For Indian students and graduates currently residing in Canada or planning their future there, the path to permanent residency (PR) remains a top priority. A recent update brings positive news for those focusing on provincial pathways. According to a recent report by CIC News, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a significant Express Entry draw on September 28, 2026, specifically targeting candidates with a provincial nomination. This latest round of invitations highlights the Canadian government’s ongoing commitment to welcoming skilled workers who have strong ties to specific provinces and territories.
Details of the September 28 Express Entry Draw
In this latest draw, IRCC issued 733 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence. This particular round was dedicated to candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) category. To receive an invitation, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 725. This score reflects the significant advantage of a provincial nomination, which automatically adds 600 points to a candidate’s Express Entry profile.
Why This Draw is Significant
This round is noteworthy because it represents the largest invitation group for provincial nominees since late June 2026. It signals a steady flow of opportunities for those who have been nominated by a Canadian province. For Indian students, this is a reminder that while the general CRS scores can be competitive, securing a provincial nomination can be a definitive way to bridge the gap and secure an invitation to apply for PR.
A Look at Canada’s Immigration Progress in 2026
The September 28 draw marks the 57th Express Entry round of the year. So far in 2026, Canada has been very active in issuing invitations across various categories. A total of 129,715 ITAs have been issued throughout the year, showing a robust immigration system that continues to seek talent from across the globe, including thousands of qualified candidates from India.
Breakdown of Invitations by Category in 2026
While the PNP draws are crucial, they are part of a much larger picture. Here is how the invitations have been distributed across different programs so far this year:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 53,250 invitations. This is a primary route for students who have completed their studies and gained work experience in Canada.
- French-Language Proficiency: 50,500 invitations. Canada continues to place a high value on bilingual candidates.
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): 9,270 invitations across 19 separate draws.
- Healthcare and Social Services: 11,500 invitations, reflecting the demand for medical professionals.
- Trades, Transport, and Other Categories: Thousands of other invitations have been sent to specialists in trades, physicians, and senior managers.
Candidates with Canadian ties—either through education or work experience—have been the most frequent beneficiaries of the 2026 draws. This reinforces the idea that starting as an international student is one of the most effective ways to eventually settle in the country.
Who Benefits from the Provincial Nominee Program?
The PNP is designed for workers who have the skills, education, and work experience to contribute to the economy of a specific province or territory. For many Indian students, the journey begins by choosing a university or college in a province that has immigration streams aligned with their field of study. Once they graduate and gain some work experience, they can apply for a provincial nomination, which then leads to the 600-point boost in the Express Entry system.
The Advantage for Indian Students
Indian students often excel in technical and professional fields that are in high demand in provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta. By focusing on provincial requirements early in their academic journey, students can position themselves as ideal candidates for these nominations. This latest draw proves that the Canada PNP Express Entry Draw remains a reliable and active pathway for those who might not meet the very high CRS cut-offs of general draws but have the backing of a province.
Important Update: The Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
One of the most practical pieces of information for those already in Canada is the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP). If a foreign national has applied for permanent residence through Express Entry and their current work permit is nearing expiry, they may qualify for a BOWP. This allows them to stay and work in Canada while their PR application is being processed.
Maintained Status and Family Eligibility
If you apply for a BOWP before your current permit expires, you can benefit from what is known as maintained status. This means you can continue working under the same conditions as your original permit while you wait for the new one to be finalized. Furthermore, family members of the primary applicant may also be eligible for a BOWP, ensuring that the entire family can remain together in Canada during this transition period.
VisionWay Counsellor Tips for Express Entry Success
Navigating the Express Entry system requires patience and a clear strategy. We suggest that students take the following steps to improve their chances of receiving an ITA:
- Keep Profiles Updated: Always ensure your Express Entry profile is current. If you gain new work experience or improve your language scores, update your profile immediately to maximize your CRS score.
- Explore Every Province: Do not limit your search to just one or two provinces. Different regions have different needs, and a nomination from a smaller province is just as valuable as one from a larger hub.
- Focus on Language Skills: Since French-language proficiency draws have seen over 50,000 invitations this year, learning French can be a powerful way to boost your profile.
- Monitor Work Permit Expiry: Be proactive about your work permit status. If you receive an ITA and your permit is expiring, look into the BOWP options early to avoid any gaps in your legal status.
We encourage all students to visit our branches in Punjab and Gurugram to discuss their specific cases with our experienced team. Planning your PR journey while you are still studying or on a post-graduation work permit is the best way to ensure long-term success.
How VisionWay Can Help
VisionWay provides comprehensive support for students looking to transition from their studies to a successful career and permanent residency in Canada. We offer expert guidance on university admissions, visa applications, and settlement planning to help you navigate every step of the process. Talk to a VisionWay counsellor today to start your journey towards a bright future abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the minimum CRS score for the September 28 PNP draw?
The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required for the September 28, 2026, Express Entry draw was 725. This draw specifically targeted candidates who had already received a provincial nomination, which provides a 600-point boost to their overall score.
Can I continue working in Canada if my permit expires while waiting for PR?
Yes, if you have applied for permanent residence through Express Entry and apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) before your current permit expires, you can benefit from maintained status. This allows you to continue working under your existing permit's conditions while staying in Canada.
How many invitations has Canada issued through Express Entry in 2026?
As of late September 2026, Canada has issued a total of 129,715 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) across 57 different Express Entry draws. The largest portions of these invitations went to candidates in the Canadian Experience Class and those with French-language proficiency.
Are family members eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit?
Yes, family members of a candidate who has applied for permanent residence through Express Entry and is applying for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) may also be eligible for their own BOWP, allowing the family to remain in Canada together.
Reference: CIC News