Express Entry draw #386, conducted on December 15, 2025, saw Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada issue 399 Invitations to Apply to candidates nominated under the Provincial Nominee Program. This PNP-targeted round required a minimum CRS score of 731, which was 2 points higher than the previous PNP draw held earlier in December. The tie-breaking rule applied to candidates who created their Express Entry profiles before October 18, 2025, at 7:18:52 UTC.

This draw marked the second consecutive week in which IRCC focused on PNP candidates, reinforcing the federal government’s reliance on provincial nominations to meet labour and demographic priorities.

Why Express Entry Draw #386 Matters

PNP candidates continue to dominate high-CRS selections because a provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points to a candidate’s profile. As of December 15, 237,302 profiles were registered in the Express Entry pool, making competition intense for non-nominated applicants.

In 2025, Canada conducted 56 Express Entry draws, issuing 102,998 ITAs overall. Of these, 10,898 invitations went to PNP candidates, showing how provincial pathways remain one of the most dependable routes to permanent residence.

CRS Trends and PNP Demand

A CRS threshold of 731 confirms that provincial nominations remain highly competitive. While Express Entry includes CEC, French-language, and occupation-based rounds, PNP draws continue to deliver consistent outcomes for candidates aligned with provincial labour needs.

This draw followed:

• A healthcare and social services draw on December 11
• The largest CEC draw in over 16 months on December 10
• The largest PNP draw of the year on December 8

Together, these rounds indicate IRCC’s year-end strategy to balance regional demand with federal targets.

What This Means for Skilled Workers

For candidates without a nomination, CRS scores above 700 remain difficult to achieve. This makes provincial immigration strategies essential, especially for those working in healthcare, trades, technology, or regional labour markets.

Applicants should consider:

• Monitoring PNP streams aligned with their occupation
• Maintaining updated Express Entry profiles
• Preparing documents early to meet short timelines

PNP-focused draws are expected to remain a core feature of Express Entry into early 2026. Provinces continue to play a major role in selecting candidates who can settle quickly and contribute economically.

Express Entry draw 386, with 399 invitations, confirms the ongoing importance of provincial nominations in Canada’s immigration system. As competition remains high, candidates who align their profiles with provincial needs will continue to have a stronger advantage. For personalized strategy support, ImmigCanada immigration consulting services can help you plan your next steps with guidance from the best RCIC in Canada.