Express Entry Draw #409
CRS 786 - Provincial Nominee Program
CRS Score
786
309 vs previous
ITAs Issued
324
2676 vs previous
Program
Provincial Nominee Program
Processing
About 7 months
IRCC, September 3, 2026
How Draw #409 Compares
The round before this one was draw #408 on April 2, 2026, a Trades draw that invited 3,000 candidates with a cut-off of 477. Against that round, the CRS cut-off rose by 309 points, from 477 to 786, and invitations fell from 3,000 to 324. The last Provincial Nominee Program draw before this one was #406 on March 30, 2026, 14 days earlier. Compared with that draw, the CRS cut-off fell by 16 points, from 802 to 786, and invitations fell from 356 to 324. In the 12 months up to and including this round, IRCC held 27 Provincial Nominee Program draws with cut-offs from 699 to 855 and 11,328 invitations in total; 786 sat 87 points above the lowest cut-off and 69 points below the highest.
What This Draw Means
Express Entry Draw #409 was held on April 13, 2026, targeting Provincial Nominee Program candidates. The minimum CRS score was 786 with 324 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued. Every candidate above 786 was invited; candidates with exactly 786 were invited only if they submitted their Express Entry profile before the tie-breaking date and time.
Tie-Breaking Rule
Tie-break date and time: November 19, 2025 at 18:53:59 UTC. Candidates with exactly 786 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 186 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.