Express Entry PNP draw issues ITAs in March, i.e., Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted another Express Entry draw, inviting more candidates to apply for permanent residence.

In the latest round, the department issued 264 invitations to apply (ITAs) to candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

To qualify for this draw, candidates were required to meet the following criteria:

  • A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 710; and
  • Created an Express Entry profile before 6:02 p.m. (UTC) on August 7, 2025.

Summary Of Express Entry Draws In 2026

Draw DateDraw TypeCRS Cut-Off ScoreITAs Issued
March 2Provincial Nominee Program 710264
February 20Healthcare and social services4674,000
February 19Physicians with Canadian work experience169391
February 17Canadian Experience Class5086,000
February 16Provincial Nominee Program789279
February 6French-Language proficiency4008,500
February 3Provincial Nominee Program749423
January 21Canadian Experience Class5096,000
January 20Provincial Nominee Program746681
January 7Canadian Experience Class5118,000
January 5Provincial Nominee Program711574

This was the fifth PNP draw and the eleventh Express Entry draw held in 2026. It was also the first selection round of March.

Candidates with provincial nominations continue to receive strong priority in Express Entry. A provincial nomination gives an additional 600 CRS points, which greatly increases the chances of receiving an ITA.

So far in 2026, IRCC has mainly focused on candidates already in Canada, especially those with provincial nominations or Canadian work experience. PNP draws have been the most frequent this year.

Express Entry Draw Distribution In 2026

Draw TypeNumber Of Draws
Provincial Nominee Program5
Canadian Experience Class3
French-Language proficiency1
Physicians with Canadian work experience1
Healthcare and social services1

In total, IRCC has issued 35,112 ITAs in 2026 across the following categories:

Draw TypeITAs Issued
Canadian Experience Class20,000
French-Language proficiency8,500
Healthcare and social services4,000
Provincial Nominee Program1,798
Physicians with Canadian work experience391

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