Canada’s First Express Entry Draw of 2026

Canada recently conducted its initial Express Entry draw for the year 2026. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 574 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

To receive an invitation, candidates were required to have a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 711 and had to have submitted their Express Entry profile before October 6, 2025.

This draw marks the beginning of the year’s Express Entry selections. IRCC has outlined its plans to prioritize candidates already residing in Canada and to primarily conduct category-based draws, with potential variations in frequency and types of draws throughout the year.

Recent government indications suggest an increase in French-language category draws as Canada aims to boost Francophone immigration targets outside Quebec. Additionally, IRCC is set to initiate draws for the new category of physicians with Canadian work experience later in 2026.

Notably, all 574 ITAs issued in 2026 originated from this singular PNP draw.