IRCC issues 733 ITAs to provincial nominees for permanent residence
Canada Express Entry: 733 ITAs to Provincial Nominees (CRS 725) — What the September 16, 2026 Draw Means
On September 16, 2026, IRCC issued 733 Invitations to Apply to Express Entry candidates with a provincial nomination. The minimum CRS score for this draw was 725, and eligible profiles needed to have been created before 1:36 a.m. UTC on September 17, 2026. This was the largest PNP invitation round since late June and reinforces 2026’s trend of prioritizing candidates with Canadian ties (provincial nominations and Canadian work experience).
How this draw fits into 2026
– The September 16 draw is one of 57 Express Entry rounds so far in 2026.
– Year-to-date total ITAs issued: 129,715.
– Year-to-date ITAs by draw type (selected): Canadian Experience Class 53,250; French-Language proficiency 50,500; Provincial Nominee Program 8,537; Healthcare and social services 11,500; Trades 3,000; Transport 300; Physicians with Canadian work experience 891; Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 1,000; Skilled Military Recruits 4.
Recent PNP cut-offs this year have frequently been in the 700s (examples: Sept 14 — CRS 734; Aug 4 — CRS 768; July 20 — CRS 744), distinguishing these rounds from many CEC and language draws that have lower cut-offs.
Why PNP draws often show high CRS cut-offs
PNP draws target candidates who meet specific provincial requirements in addition to ranking well in the Express Entry pool. That combination typically produces higher CRS thresholds compared with broader, Canada-wide rounds.
Who this draw affects
– Candidates with a provincial nomination and an Express Entry profile created before the stated deadline.
– Applicants with Canadian work experience (a recurring selection factor in 2026).
– Family members of principal applicants in Canada — they may also be eligible for Bridging Open Work Permits (BOWP) under the conditions described below.
– Candidates without provincial nomination or Canadian ties — these applicants remain eligible in other draw types but face stronger competition when many rounds target PNP, CEC, or French-language candidates.
Practical implications for applicants in the pool
– Provincial nomination remains a strong route to an ITA. If eligible for a PNP stream, pursue it actively.
– Profile creation timestamps matter — some draws specify precise deadlines.
– BOWP considerations: foreign nationals in Canada who applied for PR through Express Entry may qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit. If their current work permit expires before the BOWP application is finalized, maintained status can allow them to continue working under the same conditions while in Canada. Family members may also be eligible where applicable.
– Competition is segmented by draw type. Track which draw types match your profile to identify likely windows for selection.
What to watch next
– Upcoming IRCC draw notices (note draw type and any profile timestamp requirements).
– Provincial nomination opportunities and whether your profile reflects a nomination.
– BOWP eligibility and documentation if you are applying for PR from inside Canada.
Documentation and profile hygiene
Keep provincial nomination certificates, work-history records, and proof of Canadian ties up to date in your profile to reduce delays if you receive an ITA.
Key reference points
– Sept 16, 2026 — Provincial Nominee Program draw: 733 ITAs, CRS cut-off 725; profile creation deadline 1:36 a.m. UTC on Sept 17, 2026.
– Recent PNP cut-offs often in the 700+ range (examples listed above).
– Year-to-date Express Entry ITAs: 129,715 across the draw types noted earlier.
Practical next steps by applicant group
– Without provincial nomination: monitor CEC and French-language rounds and consider PNP options where eligible.
– Already nominated: ensure your profile shows the nomination and prepare to submit a complete application quickly if invited.
– In Canada awaiting PR: check BOWP eligibility and how maintained status may apply if your current permit expires.
– Family members: confirm family status is recorded and explore potential BOWP eligibility.
IRCC’s mix of targeted and large-volume rounds means opportunities will continue to vary by draw type. Keep your profile accurate, pursue provincial pathways if eligible, and stay alert for broader rounds that could match your profile.
🚀 Start Your Canada Immigration, Jobs & Settlement Journey Today
Need help with Express Entry, PNP, LMIA, Work Permit, Study Permit, Visitor Visa, Family Sponsorship, Canada Jobs, Recruitment, or Settlement guidance? Book a paid consultant: https://gtrworldwide.zohobookings.com/#/greentechresourcesworldwidecanadawebsite
📱 WhatsApp / Call: +1 647 619 7975 / + 1 639 560 3180
🌐 Website: www.gtrimmigration.com
💼 Canada Job Site: www.ciccanadajobs.com
📊 Job Analytics & Labour Market Insights: www.jobmaze.ca
🔗 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/manojcanada
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gtrimmigrationcanada
▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GTRImmigration
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtr_immigration
#ExpressEntry #ProvincialNomineeProgram #CRSscore #CanadaImmigration #BridgingOpenWorkPermit #PNP #CanadianExperience #ImmigrationUpdates