Maple News reports that on February 3, 2026, Canada conducted its first Express Entry draw of the month, exclusively targeting candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). A total of 423 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued during this 393rd Express Entry draw, with the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score set at 749.
The elevated CRS threshold reflects the influence of the additional 600 points automatically awarded to applicants nominated by a Canadian province, positioning them well ahead of other candidates in the Express Entry pool. Such program-specific draws are a strategic tool used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to align immigration intake with regional labor market demands.
Under the tie-breaking rule, profiles submitted before December 16, 2025, at 22:30:36 UTC were prioritized in cases where multiple candidates had the same CRS score. This ensures transparency and fairness in candidate selection.
Candidates selected in this round now have 60 days to submit their applications for permanent residence, with most applications expected to be processed within the six-month standard under Express Entry processing times.
According to Maple News, this targeted draw signals a deliberate focus on fulfilling provincial immigration allocations early in the year. PNP-specific invitations are expected to continue playing a key role in Canada’s broader immigration strategy, helping provinces address localized economic and demographic needs more efficiently.
General, or all-program, draws—which typically include applicants from Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades categories—are anticipated to resume soon. These broad-based draws usually feature lower CRS cut-offs, hovering in the high 400s.
For candidates seeking a competitive edge in future draws, securing a provincial nomination or an approved job offer remains one of the most effective ways to improve their CRS score. Meanwhile, employers looking to fill critical labor shortages are encouraged to explore partnerships with provincial nominee programs or secure Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) to facilitate hiring foreign nationals.
This latest draw underscores Canada’s continued commitment to regional immigration and the importance of aligning skilled immigration with the country’s evolving labor needs.