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Canada Express Entry: IRCC Invites 362 PNP Candidates in March 16 Draw
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted a new Express Entry draw on March 16, 2026, issuing 362 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
To qualify for this round, candidates were required to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 742. In addition, applicants needed to have submitted their Express Entry profile before October 5, 2025, at 8:35 p.m. (UTC).
Express Entry Draws in 2026
| Date | Draw Type | Minimum CRS | ITAs Issued |
| 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 the 15th Express Entry draw of 2026 and the sixth draw specifically targeting PNP candidates so far this year.
Focus on In-Canada Candidates Continues
In 2026, IRCC has continued to prioritize candidates already residing in Canada, particularly those with provincial nominations or Canadian work experience. This approach reflects the government’s strategy to select individuals who can integrate more quickly into the labour market.
So far this year, Express Entry draws have been distributed across multiple categories, including Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and French-language proficiency, along with targeted draws for specific occupations.
What This Means for Applicants
The latest draw highlights Canada’s continued emphasis on selecting candidates who can contribute effectively to the economy. PNP candidates remain a key priority due to their alignment with regional labour market needs.
For immigration hopefuls, obtaining a provincial nomination continues to be one of the most effective ways to significantly increase CRS scores and improve the chances of receiving an ITA.