Canada Holds Its Largest Category-Based Express Entry Draw
Canada holds its largest category-based Express Entry draw, i.e., Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued another round of ITAs, i.e., invitations to apply through the Express Entry system.
In this draw, the department issued 8,500 ITAs to applicants with French language proficiency.
To be considered, applicants needed to meet the following requirements:
- A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 400
- Created an Express Entry profile before 11:11 a.m., Universal Coordinated Time (UTC), on February 3, 2026
Summary Of Express Entry Draws In 2026
| Draw Date | Draw Type | CRS Cut-Off Score | ITAs Issued |
| 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 |
This draw is the sixth Express Entry selection held in 2026.
So far this year, IRCC has focused on inviting applicants already in Canada, especially those with provincial nominations and Canadian work experience.
| Draw Type | Number Of Draws |
| Canadian Experience Class | 2 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 2 |
| French-Language proficiency | 1 |
In 2026, IRCC has issued a total of 24,178 ITAs across the following draw types:
| Draw Type | ITAs Issued |
| Canadian Experience Class | 14,000 |
| French-Language proficiency | 8,500 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 1,255 |
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