Express Entry Draw #356
CRS 788 - Provincial Nominee Program
CRS Score
788
270 vs previous
ITAs Issued
202
2798 vs previous
Program
Provincial Nominee Program
Processing
About 7 months
IRCC, September 3, 2026
How Draw #356 Compares
The round before this one was draw #355 on July 8, 2025, a Canadian Experience Class draw that invited 3,000 candidates with a cut-off of 518. Against that round, the CRS cut-off rose by 270 points, from 518 to 788, and invitations fell from 3,000 to 202. The last Provincial Nominee Program draw before this one was #354 on July 7, 2025, 14 days earlier. Compared with that draw, the CRS cut-off rose by 38 points, from 750 to 788, and invitations fell from 356 to 202. In the 12 months up to and including this round, IRCC held 23 Provincial Nominee Program draws with cut-offs from 667 to 816 and 14,741 invitations in total; 788 sat 121 points above the lowest cut-off and 28 points below the highest.
What This Draw Means
Express Entry Draw #356 was held on July 21, 2025, targeting Provincial Nominee Program candidates. The minimum CRS score was 788 with 202 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued.
Tie-Breaking Rule
Tie-break date and time: June 05, 2025 at 23:50:45 UTC. Candidates with exactly 788 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 188 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.
Calculate CRS ScoreBook ConsultationRCIC License: R515110
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.