Express Entry restored the passing score for provincial nominees after it dropped to a minimum

The threshold rose from 697 to 734 points, but a provincial nomination still almost guarantees an invitation.

On September 14, 2026, the Express Entry system held another draw for candidates with a provincial nomination. Invitations to apply for permanent residence in Canada were issued to 576 candidates.

The cutoff score rose to 734. In the previous draw on August 31, the threshold dropped to 697 points, the lowest for this category in all of 2026. Now the score has climbed by 37 points, while the number of invitations increased only slightly, from 562 to 576.

Such fluctuations have been typical for this category throughout the year. In spring, the threshold stayed above 790 points, reaching as high as 805 in May. Over the summer, there was a sharp drop to 708 in early July, followed by a rebound to 744–768, and then another dip to 697 at the end of August. The current 734 points falls right in the middle of this range.

Given the 600-point bonus for a provincial nomination, it was enough to score just 134 points on the core criteria — age, education, language proficiency, and work experience — to make the cutoff. Even with the higher threshold, the requirements remain manageable for most candidates with an active nomination.

When several candidates have the same score, invitations go first to those who submitted their profile earlier. In this draw, the tie-breaking date was August 29, 2026, just over two weeks before the draw itself.

Invited candidates have 60 days to submit their complete set of documents. These will need to include language test results, proof of education and work experience, as well as documentation of the provincial nomination.

Check how many points you score using the free calculator and assess your chances of receiving an invitation.

Should you rely on past draw cutoffs?

The dynamics of recent months show that the threshold for provincial nominees can shift by dozens of points from one draw to the next. It's not advisable to plan around a specific number, since the score depends on how many nominated candidates have accumulated in the pool by the time of the draw and how many invitations the government decides to issue.

The main takeaway remains the same: a provincial nomination, with its 600-point bonus, practically guarantees an invitation in upcoming draws regardless of the thresholds observed in 2026. Each province and territory runs its own programs with different requirements, so it's possible to find a suitable option for a wide variety of professions and candidate profiles. To participate, you must also meet the requirements of one of the federal programs and have an active profile in Express Entry.