Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has made significant moves in the Express Entry system recently. The department conducted a draw for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), issuing a total of 473 Invitations to Apply (ITAs). To qualify, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 795 and had to create their Express Entry candidate profile before 11:11 p.m. UTC on April 13, 2026.
Recent Express Entry Draw Insights
This draw marks a key moment in 2026, underscoring IRCC’s focus on candidates with provincial nominations and relevant Canadian work experience. In total, 23 Express Entry selections have occurred this year, with a considerable emphasis on domestic immigration.
Summary of 2026 Express Entry Draws
| Date | Draw Type | CRS Cut-off Score | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Draw Types and ITAs Issued in 2026
In 2026, the IRCC has issued a total of 65,627 ITAs. The breakdown by draw type is as follows:
- Canadian Experience Class: 32,250 ITAs
- French-Language Proficiency: 22,000 ITAs
- Healthcare and Social Services: 4,000 ITAs
- Provincial Nominee Program: 3,736 ITAs
- Trades: 3,000 ITAs
- Physicians with Canadian Work Experience: 391 ITAs
- Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience: 250 ITAs
The focus on provincial nominees and candidates with Canadian experience reflects the IRCC’s strategy to strengthen Canada’s workforce through targeted immigration pathways.
