Express Entry Draw #438: 562 PNP Invitations, CRS 697 — August 31, 2026

IRCC held Express Entry round #438 on August 31, 2026, targeting candidates eligible under the Provincial Nominee Program. A total of 562 invitations to apply were issued. The CRS score of the lowest-ranked invited candidate was 697, and the tie-breaking rule was April 12, 2026 at 04:32:26 UTC.

Because a provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, PNP-specific cut-offs are not directly comparable with CEC or category-based rounds. The 697 cut-off was notably lower than the immediately preceding PNP rounds in August, while the invitation volume was higher than the August 17 round. That combination suggests a meaningful change within the nominated-candidate pool rather than a broad change in Express Entry competitiveness.

For candidates, the practical point is to compare PNP rounds with other PNP rounds, not with CEC, French-language or occupation-based rounds. Draw timing, size and cut-offs remain discretionary and past patterns do not guarantee the next round.

Official IRCC source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/rounds-invitations.html