Express Entry Draw 296 | 2,985 Invited in PNP Specific Draw
The latest Canadian Express Entry draw was just held. Express Entry draw 296 saw the Lowest CRS score of 676 and invited 2,985 Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates to apply.
Express Entry Draw 296
Date of Draw: May 30, 2024 at 14:59:31 UTC
Number of Invitations Issued: 2,985
Minimum CRS: 676
Program Specified: Provincial Nominee Program
Tie-breaking rule:January 19, 2024 at 18:32:21 UTC
Find out if you could qualify for a PNPThis was the first program-specific Express Entry draw of the year, following a one-month pause without any draws in any category.
Entry draws have had an unusual pattern this year. Typically, draws have been taking place bi-weekly on Wednesday afternoons. However, since the introduction of new category-based draws, there has been an irregular pattern of all-program draws and program-specific draws. This makes it difficult to predict exactly when the next draw will occur and which type it will be. However, a more concrete pattern will likely develop as draws continue to take place.
First PNP-Specific Draw in 2024!
Today’s draw was the first Provincial Nominee Program draw this year. A PNP nomination grants an additional 600 points to the applicant’s CRS score.
Each of Canada’s provinces and territories, except Quebec and Nunavut, operates its own PNP program with several streams. Altogether, there are more than 80 different provincial nominee programs!
Express Entry draw 296 issued 2,985 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) of 676.
Provincial Nominee Program category, means that in order to have been selected for today’s draw, applicants need to first have a PNP nomination.
The previous draw of the PNP category was the #269 draw, issued on October 24, 2023. 1,548 Invitations to Apply (ITA) were issued to Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) of 776.
What Is Express Entry and How Can I Apply?
Express Entry is a system used by the Canadian government to manage applications for Canadian permanent residency. Express Entry uses a point-based system, the CRS, to rank candidates’ profiles. The system manages three main programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Applying to Express Entry is a two-step procedure. The first step is to submit your profile with the required documents. Required documents usually consist of language test results, educational credentials and passport or travel documentation.
After you submit a profile and receive an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence, you can submit your complete application for the IRCC to review. Your complete application should include supporting documents such as reference letters, additional identity documents, police clearance certificates, and results of a medical examination.
Number of Candidates in the Current Express Entry Pool
The IRCC updates the number of people in the Express Entry pool a few days before an invitation round takes place. Numbers change as new profiles are submitted, profiles expire or are issued an ITA.
As of today the composition of the Express Entry pool is:
| CRS Score Range | Number of Candidates |
|---|---|
| 601-1200 | 280 |
| 501-600 | 16,559 |
| 451-500 | 73,609 |
| 491-500 | 13,504 |
| 481-490 | 13,248 |
| 471-480 | 16,531 |
| 461-470 | 15,426 |
| 451-460 | 14,900 |
| 401-450 | 64,305 |
| 441-450 | 14,142 |
| 431-440 | 14,239 |
| 421-430 | 12,425 |
| 411-420 | 12,183 |
| 401-410 | 11,316 |
| 351-400 | 53,650 |
| 301-350 | 19,009 |
| 0-300 | 8,283 |
| Total | 235,695 |
| Updated | February 20, 2026 |
Previous Express Entry – Provincial Nominee Program Draws
- Express Entry Draw 269 | 1,548 PNP Candidates Invited
- Express Entry Draw 248 | 589 PNP Candidates Invited
- Express Entry Draw 242 | 667 PNP Candidates Invited
- Express Entry Draw 241 | 699 PNP Candidates Invited
- Express Entry Draw 239 | 893 PNP Candidates Invited
Interested in learning more about your options to enter the Express Entry pool? Complete our free online assessment form today!
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