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Draw at a Glance: On July 20, 2026, IRCC issued 511 Invitations to Apply to Express Entry candidates who already held a provincial nomination. The minimum CRS score was 744. Candidates needed to have created their Express Entry profile before 6:11 PM UTC on May 26, 2026. This is draw #39 of 2026. Total 2026 ITAs now stand at 92,612.
Source: IRCC Express Entry rounds of invitations — Government of Canada
Why a CRS of 744 Does Not Mean What It Sounds Like
A CRS cutoff of 744 can seem intimidating at first glance. It is not. Provincial nominees receive 600 additional CRS points when a provincial nomination is confirmed in their Express Entry profile. This means the vast majority of candidates who received ITAs today likely had a core CRS score — the number built from language, education, work experience, and age — somewhere in the 140s or higher before the nomination was added.
This is the fundamental insight behind the PNP pathway: a candidate who cannot realistically reach 517 for a CEC draw, or 420 for a French-language draw, can receive an ITA in a PNP draw with a base CRS score well below 200 — provided they hold a valid provincial nomination. The 600-point nomination effectively bypasses the competitive scoring race in the general pool.
The math: CRS 744 cutoff − 600 nomination points = approximately CRS 144 base score required for today’s draw. Candidates with strong language scores and work experience can reach that base without Canadian experience, without a high-paying job offer, and without a graduate degree.
Where Today’s Draw Fits in the 2026 Pattern
Today’s draw is the third PNP draw since the burst of activity in the first two weeks of July. Looking at all PNP draws in 2026:
| Draw Date | ITAs Issued | CRS Cutoff | Profile Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 20, 2026 | 511 | 744 | May 26, 2026 |
| July 6, 2026 | 534 | 708 | June 4, 2026 |
| June 22, 2026 | 955 | 730 | May 31, 2026 |
The CRS cutoff of 744 in today’s draw is higher than either June draw — but the ITA volume (511) is also lower than both. The smaller pool drawn from — candidates with profiles created before May 26 — explains the higher cutoff. As more nominees from the new Ontario Workforce Priority stream and other provincial programs enter the Express Entry pool in the coming months, future PNP draws may reach newer profiles and lower cutoffs as volumes increase.
What This Means for Ontario Applicants Specifically
Today’s draw takes on added significance for Ontario because it is one of the first federal PNP draws since Ontario launched its redesigned Ontario Workforce Priority stream on June 26, 2026, replacing all eight former OINP streams.
Candidates who receive a provincial nomination through Ontario’s new stream will have 600 CRS points added to their Express Entry profile — making them immediately competitive in future PNP draws exactly like today’s. The pathway from Ontario nomination to federal ITA to permanent residence is the same sequence it has always been, but the entry point has changed: the new Ontario Workforce Priority stream is now the only OINP route to that nomination.
Three groups of Ontario applicants are affected differently by today’s draw:
Group 1: Ontario applicants who received a nomination and an ITA today
You have 60 days from the ITA date to submit a complete permanent residence application. Start immediately — do not wait until the final week. Priority tasks: verify all supporting documents, confirm language test results have not expired, check that employment reference letters clearly state duties and match your NOC code, and confirm proof of funds. Our Ontario PNP consulting team can review your application before submission.
Group 2: Ontario applicants with a valid nomination whose profile was created after May 26, 2026
Today’s draw did not reach your profile — the tie-breaking deadline was May 26. Your nomination is still valid and your profile is still competitive. Keep it active and current. The next PNP draw will likely reach profiles created after May 26, particularly as the Ontario Workforce Priority stream begins generating new nominations and the pool refreshes.
Group 3: Ontario applicants who submitted an OINP application before the June 26 redesign
Ontario has confirmed that applications submitted before the redesign will generally continue to be assessed under the eligibility requirements that existed when they were filed. The closure of the former EOI system does not automatically affect files already in progress. If your application is already in the OINP queue, it remains active — you do not need to restart under the new stream.
Not sure which group you fall into? Whether you have an active OINP file, a new nomination, or are still planning your application, the pathway forward is different in each case. Book a consultation with Vick Sidhu, RCIC →
What Prospective Ontario Applicants Should Do Now
If you are planning to immigrate to Ontario and today’s draw is the first time you are seriously considering the PNP pathway:
- Review the new Ontario Workforce Priority stream. Three pathways exist: TEER 0–3 skilled workers, TEER 4–5 essential workers, and self-employed physicians. The EOI system is not yet open, but understanding which pathway applies to your occupation now saves critical time when it reopens.
- Confirm your NOC code and TEER level. Eligibility under the new stream depends on your specific NOC classification — not just your job title. An incorrect NOC is one of the most common and most consequential errors in PNP applications.
- Keep your Express Entry profile active and accurate. If you do not yet have a profile, creating one now starts your tie-breaking clock and positions you for future draws the moment a nomination is confirmed.
- Gather documentation early. Employment letters, language test results, education credentials, and proof of funds take time to obtain. Starting now means you are ready to move within days of receiving a nomination — not weeks.
Our complete guide to the Ontario Workforce Priority stream covers all three pathways, the EOI reopening timeline, and what to prepare before the portal opens. If you work in a TEER 4 or TEER 5 occupation, our dedicated guide to the TEER 4-5 pathway covers the specific requirements that apply to essential workers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the CRS cutoff for the July 20, 2026 Express Entry draw?
The minimum CRS score was 744. Candidates also needed to have created their Express Entry profile before 6:11 PM UTC on May 26, 2026. The 744 cutoff reflects the 600-point boost that provincial nominees receive — most candidates who received ITAs today likely had a base CRS score around 144 or higher before their nomination was confirmed.
Does the July 20 PNP draw affect Ontario OINP applicants specifically?
It is the first federal PNP draw since Ontario launched its redesigned Ontario Workforce Priority stream on June 26, 2026. Candidates who receive a nomination through the new Ontario stream will be eligible for future PNP draws. Candidates with existing OINP files submitted before the redesign are not affected — those applications continue under the previous rules.
I received an ITA today. What should I do?
You have 60 days from the ITA date to submit a complete permanent residence application. Start immediately. Confirm your language test results have not expired, verify employment reference letters match your NOC duties, check proof of funds requirements, and ensure all documents are current. Missing the 60-day deadline results in automatic withdrawal of the ITA with no extensions granted.
When will the Ontario Workforce Priority stream EOI system reopen?
Ontario has indicated the EOI system is anticipated to reopen in summer 2026. No specific date has been announced. The system can open without extended advance notice — which is why preparing documents and confirming eligibility now is strongly advisable.
