Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held Express Entry Draw 399 on March 2, 2026, issuing 264 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The minimum CRS cut-off was 710 – a significant decrease from the 789 recorded in the previous PNP draw on February 16, 2026.
This is the fourth PNP-specific draw of 2026 and the eleventh Express Entry draw of the year overall. The drop in CRS from 789 to 710 is notable and reflects a larger eligible pool of provincial nominees at the time of this draw, as well as the ongoing accumulation of nominees who had not yet been reached by previous rounds. While the invitation count of 264 remains modest, the lower cut-off is a positive signal for PNP candidates sitting in the 700-789 range who may have been passed over in earlier rounds.
Draw 399 arrived alongside two other draws in the same week – a CEC draw (Draw 400) on March 3 and a French-language proficiency draw (Draw 401) on March 4 – continuing IRCC’s pattern of multi-draw weeks that have defined Express Entry activity in 2026.
Key Details of Express Entry Draw 399
| Draw Number | 399 |
| Date | March 2, 2026 |
| Program | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) |
| Invitations Issued | 264 |
| CRS Cut-off Score | 710 |
| Tie-breaking Rule | August 7, 2025, at 18:02:56 UTC |
Comparison with the Previous PNP Draw
The most direct comparison for Draw 399 is Draw 395, the previous PNP-specific draw held on February 16, 2026:
• Draw 395: 279 ITAs issued at CRS 789 (tie-breaking: September 5, 2025)
• Draw 399: 264 ITAs issued at CRS 710 (tie-breaking: August 7, 2025)
Two shifts stand out. First, the CRS cut-off dropped 79 points – from 789 to 710. This is a substantial decline and reflects that IRCC reached considerably further down the pool of provincial nominees in this round. Second, the tie-breaking date moved earlier, from September 5, 2025 to August 7, 2025, meaning nominees who entered the pool before August 7 were prioritised. Candidates who received their nominations and entered the pool later than August 7 but before September 2025 may find themselves positioned well for the next PNP draw.
The slightly lower invitation count (264 versus 279) had little practical effect on the CRS outcome – what drove the drop was the composition and volume of the eligible PNP pool at the time of the draw, not the number of ITAs issued.
Complete Summary of Express Entry Draws in 2026
| Draw # | Date | Category | CRS | ITAs |
| 401 | Mar 4 | French-Language Proficiency (Version 2) | 397 | 5,500 |
| 400 | Mar 3 | Canadian Experience Class | 508 | 4,000 |
| 399 | Mar 2 | Provincial Nominee Program | 710 | 264 |
| 398 | Feb 20 | Healthcare & Social Services (Version 3) | 467 | 4,000 |
| 397 | Feb 19 | Physicians with Canadian Work Experience | 169 | 391 |
| 396 | Feb 17 | Canadian Experience Class | 508 | 6,000 |
| 395 | Feb 16 | Provincial Nominee Program | 789 | 279 |
| 394 | Feb 6 | French-Language Proficiency (Version 2) | 400 | 8,500 |
| 393 | Feb 3 | Provincial Nominee Program | 749 | 423 |
| 392 | Jan 21 | Canadian Experience Class | 509 | 6,000 |
| 391 | Jan 20 | Provincial Nominee Program | 746 | 681 |
| 390 | Jan 7 | Canadian Experience Class | 511 | 8,000 |
| 389 | Jan 5 | Provincial Nominee Program | 711 | 574 |
PNP Draw History: Trend Analysis
| Draw # | Date | CRS | ITAs | Tie-breaking Rule Date |
| 399 | Mar 2, 2026 | 710 | 264 | Aug 7, 2025 |
| 395 | Feb 16, 2026 | 789 | 279 | Sep 5, 2025 |
| 393 | Feb 3, 2026 | 749 | 423 | Dec 16, 2025 |
| 391 | Jan 20, 2026 | 746 | 681 | Nov 19, 2025 |
| 389 | Jan 5, 2026 | 711 | 574 | Oct 6, 2025 |
| 386 | Dec 15, 2025 | 731 | 399 | Oct 18, 2025 |
| 383 | Dec 8, 2025 | 729 | 1,123 | Mar 5, 2025 |
| 380 | Nov 25, 2025 | 699 | 777 | Sep 6, 2025 |
| 377 | Nov 10, 2025 | 738 | 714 | Feb 22, 2025 |
| 374 | Oct 27, 2025 | 761 | 302 | Sep 26, 2025 |
| 372 | Oct 14, 2025 | 778 | 345 | Jul 17, 2025 |
| 369 | Sep 29, 2025 | 855 | 291 | Apr 8, 2025 |
