence.

Call us at 416-840-7545 or contact us online to schedule your paid assessment.

Cambria Law Firm serves clients across Ontario, including Mississauga, Toronto, Brampton, Oakville, Hamilton, and the Greater Toronto Area. Law Society Number: 74895I.