Canada Express Entry Draw: PR Invitations Issued in 2026

What happened

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted its latest Express Entry draw of 2026. This draw targeted candidates within the federal pool, issuing Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for Permanent Residency (PR). The draw continues Canada's 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan, which prioritizes high-skilled workers and French-speaking candidates to meet labor market demands.

In this round, the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score was established based on the volume of candidates and specific category priorities. IRCC has increasingly utilized category-based selection, focusing on sectors such as healthcare, STEM, trades, and agriculture, alongside general and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) specific draws. This ensures that the migration system aligns closely with Canada’s economic goals for the year.

Who is affected

This draw affects all candidates currently registered in the Express Entry pool. Specifically, it impacts those under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).

Candidates with active profiles who meet or exceed the CRS cut-off for their specific category are the primary recipients of ITAs. This includes international students who have graduated from Canadian institutions and are applying through the CEC, as well as foreign professionals with significant work experience in high-demand occupations. If you are currently looking to improve your eligibility through further education, you can Browse Canada courses on Unexa to find programs that may increase your CRS points or qualify you for specialized streams.

What this means for you

If you have received an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you now have a strict 60-day window to submit a complete application for Permanent Residency. This includes providing proof of work experience, educational credential assessments (ECA), medical exams, and police clearance certificates. Failure to submit within this timeframe will result in your invitation expiring.

For those who did not receive an ITA in this round, your profile remains active in the pool for 12 months from the date of submission. A higher CRS score is often necessary in general draws, so you should consider ways to boost your profile, such as retaking language tests (IELTS/CELPIP/TEF) or obtaining a provincial nomination. According to CICC (College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants) standards, ensuring all documentation is verified and accurate is critical to avoiding application refusals or bans for misrepresentation.

What to do now

If you received an ITA, begin gathering your supporting documents immediately to meet the 60-day deadline. If you are still in the pool, focus on optimizing your CRS score by updating your profile with any new work experience or improved language results. To ensure your application meets all IRCC requirements and to navigate the complexities of category-based selection, it is highly recommended to consult a professional. Find verified migration agents in Canada on Unexa to assist with your PR journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is my ITA valid?
You have exactly 60 calendar days from the date you receive the invitation to submit a complete electronic application for Permanent Residency. This deadline cannot be extended.

Can I still apply if my CRS score is below the cut-off?
You cannot receive an ITA in a specific draw if your score is below that draw's cut-off. However, you can stay in the pool and wait for future draws or focus on category-based selections where cut-offs may be lower.

What is the difference between a General draw and a Category-based draw?
General draws invite the highest-ranking candidates across all programs. Category-based draws target specific skills (like healthcare or French proficiency) and may invite candidates with lower CRS scores who meet those specific criteria.