| 366 | Sep 15, 2025 | 746 | 228 | Mar 31, 2025 |
| 363 | Sep 2, 2025 | 772 | 249 | Aug 28, 2025 |
| 361 | Aug 18, 2025 | 800 | 192 | Feb 11, 2025 |
The PNP CRS cut-off in Draw 399 – at 710 – is the lowest seen in a PNP draw since Draw 389 on January 5, 2026, which recorded a cut-off of 711. This is notable context: in the interim draws (391 at 746, 393 at 749, 395 at 789), the CRS climbed considerably before falling sharply in Draw 399. The pattern suggests the pool of PNP nominees at lower base scores had been building, and Draw 399 cleared a portion of that backlog. Candidates with base CRS scores in the low hundreds who received nominations in 2025 are increasingly reaching the front of the queue as tie-breaking dates move earlier.
Key Statistics: 2026 Express Entry Draws to Date (as of March 2)
• Total ITAs issued in 2026: 39,112
• CEC ITAs: 20,000 across 3 draws
• French-Language Proficiency ITAs: 8,500 across 1 draw
• PNP ITAs: 2,241 across 4 draws
• Healthcare and Social Services ITAs: 4,000 (Draw 398)
• Physicians with Canadian Work Experience ITAs: 391 (Draw 397)
• No general all-program draw has been held in 2026 to date
Current Express Entry Pool Composition (March 5, 2026)
The current pool of 232,534 candidates is heavily concentrated in the 401-500 CRS range, reflecting the large number of skilled workers waiting for either a category-based invitation or a provincial nomination:
| CRS Score Range | Number of Candidates |
| 601–1200 | 258 |
| 501–600 | 14,031 |
| 451–500 | 71,680 |
| 401–450 | 65,868 |
| 351–400 | 53,727 |
| 301–350 | 18,694 |
| 0–300 | 8,276 |
| Total | 232,534 |
The 601-1200 band, which includes all provincial nominees (who receive a 600-point boost upon nomination), contains only 258 candidates – illustrating that PNP nominees are rapidly processed through the Express Entry system once nominated. The vast majority of the pool (over 200,000 candidates) sits between 301 and 600, underlining why category-based and PNP draws are so critical: general draws at these score levels remain unlikely in 2026.
Understanding the Provincial Nominee Program and Express Entry
What Is the Provincial Nominee Program?
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows Canada’s provinces and territories to nominate individuals who they believe will contribute economically to their region and who intend to settle there. Each province and territory operates its own PNP streams tailored to different groups, including skilled workers, international graduates, semi-skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and candidates with existing community connections.
Within the Express Entry system, provinces can issue nominations directly to candidates already in the Express Entry pool through what are called “enhanced” PNP streams, or they can nominate candidates through base PNP streams outside Express Entry. Candidates nominated through enhanced streams receive the 600-point CRS boost directly in their Express Entry profile, making them immediately competitive in PNP-specific draws.
Why the CRS Appears So High for PNP Draws
A cut-off of 710 in Draw 399 may appear intimidating at first glance, but it is essential to understand what this number actually represents. A provincial nomination adds exactly 600 CRS points to a candidate’s base score. This means:
• A candidate with a base CRS of 110 appears in the pool at 710
• A candidate with a base CRS of 189 appeared at 789 in Draw 395
• A candidate with a base CRS of 146 appeared at 746 in Draw 391
The effective competition in PNP draws is therefore based on candidates’ underlying scores – not the headline CRS figure. The CRS cut-off in a PNP draw is not a target to reach through skills and experience alone; it is a reflection of the base score distribution among nominated candidates at the time of the draw. Candidates who have secured a nomination compete only against other nominated candidates, not against the entire Express Entry pool.
