Canada has conducted another Express Entry draw, continuing its strong focus on Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates in 2026.
In the latest round, 324 candidates received Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence. The draw required a high CRS score of 786, reflecting the advantage of holding a provincial nomination.
Candidates also needed to have created their Express Entry profile before November 19, 2025 (6:53 p.m. UTC) to be eligible.
Express Entry Draws Summary for 2026:
| Date | Draw Type | Minimum CRS | Number of ITAs |
| April 13 | Provincial Nominee Program | 789 | 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 |
PNP Draws Leading in 2026
This is the 8th PNP draw of the year and highlights a clear trend Canada is consistently inviting candidates who already have strong ties to a province.’
So far in 2026, PNP draws have outnumbered all other categories, making them a key pathway for immigration success.
Where IRCC is Focusing
Canada’s immigration system is currently prioritizing:
- Candidates already in Canada
- Individuals with provincial nominations
- Applicants with Canadian work experience
Over 59,000 Invitations Issued in 2026
IRCC has already issued 59,154 ITAs this year, with the majority going to:
- Canadian Experience Class candidates
- French-language skilled workers
- Provincial nominees
Key Takeaway
With frequent PNP draws and high CRS cut-offs, securing a provincial nomination remains one of the most effective ways to boost your chances of getting permanent residence in Canada.
Stay tuned to VisasTimes.com for the latest updates.