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Overview:
On May 25, 2026, IRCC issued 334 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a targeted Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Express Entry draw. The minimum CRS score was 805. Because a provincial nomination automatically adds 600 points, candidates only needed a base score of 205. If you do not have a provincial nomination, you were not eligible for this round.
IRCC issued 334 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) today in a Provincial Nominee Program draw. Candidates needed a minimum CRS score of 805 and must have created their Express Entry profile before 6:16 PM UTC on October 16, 2025.
This is the second consecutive PNP draw in May 2026 — the first draw on May 11 issued 380 ITAs at a CRS cut-off of 798.
Draw Details — May 25, 2026
| Detail | Result |
|---|---|
| Draw type | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) |
| Date | May 25, 2026 |
| ITAs issued | 334 |
| Minimum CRS score | 805 |
| Profile created before (Tie-breaking rule) | October 16, 2025 — 6:16 PM UTC |
What Does a CRS of 805 Mean?
A CRS cut-off of 805 is exclusively for PNP candidates — meaning these applicants already hold a provincial nomination certificate from a province like Ontario (OINP), British Columbia, Alberta, or another provincial stream. The provincial nomination itself adds exactly 600 points to a candidate’s base CRS score.
This means the actual base CRS score of candidates invited today was approximately 205 points or higher — well within reach for many Express Entry candidates who secure a provincial nomination.
What this means for you:
- If your base CRS score is around 200+ and you can secure an OINP nomination — you could receive an ITA in a future PNP draw.
- If your base CRS score is 491–524 — you are eligible for CEC-specific draws without a nomination.
- If your base CRS score is below 491 — an OINP nomination is your most reliable pathway to an ITA.
2026 Express Entry Draw Summary — All Draws This Year
| Date | Draw Type | CRS Cut-Off | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 25, 2026 | Provincial Nominee Program | 805 | 334 |
| May 11, 2026 | Provincial Nominee Program | 798 | 380 |
| April 29, 2026 | French Language Proficiency | 400 | 4,000 |
| April 28, 2026 | Canadian Experience Class | 514 | 2,000 |
| April 27, 2026 | Provincial Nominee Program | 795 | 473 |
| April 15, 2026 | French Language Proficiency | 419 | 4,000 |
What to Do If You Are Waiting for an ITA
If your CRS score is not high enough for the current CEC draw range of 491–524, here are your three most reliable options right now:
1. Pursue an OINP nomination
Ontario’s Immigrant Nominee Program adds 600 CRS points — turning a base score of 200+ into an 800+ PNP-eligible profile. OINP draws have been active throughout 2026.
2. Improve your language score
Each CLB level improvement adds significant CRS points. Retaking IELTS General Training or CELPIP before your next draw cycle can push your score above the cut-off.
3. Check French language category draws
The April 29 French draw had a cut-off of just 400 — compared to 514 for CEC. If you have any French proficiency, a TEF Canada or TCF Canada test could unlock a significantly lower cut-off.
→ Read our full Express Entry strategy guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the PNP CRS cut-off so much higher than CEC draws?
PNP draw cut-offs appear high (805) because the 600-point provincial nomination bonus is included in that number. The actual base CRS score needed is approximately 200–205 points. CEC draws target candidates without a nomination at their actual CRS score.
I missed the October 16, 2025 profile creation deadline — am I excluded?
Yes — for this specific draw. PNP draws frequently include profile creation date cut-offs. However, future draws will have different cut-off dates. Ensure your profile is active and updated to be eligible for upcoming draws.
How do I get an Ontario provincial nomination?
OINP nominations are issued through specific streams — Human Capital Priorities, Employer Job Offer, and Graduate streams among others. Each has specific eligibility criteria. Contact Cambria Law for a free assessment of which OINP stream you qualify f
