Express Entry increased the passing score for provincial nominees

507 people received invitations — find out how a provincial nomination helps you get selected.

On August 4, 2026, the Express Entry system held a new draw for candidates with provincial nominations. 507 people received invitations to apply for permanent residence.

The cut-off score was 768. This is 24 points higher than the previous draw on July 20, when the minimum score was 744 points. The number of invitations remained almost the same: 507 versus 511.

The new increase in the cut-off score continued the July trend. After dropping to 708 points in early July, the minimum score first rose to 744, and now to 768. However, the current score is still lower than the levels seen in spring 2026, when the threshold in some draws exceeded 780 points.

With the 600-point bonus for a provincial nomination, candidates only needed to score 168 points based on the CRS system's basic criteria to pass the draw. These points are awarded for age, education, knowledge of English or French, work experience, and other factors.

After receiving an invitation, candidates have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence. They must provide language certificates, proof of education and work experience, provincial nomination documents, and other materials listed in their personalized document checklist.

Want to see if you have enough points? Use our free points calculator and check your score.

Provincial Nomination as a Path to Permanent Residence

Provincial nomination remains one of the most reliable ways to get an invitation through Express Entry. It gives candidates an additional 600 CRS points, which significantly increases their chances of being selected.

Each Canadian province and territory runs its own programs tailored to local labor market needs. Requirements may consider occupation, work experience, education, language level, job offers, or connections to a specific region. To participate in Express Entry-linked streams, you need to have an active profile in the system and meet the requirements of one of the federal programs.

If you want to figure out which provincial program is right for you, book a consultation with a licensed immigration consultant.