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IRCC issued 534 Invitations to Apply to Provincial Nominee Program candidates on July 6, 2026, with a minimum CRS score of 708.
This is the lowest PNP draw cut-off score seen in 2026 so far, making the draw especially important for candidates with provincial nominations or those exploring PNP pathways.
By Vick Sidhu, Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), CICC College ID R705820, Cambria Law Firm, Mississauga.
Canada’s First Express Entry Draw of July 2026: What You Need to Know
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has kicked off July with a significant Express Entry draw — and it comes with welcome news for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates. On July 6, 2026, IRCC issued 534 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for Canadian permanent residence through a PNP-specific draw, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of just 708.
This is the lowest CRS cut-off score seen in a PNP draw in 2026 so far — and for candidates who have been watching scores climb into the 800s over recent months, this draw signals a meaningful shift.
If you hold a provincial nomination or are exploring PNP pathways, now is the time to take action.
Draw Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Draw Date | July 6, 2026 |
| Draw Type | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) |
| Invitations Issued | 534 |
| Minimum CRS Score | 708 |
| Profile Deadline | Created before 2:49 PM UTC, June 4, 2026 |
| Draw Number | #35 of 2026 |
Why This Draw Is Significant
Throughout 2026, PNP draws have had some of the highest CRS cut-off scores among all Express Entry draw categories — with scores reaching as high as 805 in May and sitting in the 786–802 range through March and April. The previous PNP draw on June 22 had a cut-off of 730.
Why the 708 cut-off matters:
Today’s score is a meaningful drop, and it is the lowest PNP threshold since November 25, 2025.
Why does this matter? Because PNP draws work differently from Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or French-Language draws. When a province nominates you, IRCC adds 600 bonus points to your CRS score. This means a candidate whose raw CRS score might be as low as 100–108 points can become competitive simply by securing a provincial nomination first.
For many internationally trained workers, newcomers, and applicants in the pool who have not been able to boost their score through other factors, the PNP pathway may be their most viable route to Canadian permanent residence.
How the Provincial Nominee Program Works
Canada’s provinces and territories run their own immigration streams under the Provincial Nominee Program. Each province targets workers with specific skills, education, or ties to their region. If a province nominates you:
- You receive a provincial nomination certificate.
- IRCC automatically adds 600 points to your CRS score.
- You become competitive in PNP-specific Express Entry draws.
- Once invited, you have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence. Learn more about our Express Entry strategy services.
The PNP Streams Most Commonly Aligned With Express Entry Include
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
As of June 26, 2026, Ontario launched the new Ontario Workforce Priority stream, replacing all eight former OINP streams. The new stream has pathways for skilled workers (TEER 0–3), essential workers (TEER 4–5), and self-employed physicians. The OINP Expression of Interest system is anticipated to reopen later in summer 2026.
British Columbia PNP (BCPNP)
- Skills Immigration stream.
- Express Entry BC.
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
- Alberta Express Entry stream.
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
Each of these programs has its own eligibility criteria, occupation lists, and intake schedules. A regulated immigration professional can help you identify which stream best matches your profile.
2026 Express Entry Activity at a Glance
IRCC has now completed 35 Express Entry draws in 2026. This year’s draws have focused heavily on candidates already in Canada — particularly those with Canadian work experience and provincial nominations.
Total ITAs issued by draw type, 2026 to date:
| Draw Type | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class | 41,250 |
| French-Language Proficiency | 30,500 |
| Healthcare & Social Services | 8,000 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 5,939 |
| Trades | 3,000 |
| Physicians (Canadian Work Experience) | 662 |
| Senior Managers (Canadian Work Experience) | 250 |
| Total | 89,601 |
PNP draws have been conducted 13 times in 2026, accounting for 5,939 total ITAs. While smaller in volume compared to CEC draws, they remain an important pathway — especially for applicants who do not yet have Canadian work experience.
What This Means If You’re in the Express Entry Pool
If your CRS score is below 500: You are unlikely to receive an ITA in a CEC or general draw. The PNP pathway should be your primary focus. Provinces like Ontario, Alberta, and Saskatchewan actively scan the Express Entry pool and issue Notifications of Interest (NOIs) to eligible candidates.
If you hold a provincial nomination already: Today’s draw is directly relevant to you. At 708, many nominees who have been waiting in the pool may have received an ITA today or could be positioned for the next PNP draw.
If your CRS is between 500–600: Review your profile carefully. CEC draws in 2026 have ranged between 507–518. Improving your English or French scores, obtaining an Educational Credential Assessment, or securing additional Canadian work experience could push you into range.
If you are outside Canada: PNP streams that do not require a job offer or Canadian experience — such as the SINP Occupation In-Demand stream — may still apply to you based on your NOC code, education, and language scores. Note: the OINP Human Capital Priorities stream was closed on June 26, 2026; Ontario’s new Ontario Workforce Priority stream requires a job offer.
What Should You Do Now?
The immigration landscape in Canada is moving fast. Draws are happening multiple times per month, provinces are regularly updating their occupation lists, and eligibility windows open and close quickly. Missing a deadline or submitting an incomplete profile can delay your permanent residence by months or years.
At Cambria Law, our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) works with clients across Canada and internationally to:
- Assess your Express Entry profile and CRS score accurately.
- Identify the right PNP stream for your occupation, language scores, and life situation.
- Prepare a complete, compliant application to maximize your chances of success.
- Track new draws and policy changes so you do not miss an opportunity.
