IRCC issues 534 ITAs in latest Express Entry PNP draw with a minimum CRS score of 708

By Vicky
IRCC has officially conducted Express Entry Draw 423, issuing 534 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Held on July 6, 2026, this is the first Express Entry draw of July and one of the most significant PNP draws of the year.
The highlight of Express Entry Draw 423 is its minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 708, the lowest CRS cut-off recorded in a Provincial Nominee Program draw in 2026. This development could offer new opportunities for candidates who have received a provincial nomination and are working toward Canadian permanent residence

Express Entry Draw 423 Highlights

Here are the key details of the latest Express Entry draw:

Category Details
Draw Number Express Entry Draw 423
Draw Date July 6, 2026
Draw Type Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Invitations Issued (ITAs) 534
Minimum CRS Score 708
Tie-breaking Rule June 4, 2026, at 2:49:51 PM UTC

Candidates who received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in Express Entry Draw 423 had previously secured a provincial nomination through one of Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs, which adds 600 CRS points to an Express Entry profile.

Express Entry Draw 423 Records the Lowest PNP CRS Score of 2026

One of the biggest highlights of Express Entry Draw 423 is the reduced CRS requirement.

The previous Provincial Nominee Program draw, held on June 22, 2026, invited 955 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 730. In comparison, the latest draw invited 534 candidates with a significantly lower CRS requirement of 708.

Although fewer invitations were issued, the lower CRS score makes this the lowest PNP draw cut-off of 2026 and the lowest seen since November 2025.

This suggests that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continues to use targeted Express Entry draws to address labour shortages while supporting provincial immigration priorities.

Express Entry Draws in 2026 So Far

So far in 2026, IRCC has conducted 35 Express Entry draws, inviting candidates across several immigration categories.

The breakdown includes:

  • Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): 13 draws
  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 10 draws
  • French-language Proficiency: 6 draws
  • Healthcare and Social Services: 2 draws
  • Physicians with Canadian Work Experience: 2 draws
  • Trades: 1 draw
  • Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience: 1 draw

A total of 89,601 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) have been issued through Express Entry in 2026.

Why Provincial Nominee Program Draws Matter

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) remains one of the most effective pathways to Canadian permanent residence.

Each Canadian province and territory can nominate skilled workers who meet its labour market needs. Once a candidate receives a provincial nomination through an Express Entry-aligned stream, they gain an additional 600 CRS points, making it highly likely that they will receive an Invitation to Apply in a future Express Entry draw.

For many applicants whose CRS score is below the federal cut-off, obtaining a provincial nomination can significantly improve their chances of receiving an ITA.

What Express Entry Draw 423 Means for Canada PR Aspirants

This latest PNP Draw demonstrates that Canada continues to prioritize candidates who have strong connections to provincial labour markets. While invitation numbers vary from one draw to another, provincial nominations remain one of the strongest routes to obtaining Canadian permanent residence.

If your CRS score is not high enough for a regular Express Entry draw, exploring Provincial Nominee Programs may improve your chances of receiving an invitation.

With targeted draws expected to continue throughout 2026, candidates should keep their Express Entry profiles updated and monitor new provincial nomination opportunities.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What was the CRS score for Express Entry Draw 423?
The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required in Express Entry Draw 423 was 708. This is the lowest CRS cut-off score in a Provincial Nominee Program draw in 2026.
Who was invited in Express Entry Draw 423?
In Draw 423, IRCC invited only candidates who had received a provincial nomination through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and met the eligibility requirements of the Express Entry system.
Why is the CRS score high in PNP Express Entry draws?
Candidates nominated through a Provincial Nominee Program receive an additional 600 CRS points. As a result, PNP-specific Express Entry draws usually have higher CRS cut-off scores than Canadian Experience Class or category-based draws.
Can CanApprove help me apply through Express Entry?
Yes. CanApprove offers professional guidance for Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and other Canada immigration pathways. Your application is supported by Ms. Vickneswary Aingkaran, Licensed RCIC–IRB (Registration No. R533593), helping you navigate the Canada PR process with trusted immigration guidance.

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