How to Secure a Provincial Nomination
For candidates not yet holding a provincial nomination, securing one is the most impactful single action available in the 2026 Express Entry landscape. The process varies by province and stream, but the general pathway is:
• Step 1 – Identify eligible streams: Review the PNP streams in your target province and confirm your occupation, work experience, language scores, and education meet the stream requirements. Many provinces prioritise specific sectors – such as healthcare, technology, agriculture, and skilled trades – that align with regional labour market needs
• Step 2 – Submit a provincial Expression of Interest (EOI) or apply directly: Some provinces hold periodic draws from an EOI pool; others accept direct applications on a first-come, first-served basis or when streams open
• Step 3 – Receive a nomination: If selected, the province issues a formal nomination. You then have a limited window to accept it
• Step 4 – Update your Express Entry profile: Once you accept the nomination, update your Express Entry profile to reflect it. The 600-point boost is applied automatically, placing you among the top-ranked candidates in the pool
• Step 5 – Receive an ITA in a PNP draw: With your enhanced CRS score, you will be invited in a future PNP-specific draw. As Draw 399 shows, IRCC holds PNP draws regularly throughout the year
Which Provinces Are Currently Accessible for PNP Nominees?
Provincial nomination allocation varies year to year, and several provinces have adjusted their PNP intake for 2026. Candidates should monitor provincial program announcements closely, but as a general guide:
• Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador): Often maintain accessible streams for candidates with job offers or specific in-demand occupations, with smaller populations meaning less competition in some streams
• Prairie provinces (Manitoba, Saskatchewan): Both provinces offer diverse streams for skilled workers in specific occupations, with Saskatchewan’s International Skilled Worker streams and Manitoba’s Skilled Workers in Manitoba stream being actively used
• Alberta: Has dedicated streams for technology professionals and specific employer-driven nominations, with active PNP draw activity
• British Columbia: Maintains the BC PNP Tech stream for technology workers and Skills Immigration streams across a range of occupations
• Ontario: Issues targeted nominations through specific Express Entry-aligned streams for skilled workers, masters graduates, and PhD holders
Candidates should note that provincial nomination allocations are set annually and can be adjusted mid-year. The 2026 federal immigration levels plan has included some reductions in PNP nomination allocations compared to prior years, which means competition within provincial streams has intensified. Aligning your profile precisely with a province’s stated labour market priorities and demonstrating genuine settlement intent remain the most effective strategies.
Understanding the Tie-breaking Rule in PNP Draws
The tie-breaking date for Draw 399 was August 7, 2025, at 18:02:56 UTC. Among all eligible PNP nominees with exactly 710 CRS points (i.e., a base score of exactly 110), only those who submitted their Express Entry profiles before August 7, 2025 received an invitation.
For the majority of PNP nominees – those with base scores above 110 – the tie-breaking rule is irrelevant, as their total CRS exceeded 710 and they were invited outright. The tie-breaking rule only comes into play for candidates right at the minimum cut-off. Nonetheless, the date provides a useful indicator: it suggests that a meaningful number of nominees with base scores near 110 have been in the pool since at least early August 2025, and that backlog is only now being cleared.
What Happens After Receiving a PNP ITA?
Candidates who received an ITA in Draw 399 have 60 days from the date of the invitation to submit a complete permanent residence application. The 60-day window is firm and non-extendable. Required documentation for a PNP Express Entry application includes:
• Valid provincial nomination certificate or letter of nomination
• Proof of work experience (employment reference letters, pay stubs, employment contracts)
• Valid language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada) within their validity period
• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if required under your Express Entry program
• Police clearance certificates from all countries of residence since age 18
• Medical examination from an IRCC-designated physician
• Proof of settlement funds (if applicable under your program)
• Proof of genuine intent to settle in the nominating province
IRCC targets a six-month processing timeline for complete Express Entry applications. Candidates should gather all documents in advance so they are ready to file immediately upon receiving an ITA. Incomplete applications or those filed close to the 60-day deadline with missing documents are at risk of refusal or significant processing delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the CRS drop from 789 in Draw 395 to 710 in Draw 399?
