Canada has restarted Express Entry invitations after a brief pause, issuing hundreds of new invitations to candidates who have secured a provincial nomination. The latest selection round highlights the continued importance of Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) in Canada’s immigration strategy and provides another pathway for skilled workers seeking permanent residence.
The newest Express Entry draw was conducted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on June 22, making it the first selection round held since late May. The draw targeted candidates who had received nominations from Canadian provinces and territories, giving them a significant advantage in the Express Entry ranking system.
Also Read Canada Invites 955 Provincial Nominee Candidates in Latest Express Entry Draw
Draw Summary
Express Entry Draw – June 22, 2026
- Draw Category: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Invitations to Apply (ITAs) Issued: 955
- Minimum CRS Score Required: 730
- Tie-Breaking Rule Applied: March 9, 2026, at 1:02 a.m. UTC
- Draw Number in 2026: 31st Express Entry draw
- First Express Entry Draw Conducted in June 2026
Candidates needed both a provincial nomination and a competitive Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score to receive an invitation in this round.
Provincial Nominees Continue to Receive Priority
The latest selection round demonstrates Canada’s ongoing emphasis on provincial immigration pathways. Candidates who receive a provincial nomination gain an additional 600 CRS points, significantly improving their chances of obtaining an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence.
Provincial governments use PNP streams to address regional labour shortages and attract newcomers with skills that align with local economic needs. As a result, provincial nominations remain one of the strongest routes to Canadian permanent residency.
The June 22 draw issued 955 invitations, making it one of the larger PNP-focused rounds held this year.
Express Entry Activity in 2026
Throughout 2026, IRCC has continued to conduct category-specific and program-specific draws. Most invitations have been directed toward candidates already living and working in Canada, particularly those under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Program categories.
French-speaking candidates have also remained a major focus, with multiple large draws conducted throughout the year to support Canada’s Francophone immigration objectives outside Quebec.
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Summary of Express Entry Draws in 2026
| Date | Draw Type | CRS cut-off score | ITAs issued |
| June 22 | Provincial Nominee Program | 730 | 955 |
| May 28 | French-Language proficiency | 409 | 4,500 |
| May 27 | Canadian Experience Class | 518 | 3,000 |
| May 25 | Provincial Nominee Program | 805 | 334 |
| May 11 | Provincial Nominee Program | 798 | 380 |
| April 29 | French-Language proficiency | 400 | 4,000 |
| April 28 | Canadian Experience Class | 514 | 2,000 |
| April 27 | Provincial Nominee Program | 795 | 473 |
| April 15 | French-Language proficiency | 419 | 4,000 |
| April 14 | Canadian Experience Class | 515 | 2,000 |
| April 13 | Provincial Nominee Program | 786 | 324 |
| April 2 | Trades | 477 | 3,000 |
| March 31 | Canadian Experience Class | 509 | 2,250 |
| 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 |
Which Draw Categories Have Been Used Most in 2026?
Provincial Nominee Program draws have been the most frequently conducted Express Entry selections this year. However, Canadian Experience Class and French-language draws have generated the largest number of invitations overall.
Number of Draws by Category in 2026
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 12 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 9 |
| French-Language proficiency | 6 |
| Physicians with Canadian work experience | 1 |
| Healthcare and social services | 1 |
| Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience | 1 |
| Trades | 1 |
More Than 80,000 Invitations Issued This Year
Canada’s Express Entry system has remained highly active throughout 2026. By the end of the June 22 draw, IRCC had issued a total of 80,796 Invitations to Apply across multiple immigration categories.
The majority of invitations have gone to Canadian Experience Class candidates, reflecting the government’s preference for applicants who already possess Canadian work experience and are established in the labour market.
French-speaking candidates represent the second-largest group of invitees this year, underscoring Canada’s efforts to strengthen Francophone communities across the country.
ITAs Issued by Draw Type in 2026
| Draw type | ITAs Issued |
| Canadian Experience Class | 37,250 |
| French-Language proficiency | 30,500 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 5,405 |
| Healthcare and social services | 4,000 |
| Trades | 3,000 |
| Physicians with Canadian work experience | 391 |
| Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience | 250 |
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- Manitoba Invites 124 Skilled Workers in Latest Immigration Draw
- New Brunswick Holds Major Immigration Draw, Invites 669 Candidates
- Canada Removes Key Work Permit Barrier for Provincial Nominees
- Newfoundland and Labrador Invites 108 Immigration Candidates in Latest Draw
What This Means for Express Entry Candidates
The latest draw signals that provincial nominations continue to play a critical role in Canada’s immigration system. Candidates seeking to improve their chances of receiving an invitation may benefit from exploring provincial nominee streams that match their occupation, skills, or intended destination in Canada.
With more than 80,000 invitations already issued in 2026 and multiple immigration categories remaining active, Express Entry continues to offer significant opportunities for skilled workers, international graduates, and experienced professionals looking to build their future in Canada.
