Canada Launches First 2026 Express Entry Draw

Canada has launched its first Express Entry draw of 2026, signaling continued momentum in permanent residence selections. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 574 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a draw focused exclusively on Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates, confirming the government’s ongoing priority for applicants already connected to Canada’s labor market.

Candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 711 and must have created their Express Entry profile before 1:54 a.m. UTC on October 6, 2025, reinforcing the competitive nature of PNP-linked selections.

Understanding Canada’s First Express Entry Draw Of 2026 This draw marks the first Express Entry selection of the year and reflects IRCC’s stated intention to prioritize in-Canada applicants under its Immigration Levels Plan. The focus on Provincial Nominees highlights the continued role of provinces in addressing local labor shortages and economic needs through immigration.

IRCC has also confirmed that category-based draws under Express Entry will continue throughout 2026, although the precise structure and frequency of these selections have not yet been fully outlined.

Based on previous IRCC announcements , French-language category-based draws are expected to increase as Canada works toward higher Francophone immigration targets outside Quebec. This aligns with federal objectives to strengthen French-speaking communities nationwide.

In addition, IRCC has introduced a new Express Entry category for physicians with Canadian work experience, signaling upcoming draws aimed at addressing healthcare workforce shortages. While selections under this category have not yet begun, expectations remain high for early implementation in 2026.

Express Entry Progress So Far In 2026 So far this year, IRCC has issued a total of 574 ITAs through the Express Entry system, all within this initial PNP-focused draw .Applicants are encouraged to monitor their CRS scores and assess their competitiveness, especially those eligible for provincial nominations or category-based selections.

Key Takeaways Canada issued 574 ITAs in the first Express Entry draw of 2026.

The draw targeted Provincial Nominee Program candidates only.

A minimum CRS score of 711 was required.

IRCC continues to prioritize in-Canada and category-based applicants.

Increased French-language and physician-focused draws are expected later in 2026.

Canada’s first Express Entry draw of 2026 underscores a continued shift toward targeted, labor-market-driven immigration. By prioritizing provincial nominees and signaling upcoming category-based selections, IRCC is reinforcing a strategy focused on economic integration and regional needs. For prospective immigrants, staying informed and strategically positioning their profiles will be critical as Canada’s immigration system continues to evolve.