The CRS cut-off in a PNP draw reflects the distribution of base CRS scores among provincial nominees in the pool at the time of the draw. Between Draw 395 (February 16) and Draw 399 (March 2), the pool of nominees at lower base CRS levels grew – either through new nominations issued by provinces or because nominees who entered the pool earlier had not yet been reached. With a larger number of eligible nominees at lower scores, IRCC was able to set a lower cut-off while still issuing a similar number of invitations. The 79-point drop is one of the largest single-draw reductions in recent PNP history.
I have a provincial nomination but did not receive an ITA in Draw 399. What should I do?
If your total CRS (base score + 600 nomination points) was above 710, you should have received an ITA provided your profile was active and accurate. If you did not, first verify that your Express Entry profile correctly reflects your nomination. If your total CRS was exactly 710 and you entered the pool after August 7, 2025, the tie-breaking rule would have excluded you from this draw – but you remain in the pool and will be considered in future rounds. IRCC holds PNP draws regularly, and the next draw may have a lower or similar cut-off.
How often are PNP draws held in 2026?
In 2026, PNP-specific draws have been held at intervals of roughly two to four weeks. Four draws have been held in the first nine weeks of the year (January 5, January 20, February 3, February 16, and March 2). Based on this pace, candidates can expect at least one PNP draw per month, though IRCC does not publish a fixed schedule and draw timing can vary.
Does a provincial nomination guarantee an ITA in Express Entry?
A nomination effectively guarantees competitiveness in PNP-specific draws but does not create an absolute guarantee of an ITA on a specific date. All PNP nominees are subject to the draw’s CRS cut-off and tie-breaking rule. In practice, however, the 600-point boost places virtually all nominees well above any realistic general draw threshold, and PNP-specific draws invite nominees at the lower end of the nominated pool – meaning most nominees receive an ITA within a few rounds of being in the pool. Ensuring your Express Entry profile is accurate and up to date after receiving a nomination is the most important step.
Can I apply to multiple provinces for a nomination at the same time?
Yes. There is no rule preventing candidates from applying to multiple provincial PNP streams simultaneously, as long as each application meets the stream’s eligibility requirements. However, candidates should be aware that most provincial streams require genuine intent to settle in the nominating province. Accepting a nomination also typically carries an obligation to reside in that province, at least initially. Applying to streams in provinces where you have a genuine connection – through a job offer, family ties, or prior residence – produces stronger applications and aligns with provincial settlement intent expectations.
What is the difference between an enhanced PNP stream and a base PNP stream?
Enhanced PNP streams are linked directly to the Express Entry system. When a province nominates a candidate through an enhanced stream, the 600-point CRS boost is applied automatically to their existing Express Entry profile, and they become eligible for PNP-specific draws. Base PNP streams operate outside Express Entry – the province nominates directly, and the candidate then applies for permanent residence independently through a paper-based process rather than through Express Entry. Enhanced streams are generally faster and more integrated with federal processing, while base streams provide an alternative for candidates who may not yet qualify for any Express Entry program.
The Bottom Line
Express Entry Draw 399 issued 264 ITAs to provincial nominees with a CRS cut-off of 710, marking a significant 79-point drop from the previous PNP draw and the lowest PNP cut-off since January 2026. For candidates with provincial nominations sitting in the 700-789 base-score-plus-nomination range, this draw signals that their turn is approaching in upcoming rounds.
Provincial nominations remain one of the most powerful and reliable tools in the Canadian immigration system. The 600-point CRS boost effectively separates nominees from the general pool and ensures they are invited through dedicated PNP draws – independent of the highly competitive thresholds required for CEC or general draws. For candidates not yet holding a nomination, identifying an eligible provincial stream and pursuing a nomination remains the single most impactful step in a 2026 Express Entry strategy.
At Earnest Immigration, our licensed consultants work with candidates at every stage of the provincial nomination and Express Entry process – from identifying the right provincial stream and preparing a competitive EOI or application, to submitting a complete permanent residence application within the 60-day ITA window. Contact the Earnest Immigration team today for a profile assessment and a personalised provincial nomination strategy.
