Express Entry held a new draw for provincial nominees
The passing score increased to 798, and the number of invitations dropped by almost a hundred compared to April.
On May 11, 2026, another draw for candidates with provincial nominations took place in the Express Entry system. Invitations to apply for permanent residence in Canada were sent to 380 candidates.
The cut-off score for this draw was 798. In the previous draw on April 27, 2026, the threshold was 3 points lower at 795, and 473 people received invitations at that time. This shows that competition among provincial nominees continues to increase: the score went up and the number of invitations dropped by almost a hundred.
Keep in mind that a provincial nomination gives candidates an additional 600 points. With this bonus, candidates only needed to score 198 points based on core factors like age, education, English or French language skills, work experience, and other criteria to pass the draw.
When candidates had the same score of 798, priority was given to those who submitted their profile earlier. The tie-breaking date was January 7, 2026: those who registered in the system before this date received invitations first.
Invited candidates have 60 days to submit their complete application package, including language test results, proof of education, and work experience.
Want to know if you have enough points? Calculate your score using our free points calculator and assess your chances of immigrating to Canada.
How provincial immigration programs work
Each Canadian province and territory sets its own selection criteria based on local labor market needs. To participate, candidates typically need to:
- qualify under one of the federal immigration programs;
- create a profile in Express Entry;
- receive a provincial nomination, which adds 600 points and significantly increases your chances of getting an invitation.
Provincial programs remain one of the most reliable pathways to permanent residence in Canada. If you want to understand your options, book a consultation with a licensed immigration consultant.
Follow the Express Entry draw history to track cut-off score trends and make sure you don't miss the right time to apply.
