In its latest round of invitations, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has continued its 2026 immigration momentum by issuing hundreds of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the Express Entry system. The most recent draw specifically targeted candidates nominated through provincial pathways, reinforcing Canada’s focus on region-driven immigration.
Also Read Canada Invites 356 Provincial Nominees in Latest Express Entry Draw
Key Highlights of the Latest Express Entry Draw
The draw held on March 30, 2026, was dedicated to candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). A total of 356 invitations were issued to eligible applicants already holding provincial nominations.
To qualify in this round, candidates were required to meet the following criteria:
- A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 802
- An Express Entry profile created before 3:54 a.m. UTC on February 12, 2026
The relatively high CRS requirement reflects the additional 600 points awarded to candidates who receive a provincial nomination, significantly boosting their ranking in the Express Entry pool.
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Express Entry Draw Trends in 2026
Canada’s Express Entry system has remained highly active throughout 2026, with multiple draws conducted across different immigration categories. The table below summarizes all draws conducted so far this year:
Summary of Express Entry Draws in 2026
| Draw date | Draw Type | CRS cut-off score | ITAs issued |
| March 30 | Provincial Nominee Program | 802 | 356 |
| March 18 | French-Language proficiency | 393 | 4,000 |
| March 17 | Canadian Experience Class | 507 | 4,000 |
| March 16 | Provincial Nominee Program | 742 | 362 |
| March 5 | Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience | 429 | 250 |
| March 4 | French-Language proficiency | 397 | 5,500 |
| March 3 | Canadian Experience Class | 508 | 4,000 |
| March 2 | Provincial Nominee Program | 710 | 264 |
| February 20 | Healthcare and social services | 467 | 4,000 |
| February 19 | Physicians with Canadian work experience | 169 | 391 |
| February 17 | Canadian Experience Class | 508 | 6,000 |
| February 16 | Provincial Nominee Program | 789 | 279 |
| February 6 | French-Language proficiency | 400 | 8,500 |
| February 3 | Provincial Nominee Program | 749 | 423 |
| January 21 | Canadian Experience Class | 509 | 6,000 |
| January 20 | Provincial Nominee Program | 746 | 681 |
| January 7 | Canadian Experience Class | 511 | 8,000 |
| January 5 | Provincial Nominee Program | 711 | 574 |
Distribution of Draw Types in 2026
So far in 2026, IRCC has conducted a total of 18 Express Entry draws. These draws have been strategically distributed across various immigration categories:
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 7 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 5 |
| French-Language proficiency | 3 |
| Physicians with Canadian work experience | 1 |
| Healthcare and social services | 1 |
| Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience | 1 |
This distribution highlights a strong emphasis on candidates already contributing to Canada’s workforce, especially those with local experience or provincial endorsements.
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Total ITAs Issued in 2026 So Far
Canada has already invited 53,580 candidates through Express Entry this year. The breakdown of invitations across categories is as follows:
| Draw type | ITAs Issued |
| Canadian Experience Class | 28,000 |
| French-Language proficiency | 18,000 |
| Healthcare and social services | 4,000 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 2,939 |
| Physicians with Canadian work experience | 391 |
| Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience | 250 |
What This Means for Immigration Candidates
The latest draw reflects Canada’s continued priority toward selecting candidates who are already integrated into the country’s labor market or have strong provincial backing. Provincial Nominee Program candidates, in particular, remain a key focus due to their ability to address regional labor shortages.
Additionally, the consistent number of draws targeting the Canadian Experience Class and French-speaking applicants indicates Canada’s broader strategy to strengthen its workforce and support bilingual communities.
With more draws expected in the coming months, candidates in the Express Entry pool should closely monitor CRS trends and explore ways to improve their scores, such as gaining work experience, improving language proficiency, or securing a provincial nomination.
Outlook for Upcoming Draws
Given the frequency and diversity of draws in 2026, immigration experts anticipate continued targeted rounds in the near future. Provincial Nominee Program draws are expected to remain a regular feature, alongside category-based selections aligned with Canada’s economic priorities.
As competition remains strong, candidates aiming for permanent residence are encouraged to stay proactive and ensure their profiles remain up to date in the Express Entry system.
