IRCC issues 334 invitations in May 25 Express Entry PNP draw
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a new Express Entry draw on May 25, issuing 334 invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence.
The round targeted candidates who had received nominations through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score requirement of 805.
This selection marks the second Express Entry draw held in May 2026 and continues a pattern of prioritizing candidates with provincial nominations.
- Draw date: May 25, 2026
- Number of ITAs issued: 334
- Minimum CRS score: 805
- Program targeted: Provincial Nominee Program
- Profile submission deadline: October 16, 2025 at 18:16 UTC
Recent Express Entry activity in 2026
The May 25 draw represents the 28th Express Entry round conducted by IRCC in 2026. It follows an earlier PNP-focused draw held on May 11, where 380 candidates received invitations with a CRS cut-off score of 798.
Express Entry draws this year have taken place across multiple categories, including the Canadian Experience Class, French-language proficiency, and targeted occupational groups such as healthcare and trades.
Provincial Nominee Program draws have been held frequently throughout the year, reflecting their role in Canada’s federal immigration selection system.
Distribution of draw types
As of late May, IRCC has conducted draws across a range of selection categories. Provincial Nominee Program rounds account for a significant share of invitations, alongside Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and French-language category-based draws.
Other targeted rounds in 2026 have included healthcare and social services occupations, trades candidates, and physicians with Canadian work experience.
CRS score trends in PNP draws
The minimum CRS score of 805 recorded in the May 25 draw is higher than many other draw categories. This reflects the additional 600 points awarded to candidates who obtain a provincial nomination.
Earlier PNP draws in 2026 have also shown elevated CRS thresholds, including scores of 802 on March 30 and 795 on April 27.
These higher scores distinguish PNP-specific rounds from category-based and Canadian experience draws, where CRS cut-offs have typically been significantly lower.
Comparison with other draw categories
While PNP candidates require high CRS scores due to nomination points, other selection rounds have lower thresholds. For example, French-language proficiency draws have recorded CRS cut-offs as low as 393, while Canadian Experience Class draws have generally ranged between 507 and 515.
Category-based draws focused on occupations or language skills continue to broaden the selection criteria within Express Entry.
Total invitations issued in 2026
So far in 2026, IRCC has issued a total of 72,341 ITAs through the Express Entry system. The largest share has gone to Canadian Experience Class candidates, followed by French-language proficiency draws.
Provincial Nominee Program draws account for 4,450 invitations issued this year, indicating a steady but smaller proportion compared to other categories.
Additional invitations have been extended through sector-specific rounds, including healthcare and social services and skilled trades.
Role of the Provincial Nominee Program
The Provincial Nominee Program allows provinces and territories to select candidates who meet local labour market and demographic needs. Individuals nominated under these streams receive a 600-point increase in their CRS score.
This system enables provinces such as Manitoba, Ontario, and British Columbia to recruit immigrants aligned with regional economic priorities.
Information on provincial selection patterns can be found through updates such as Manitoba draws (MPNP), which highlight invitation trends at the provincial level.
Express Entry system overview
Express Entry is Canada’s primary application management system for three federal economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class.
Candidates submit profiles and are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System, which assigns points based on factors including age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
The highest-ranking candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence through periodic draws conducted by IRCC.
Provincial nominations within Express Entry
Provinces and territories can nominate candidates through aligned PNP streams linked to Express Entry. These enhanced nominations are integrated into the federal system.
Once nominated, candidates typically move to the top of the Express Entry pool due to the additional CRS points, which significantly influence draw outcomes.
This mechanism allows regional governments to contribute directly to federal immigration selection while addressing local workforce requirements.
Recent draw sequence and timing
Draw frequency has varied throughout 2026, with multiple rounds held in some weeks and limited activity in others. April saw several draws across different categories, including consecutive rounds on April 13, 14, and 15.
May activity has been more limited so far, with only two draws conducted by May 25, both focused on Provincial Nominee Program candidates.
The scheduling of draws reflects IRCC’s ongoing management of application intake and immigration targets.
Program-specific selection patterns
Draws in 2026 indicate a continued emphasis on candidates with Canadian work experience and provincial nominations. These groups represent a significant share of total invitations issued this year.
French-language proficiency draws have also remained a consistent component of the Express Entry system, supporting Canada’s objectives related to Francophone immigration.
Targeted selection rounds have expanded to include specific occupations and skill categories, reflecting the evolving structure of Express Entry.
Public relevance of recent draws
Recent developments in Express Entry draws highlight the continued role of provincial programs in shaping Canada’s immigration intake. Provincial nominations remain a key pathway for candidates seeking invitations through the system.
The May 25 draw reinforces this trend, with a high CRS threshold driven by the additional points associated with nominations.
Ongoing updates regarding Express Entry and provincial initiatives are regularly reflected in draw summaries and official releases, including the issuance of 334 ITAs in this latest round.
Further details on draw history and categories can be accessed through regularly updated resources such as Express Entry draws, which compile recent invitation rounds and CRS cut-off scores.