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Express Entry Holds Unexpected Draw, Invites Provincial Nominees
Canada has continued its active immigration selection process through the Express Entry system. In the latest round of invitations, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 279 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
This draw reflects Canada’s continued focus on selecting candidates who have strong provincial support and demonstrated eligibility through nomination.
Express Entry Draws List of 2026
| Date | Draw Type | Minimum CRS | Number of ITAs |
| 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 seventh Express Entry draw of the year and the fourth PNP-specific draw conducted in 2026.
Number of Express Entry Draws in 2026
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
| French Language Proficiency | 1 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 2 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 4 |
| Total | 7 |
ITAs Issued in 2026 So Far
| Draw Type | ITAs Issued |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 1,957 |
| French Language Proficiency | 8,500 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 14,000 |
| Total | 24,457 |
The majority of invitations have been directed toward candidates with Canadian work experience, followed by those with strong French-language ability.
What This Means for Applicants
The latest results highlight the importance of:
- Securing a provincial nomination
- Gaining Canadian work experience
- Improving language proficiency
A provincial nomination significantly increases a candidate’s CRS score, improving their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply.
As Canada continues its targeted selection strategy, applicants are encouraged to strengthen their profiles and stay informed about upcoming draws.