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Canada Begins 2026 With First Express Entry Draw, 574 Invitations Issued
Canada has conducted its first Express Entry draw of 2026, marking the beginning of this year’s federal immigration selections. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued invitations through the Express Entry system to candidates nominated under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
In this draw, 574 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence were issued. To be eligible, candidates were required to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 711. In addition, applicants needed to have created their Express Entry profile before 1:54 a.m. (UTC) on October 6, 2025.
This draw represents the first Express Entry selection of 2026. According to IRCC’s Immigration Levels Plan, the department is expected to continue prioritising in-Canada applicants for permanent residence. Category-based Express Entry draws are also expected to remain an important part of the selection process.
Based on previous IRCC announcements, there may be an increase in French-language category-based draws, as Canada continues to raise its targets for Francophone immigration outside Quebec. IRCC is also expected to begin selections under its newly announced “Physicians with Canadian work experience” category later this year.
With this draw, IRCC has issued a total of 574 ITAs through the Express Entry system in 2026 so far, signalling the start of Canada’s federal economic immigration activity for the year.