Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted Express Entry Draw #399 on March 2, 2026, issuing 264 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) exclusively to Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates. The stated CRS cutoff was 710 points.

If you are not yet provincially nominated and seeing CRS 710 is intimidating — don't be. This number is almost meaningless for most candidates, and here's why. Check your PNP options now with our PNP Program Finder.

Draw #399 at a Glance

Why CRS 710 Doesn't Mean What You Think

A provincial nomination automatically adds 600 points to your CRS score. So a candidate with a base CRS of 110 becomes 710 after nomination. This means virtually any candidate who receives a provincial nomination will clear the cutoff in a PNP-specific draw — the 710 cutoff is not a barrier, it's a confirmation that nominees are being fast-tracked.

The real competition is at the provincial level — each province sets its own criteria for who gets nominated. Once you have the nomination, the federal ITA is essentially guaranteed. Use our PNP Program Finder to identify which provincial streams you are eligible for today.

264 Invitations — What Does This Volume Mean?

264 is a relatively small PNP draw. This reflects the current volume of candidates in the Express Entry pool who hold valid provincial nominations and have not yet received an ITA. IRCC processes these candidates in dedicated PNP draws to clear the backlog efficiently.

Which Provinces Are Most Active Right Now?

In early 2026, the most active PNP streams under Express Entry include:

Use our PNP Program Finder to match your profile to the streams that are actively accepting applications.

My Take

PNP is one of the most reliable pathways to Canadian PR for candidates whose base CRS is below 500. The 600-point bonus essentially guarantees an ITA once you have a nomination. The strategic focus should be entirely on securing the provincial nomination — not on the federal CRS cutoff. Our Eligibility Assessment will show you which provinces are the most realistic path for your specific profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a CRS of 710 to qualify for a PNP draw?

No. The 600-point PNP bonus means your effective CRS after nomination will be your base score plus 600. A base CRS of 110+ is typically sufficient. The challenge is qualifying for the provincial nomination itself, not the federal draw.

How do I get a provincial nomination through Express Entry?

Provinces draw candidates directly from the federal Express Entry pool or accept expressions of interest through their own systems. Use our PNP Program Finder to identify active streams matching your profile.

Can I apply to multiple provinces at the same time?

Yes — you can submit expressions of interest to multiple provincial PNP streams simultaneously while maintaining your federal Express Entry profile. This is often the recommended strategy.

How long does PNP processing take?

Provincial nomination processing varies from 1–6 months depending on the province and stream. Once nominated and your CRS is updated, you will receive an ITA in the next available PNP draw.

Which province is easiest to get a nomination from?

There is no universally easiest province — it depends entirely on your occupation, work experience, language scores, and ties to the province. Use our Eligibility Assessment for a personalized recommendation.