Express Entry Draw #386 Brings 399 Invitations For PNP Candidates

Canada closed another powerful week in the Express Entry system with Express Entry Draw #386, a Provincial Nominee Program selection round that invited 399 candidates. This draw arrives during a very active month for immigration and adds more momentum to the year’s final stretch.

For candidates watching each round closely, this selection offers fresh insight into how IRCC is managing provincial nominations as the year ends. While smaller in size than recent rounds, the draw still reinforces the strength of the PNP pathway and Canada’s ongoing need for skilled newcomers. Let us break down the results in a simple and accessible way.

Key Details Of Express Entry Draw #386

On December 15, IRCC issued invitations to applicants who met the PNP criteria. Every invited candidate held a provincial nomination, which added 600 points to their CRS scores.

The CRS cut off stayed high because PNP candidates always receive additional CRS points. Even though the draw size was smaller than the December 8 PNP round, the score requirement remained steady.

A Busy December For Express Entry Candidates

This draw did not happen in isolation. December has been one of the most active months of 2025, with several major rounds influencing the pool.

Here is how December shaped up so far:

• 6,000 Canadian Experience Class invitations on December 10, 2025
• 1,000 healthcare invitations on December 11, 2025
• 1,123 PNP invitations on December 8, 2025
• And now, 399 more invitations in Express Entry Draw 386

These selections played an important role in reducing the number of candidates with CRS scores above 500. In fact, pool data shows that this high scoring group dropped from 28,206 on December 7 to 22,182 by December 15. This helps balance the pool and prepares the system for a strong start in 2026.

Why This Draw Matters For PNP Candidates

Two clear patterns appeared in this round.

First, the PNP pathway continues to offer strong potential for skilled workers who want more stability in their Express Entry profile. Second, IRCC may be trying to complete more rounds before the holidays. New draws happening only seven days apart indicate that the department may want to finish the year with fewer pending decisions.

For candidates who are hoping for a PNP nomination in 2026, this is an encouraging sign. Provinces are expected to receive higher nomination allocations next year, which could create more opportunities for workers who bring valuable skills to local communities.

What To Expect From PNP Draws In 2026

With this latest round, IRCC has kept the PNP track steady and reliable. Based on current trends, here is what applicants may experience in the new year:

• More frequent provincial nominations
• CRS scores staying in the high 600s to low 700s due to the 600-point boost
• A larger role for the PNP pathway across provinces
• Continued interest from employers who need skilled workers
• Processing pressure, since around 10,700 Express Entry-aligned PNP files and about 96,000 non-Express Entry PNP files are waiting to be finalized

Even with pending files in the system, the PNP remains one of Canada’s most secure routes to permanent residence.

Express Entry Draw #386 Reflects A Strong And Stable PNP Pathway

The Express Entry Draw #386 update highlights how Canada continues to use the Provincial Nominee Program to bring skilled newcomers into the economy. With 399 invitations issued and a CRS cut off of 731, this round shows steady progress and keeps the year’s final period active.

For candidates planning to apply through Express Entry or the PNP pathway, this is the perfect time to prepare documents, review CRS scores, and explore provincial options.

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