Canada Launches 2026 Express Entry Draw with PNP-Focused Invitations
Canada has officially kicked off its Express Entry selections for 2026, signaling the direction immigration priorities may take in the coming year. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted the first Express Entry draw of the year, issuing invitations exclusively to candidates nominated by provinces.
Details of the First Express Entry Draw of 2026
In this opening draw, IRCC extended 574 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) category. This reflects Canada’s continued emphasis on regional immigration and province-driven labour market needs.
To qualify for this round, candidates were required to meet the following criteria:
- A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 711
- An Express Entry profile created before October 6, 2025, at 1:54 a.m. (UTC)
As expected, the CRS cut-off remained high, which is typical for PNP-specific draws due to the additional 600 points awarded for a provincial nomination.
What This First Draw Signals for 2026
This draw aligns closely with Canada’s recently announced Immigration Levels Plan, which emphasized:
- Continued prioritization of in-Canada applicants
- Ongoing use of category-based Express Entry selections
- Strong reliance on provincial nomination pathways to meet labour shortages
While this first draw focused only on PNP candidates, it provides early insight into how Express Entry invitations may unfold throughout the year.
What to Expect Next in Express Entry Selections
Based on previous government announcements and immigration targets, several trends are expected to shape Express Entry draws in 2026:
- Increased French-language category-based draws, as Canada continues to raise its targets for Francophone immigration outside Quebec
- The introduction of selections under the newly announced “Physicians with Canadian work experience” category
- Continued preference for candidates who can contribute quickly to Canada’s labour market, particularly those already residing and working in the country
While only 574 invitations have been issued so far this year, this initial draw sets the tone for a strategic and targeted approach to permanent residence selection in 2026.
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