Provincial nomination: how the 600 CRS points work

A provincial or territorial nomination is the single biggest boost in Express Entry: 600 points, which almost guarantees an invitation.

Checked against IRCC sources · updated 14 November 2026

How many points does a PNP nomination give?

An enhanced provincial or territorial nomination, issued through an Express Entry-linked PNP stream, adds 600 CRS points. In 2026 PNP-only rounds closed between 697 and 805, so nominees with a core score of roughly 100 to 200 were invited.

Enhanced vs base nominations

TypeHow you applyCRS points
Enhanced (Express Entry-linked)Province nominates you through your Express Entry profile600
Base (paper-based)Separate PR application outside Express Entry0 (not in the pool)

How provinces choose candidates

Some provinces search the Express Entry pool and send a "notification of interest" to profiles that match their needs, often filtering by CRS score, occupation or French. Others run their own expression of interest systems with a provincial points grid. Quebec does not take part in Express Entry. See CRS by province.

After the nomination

  1. Accept the nomination in your Express Entry profile. Your score updates with 600 points.
  2. Wait for the next PNP round. In 2026 they invited between about 300 and 1,000 people each.
  3. Apply for PR within 60 days of the invitation.

Use our PNP points calculator to see your score with a nomination.

Frequently asked questions

How many points does PNP give in Express Entry?

600 CRS points for an enhanced nomination.

Is a PNP nomination a guarantee of PR?

It almost guarantees an invitation, but your PR application must still be approved.

Does a base PNP nomination give 600 points?

No. Base nominations are processed outside Express Entry.

Want your own number? The CRS calculator scores your profile under the 3 November 2026 rules, or and download a PDF report.