IMMERGITY
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted Express Entry Draw #403 on March 16, 2026, issuing 362 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) exclusively to Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates. The stated CRS cutoff was 742 points.
As with all PNP-specific draws, the 742 figure is not a barrier for nominated candidates — it simply reflects the 600-point automatic bonus added to every provincially nominated candidate's score. The real threshold is the provincial nomination itself. Use our PNP Program Finder to identify which provinces are currently accepting candidates like you.
Draw #403 at a Glance
- Draw Date: March 16, 2026
- Draw Number: #403
- Program: Provincial Nominee Program
- CRS Cutoff: 742
- Invitations Issued: 362
Understanding the PNP 600-Point Bonus
When a province nominates you under an Express Entry-aligned stream, IRCC automatically adds 600 points to your CRS score. A candidate with a base CRS of 145 becomes 745 — above the 742 cutoff in this draw. This makes PNP draws a near-automatic ITA for anyone who holds a valid nomination.
The competition happens at the provincial level. Each province has its own eligibility criteria, application process, and intake volumes. Getting the nomination is the hard part. Once you have it, the federal draw is a formality. Our PNP Program Finder will show you exactly which streams match your profile right now.
PNP Draw Frequency in 2026
In 2026, IRCC has been holding PNP-specific draws approximately every 2 weeks, alternating with CEC and category draws. Draw #403 (March 16) follows Draw #399 (March 2) — a 14-day gap. This consistent cadence means provincially nominated candidates are not waiting long for their federal ITA once they receive their nomination.
Which Provinces Are Actively Nominating Through Express Entry?
- Ontario (OINP): Human Capital Priorities draws candidates directly from the Express Entry pool based on NOC code and CRS score thresholds.
- British Columbia (BC PNP): Skills Immigration Express Entry stream draws candidates with valid Express Entry profiles and BC job offers or industry ties.
- Alberta (AAIP): Express Entry stream for workers in Alberta-priority occupations.
- Saskatchewan (SINP): International Skilled Worker Express Entry category.
- Nova Scotia: Labour Market Priorities stream draws directly from the Express Entry pool for in-demand occupations.
Use our PNP Program Finder to find the stream that best matches your occupation, province preference, and profile.
My Take
If your base CRS is below 470 and you are not qualifying for category draws (trades, healthcare, French), PNP is your most reliable path to Canadian PR. The 600-point bonus bypasses the CRS competition entirely — once you have a nomination, you will receive an ITA. The strategic question is which province is the best fit for your profile. Our Eligibility Assessment can answer that in minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the CRS cutoff so high in PNP draws?
The high CRS (742) in PNP draws is not a barrier — it reflects the automatic 600-point bonus added to nominated candidates. A base CRS of 142 becomes 742 after nomination, clearing the cutoff.
How do I get a provincial nomination through Express Entry?
Provinces either draw candidates from the federal Express Entry pool directly or invite expressions of interest through their own systems. Use our PNP Program Finder to identify active streams and apply.
How long does it take to get a provincial nomination?
Processing times vary: Alberta and Saskatchewan often process in 2–4 months; Ontario and BC can take 3–6 months. Once nominated, expect an ITA within 2–4 weeks based on current PNP draw frequency.
Can I apply to multiple PNP streams simultaneously?
Yes — you can submit applications to multiple provinces while maintaining your federal Express Entry profile. This is a common and recommended strategy.
Does a PNP nomination guarantee a PR application approval?
A nomination guarantees an ITA in the next PNP draw, but the final PR application is still subject to IRCC review, background checks, and medical requirements.