Canada has conducted its latest Express Entry draw, Draw Number 403, issuing 362 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) exclusively to candidates who have secured a nomination through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required for this draw was 742 points.
This targeted draw on March 16, 2026, continues the government’s trend of aligning ITAs with specific immigration streams, in this case, prioritizing applicants already endorsed by a province or territory.
State of the Pool
The latest draw saw the tie-breaking rule implemented on October 05, 2025 at 20:35:25 UTC. If more than one candidate had the minimum CRS score, only those who submitted their Express Entry profiles before this date and time received invitations.
Candidates have a 60-day window to submit their applications, which will usually be processed within the six-month standard.
Summary of Recent Draws
- The first three draws of March have maintained high CRS cut-offs, typical following an increase in PNP allocations.
- The latest draw saw the lowest number of ITAs issued since the introduction of category-based selection last year.
- CRS scores for PNP-only draws consistently remain above the 700 mark due to the mandatory 600-point allocation received upon provincial nomination.
What Can Employers Do To Recruit Foreign Workers?
Employers are encouraged to consider securing an LMIA or nomination under provincial nomination programs (PNPs) to ensure long-term retention of employees.
At immigration.ca we provide Canadian employers with unparalleled immigration legal services and can help with the recruitment of foreign nationals. We bring qualified candidates to Canada in the shortest time possible. Employers in a wide range of industries can directly benefit from our unique position as one of Canada’s leading immigration firms in the industry to meet both their recruitment and immigration requirements.
Interested employers wishing to seek our assistance are invited to contact us here for further information.
What Should Candidates Do Next?
Securing an approved offer of employment is highly recommended as one of the best pathways to guaranteeing an ITA in the next round of invitations.
Find out whether you qualify for Canada by completing our free online evaluation. We will provide you with your evaluation results within 1-2 business days.
