Express Entry Draw #180
CRS 778 - Provincial Nominee Program
CRS Score
778
329 vs previous
ITAs Issued
284
4716 vs previous
Program
Provincial Nominee Program
Processing
About 7 months
IRCC, September 3, 2026
How Draw #180 Compares
The round before this one was draw #179 on March 18, 2021, a Canadian Experience Class draw that invited 5,000 candidates with a cut-off of 449. Against that round, the CRS cut-off rose by 329 points, from 449 to 778, and invitations fell from 5,000 to 284. The last Provincial Nominee Program draw before this one was #178 on March 17, 2021, 14 days earlier. Compared with that draw, the CRS cut-off rose by 96 points, from 682 to 778, and invitations rose from 183 to 284. In the 12 months up to and including this round, IRCC held 15 Provincial Nominee Program draws with cut-offs from 682 to 813 and 6,533 invitations in total; 778 sat 96 points above the lowest cut-off and 35 points below the highest.
What This Draw Means
Express Entry Draw #180 was held on March 31, 2021, targeting Provincial Nominee Program candidates. The minimum CRS score was 778 with 284 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued.
Tie-Breaking Rule
Tie-break date and time: March 16, 2021 at 16:09:32 UTC. Candidates with exactly 778 points were invited only if they submitted their profile before this time.
What This Means For You
Provincial Nominee Program
This PNP-aligned draw required a provincial nomination (600 CRS points). Without PNP, candidates needed a base score of approximately 178 points.
If Your Score is Higher
You likely would have received an ITA in this draw. Ensure your profile is complete and up-to-date to receive invitations in future draws.
If Your Score is Lower
Focus on improving your CRS score through better language tests, additional education, Canadian experience, or a provincial nomination.
How to Improve Your CRS Score
Improve Language Scores
Retake IELTS/CELPIP to achieve CLB 9+ in all abilities. Each band increase significantly boosts your score.
Provincial Nomination (+600 Points)
Apply for PNP programs in provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, or Alberta. An Express Entry-linked nomination adds 600 CRS points; 2026 Provincial Nominee Program rounds have cut off between 697 and 805.
Gain Canadian Experience
Work in Canada on a work permit to earn up to 80 CRS points for Canadian work experience.
Learn French (Up to 50 Points)
French proficiency (CLB 7+) adds bonus points and qualifies you for French-language draws with lower cut-offs.
Get Expert Help
Our RCIC consultants can calculate your exact CRS score, identify the best strategies to improve it, and help you navigate the Express Entry process.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Immigration laws and policies change frequently. Each case is unique and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) before making immigration decisions.