Express Entry Draw #393: 423 PNP Candidates Invited – CRS Cut-Off 749

On February 3, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted Express Entry Draw #393, issuing 423 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) stream. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required for this draw was 749.

This program-specific draw reflects a continuing trend in early 2026 Express Entry selections, where provincial nominations play a central role in determining which candidates receive invitations for Canadian permanent residence.

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Express Entry Draw #393 – Key Details

Detail	Information
Date of Draw	February 3, 2026
Program / Stream	Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Invitations Issued (ITAs)	423
Minimum CRS Score	749
Tie-Breaking Rule	December 16, 2025 at 22:30:36 UTC

Why the CRS Score Was High

At first glance, a CRS score of 749 may appear very high compared to other Express Entry draws. However, this is typical for PNP-specific draws.

Candidates who receive a provincial nomination automatically gain 600 additional CRS points. This means that invited candidates in Draw #393 likely had a core CRS score around 149 before the nomination was applied.

Because of this points boost, PNP draws consistently have cut-offs above 700, even though the candidate’s base profile score may be much lower.

The Growing Importance of Provincial Nominee Programs

Provincial Nominee Programs allow Canadian provinces and territories to select skilled workers who can help fill local labour shortages and contribute to regional economic growth.

PNP pathways are becoming increasingly important because they:

Address specific regional workforce needs
Allow provinces to select candidates with relevant skills
Provide a direct pathway to permanent residence
Add 600 CRS points, almost guaranteeing an ITA

For many candidates, securing a provincial nomination is one of the most effective strategies to receive an invitation through Express Entry.

Tie-Breaking Rule Explained

Express Entry draws use a tie-breaking rule when multiple candidates have the same CRS score.

For Draw #393, the tie-breaking rule was December 16, 2025 at 22:30:36 UTC.
This means that candidates with CRS scores of 749 only received invitations if their Express Entry profiles were submitted before this timestamp.

What This Draw Signals for 2026 Immigration

Express Entry Draw #393 offers an early indication of Canada’s immigration strategy for 2026.

Several trends are becoming clear:

Provincial Pathways Are Expanding

Provinces are actively issuing nominations early in the year to secure skilled workers needed in their labour markets.

PNP Draws Will Continue Frequently

Program-specific draws targeting provincial nominees are expected to remain a regular feature of Express Entry.

All-Program Draws Are Still Expected

General draws that invite candidates from Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades programs are expected to continue throughout the year, often with CRS scores in the 490 range or lower.

What Employers Should Know

Canadian employers who rely on foreign workers should pay attention to PNP-focused draws like this one.

Provincial nomination programs provide a practical way for employers to help retain skilled international employees by supporting their transition to permanent residence.

Employers may consider: