IRCC continues strong 2026 focus on in-Canada applicants, provincial nominees, and skilled workers.
Canada has conducted another round of invitations under the Express Entry system, giving more hopeful immigrants a pathway toward permanent residence.
On April 13, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 324 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a draw specifically for candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
To qualify in this round, candidates required:
- A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 786
- An Express Entry profile created before November 19, 2025, at 6:53 p.m. UTC
Why the CRS Score Is High
PNP-specific draws often show higher CRS scores because candidates who receive a provincial nomination gain an additional 600 CRS points, dramatically boosting their ranking in the pool.
This means many selected applicants already had strong profiles and were further strengthened by a provincial nomination.
Strong Focus on Provincial Nominees in 2026
Today’s draw marks the eighth PNP draw of the year and the 21st Express Entry draw in 2026.
So far this year, PNP draws have been the most frequent category, showing that provinces continue to play a major role in selecting immigrants who meet local labour and economic needs.
2026 Express Entry Trends
IRCC’s 2026 draws show a clear emphasis on candidates already contributing to Canada’s economy, particularly those with:
- Provincial nominations
- Canadian work experience
- French-language ability
- Skills in healthcare, trades, and management
This strategy suggests Canada is prioritizing faster economic integration and filling labour shortages through targeted immigration.
Total Invitations Issued in 2026
So far in 2026, Canada has issued 59,154 ITAs across multiple categories, including:
- Canadian Experience Class: 30,250
- French-language: 18,000
- Healthcare & Social Services: 4,000
- Provincial Nominee Program: 3,263
- Trades: 3,000
- Physicians: 391
- Senior Managers: 250
What It Means for Applicants
For candidates in the Express Entry pool, this latest draw reinforces the value of:
- Securing a provincial nomination
- Improving language scores
- Gaining Canadian work experience
- Updating profiles with new qualifications
Looking Ahead
With Canada continuing regular draws in 2026, more invitations are expected in the coming weeks. Immigration remains a key pillar of Canada’s workforce growth, population strategy, and long-term economic planning.