Express Entry draw #386, held on December 15, 2025, saw Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issue 399 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates nominated under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The CRS cut-off score was 731, marking a 2-point increase from the previous PNP draw earlier in December.
This latest draw confirms IRCC’s continued focus on provincial nominations as a key tool to meet Canada’s labour market and demographic needs.
Express Entry Draw #386 – Key Highlights
- Draw number: 386
- Draw date: December 15, 2025
- Program targeted: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Invitations issued: 399
- CRS cut-off: 731
- Tie-breaking rule: October 18, 2025, at 7:18:52 UTC
Only candidates who created their Express Entry profiles before the tie-breaking date were considered if they met the minimum CRS score.
Why Express Entry Draw #386 Is Important
This draw marks the second consecutive week where IRCC targeted PNP candidates, reinforcing the federal government’s reliance on provinces to select immigrants aligned with regional labour shortages.
A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, which explains why PNP candidates consistently dominate high-CRS draws. As of December 15, 2025, there were 237,302 active profiles in the Express Entry pool, making competition especially intense for candidates without provincial support.
Express Entry in 2025: Numbers That Matter
In 2025, Canada conducted 56 Express Entry draws, issuing a total of 102,998 ITAs.
Breakdown:
- PNP invitations issued: 10,898
- Non-PNP candidates: Competing in a much larger pool with significantly lower odds
These figures highlight why provincial immigration pathways remain one of the most reliable routes to permanent residence in Canada.
CRS Trends and Growing PNP Demand
A CRS threshold of 731 confirms that PNP draws remain highly competitive, even among nominated candidates. While Express Entry continues to include:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws
- French-language proficiency draws
- Occupation-based category draws
PNP rounds continue to deliver consistent and predictable outcomes for candidates who meet provincial labour requirements.
Recent Express Entry Draws Leading Up to #386
Express Entry draw #386 followed a series of major federal rounds:
- December 11, 2025: Healthcare and social services draw
- December 10, 2025: Largest CEC draw in over 16 months
- December 8, 2025: Largest PNP draw of the year
- November 26, 2025: CEC draw (#381) issued 1,000 ITAs with CRS 531
Together, these draws indicate IRCC’s year-end immigration strategy—balancing federal targets with provincial and regional workforce needs
What Express Entry Draw #386 Means for Skilled Workers
For candidates without a provincial nomination, achieving a CRS score above 700 remains extremely challenging. As a result, provincial immigration strategies are becoming essential, especially for individuals working in:
- Healthcare and social services
- Skilled trades
- Technology and STEM occupations
- Regional or rural labour markets
What Candidates Should Do Next
Skilled workers looking to improve their chances should focus on:
- Monitoring PNP streams aligned with their occupation
- Keeping Express Entry profiles updated
- Preparing documents early, as PNP timelines are often short
- Strategically targeting provinces with ongoing labour shortages
PNP-focused draws are expected to remain a core feature of Express Entry into early 2026, as provinces continue to play a major role in immigrant selection.
Final Takeaway
Express Entry draw #386, with 399 ITAs issued and a CRS cut-off of 731, once again confirms the critical importance of provincial nominations in Canada’s immigration system. As competition intensifies, candidates who align their profiles with provincial labour needs will continue to have a clear advantage.
For personalized immigration strategy and expert guidance, ImmigCanada immigration consulting services can help you plan your next steps with support from licensed RCIC professionals.
