Canada holds the first Express Entry draw of 2026, i.e., IRCC has issued more invitations to apply (ITA) through the Express Entry system. 

The immigration department issued 574 ITAs in a draw for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applicants. 

To be considered for the draw, applicants needed to have: 

  • A minimum CRS, i.e., Comprehensive Ranking System score of 711
  • Created an Express Entry applicant profile before 1:54 a.m., Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on October 6, 2025

The recent draw marks the first Express Entry selection of the year. 

IRCC has indicated that it will continue prioritizing in-Canada applicants for permanent residence and using category-based Express Entry draws. However, it is still unclear how Express Entry draws will take shape over the rest of the year.

Based on past IRCC messaging, more French category-based draws are expected as Canada increases its Francophone immigration targets outside Quebec. Selections are also likely to begin for the new “Physicians with Canadian work experience” category.

So far in 2026, IRCC has issued 574 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through Express Entry.

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