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Canada Express Entry: IRCC Invites 356 PNP Candidates in March 30 Draw
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted another Express Entry draw on March 30, 2026, issuing 356 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
To be eligible for this round, candidates were required to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 802. Additionally, applicants needed to have submitted their Express Entry profile before February 12, 2026, at 3:54 a.m. (UTC).
Express Entry Draws in 2026
| Date | Draw Type | Minimum CRS | ITAs Issued |
| March 30 | Provincial Nominee Program | 802 | 356 |
| March 18 | French Language Proficiency | 393 | 4,000 |
| March 17 | Canadian Experience Class | 507 | 4,000 |
| March 16 | Provincial Nominee Program | 742 | 362 |
| March 5 | Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience | 429 | 250 |
| March 4 | French Language Proficiency | 397 | 5,500 |
| March 3 | Canadian Experience Class | 508 | 4,000 |
| March 2 | Provincial Nominee Program | 710 | 264 |
| February 20 | Healthcare and Social Services | 467 | 4,000 |
| February 19 | Physicians with Canadian Work Experience | 169 | 391 |
| February 17 | Canadian Experience Class | 508 | 6,000 |
| February 16 | Provincial Nominee Program | 789 | 279 |
| 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 marks one of the latest Express Entry draws in 2026, reflecting Canada’s continued focus on selecting candidates through the Provincial Nominee Program.
Focus on In-Canada Candidates Continues
In 2026, IRCC maintained a strong emphasis on candidates already residing in Canada, particularly those with provincial nominations, Canadian work experience, or French-language proficiency. This approach aligns with the country’s strategy to address labour shortages and support faster economic integration.
Provincial Nominee Program draws remain a key component of the Express Entry system, as they allow provinces and territories to select candidates who meet specific regional labour market needs.
What This Means for Applicants
The latest PNP draw highlights the importance of securing a provincial nomination, which significantly increases a candidate’s CRS score and improves the chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply.
For individuals planning to apply through Express Entry, focusing on profile improvement and exploring provincial nomination opportunities can play a crucial role in achieving permanent residence in Canada.