Canada has conducted its first Express Entry draw of 2026, issuing 574 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 711 points.
This draws marks the start of a new immigration year, following a busy 2025 where Canada issued the second-highest number of ITAs in program history.
The most recent draw prior to this was a French language proficiency draw on December 17, 2025, which issued 6,000 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 399.
So far in 2026, the following draws have been conducted:
- 1 PNP draw
In 2025, Canada conducted the following draws:
- 24 PNP draws
- 15 CEC draws
- Nine French language proficiency draws
- Two draws targeted at education occupations
- Seven draws targeted at healthcare and social services occupations
- One draw targeted at trade occupations
Canada issued 113,998 ITAs through Express Entry in 2025, falling just 433 invitations short of the all-time annual record.
IRCC issued 110,266 ITAs in 2024, after inviting 110,266 in 2023 and 45,115 candidates in 2022.
IRCC issued a record 114,431 ITAs in 2021, all to Canadian Experience Class and Provincial Nominee Program candidates. It beat the previous record of 107,350 set in 2020.
The latest draw saw the tie-breaking rule implemented on October 06, 2025 at 01:54:31 UTC. If more than one candidate had the minimum CRS score, only those who submitted their Express Entry profiles before this date and time received invitations.
This was the 1st round of invitations under Express Entry in 2026 and the 389th overall.
Candidates have a 60-day window to submit their applications, which will usually be processed within the six-month standard.
What Can Employers Do To Recruit Foreign Workers?
Employers are encouraged to consider securing an LMIA or nomination under provincial nomination programs (PNPs) to ensure long-term retention of employees.
At immigration.ca we provide Canadian employers with unparalleled immigration legal services and can help with the recruitment of foreign nationals.
We bring qualified candidates to Canada in the shortest time possible. Employers in a wide range of industries can directly benefit from our unique position as one of Canada’s leading immigration firms in the industry to meet both their recruitment and immigration requirements.
Interested employers wishing to seek our assistance are invited to contact us here for further information.
What Should Candidates Do Next?
Securing an approved offer of employment is highly recommended as one of the best pathways to guaranteeing an ITA in the next round of invitations.
Find out whether you qualify for Canada by completing our free online evaluation. We will provide you with your evaluation results within 1-2 business days.
