Canada has officially launched its Express Entry program for 2026 with the first draw of the year. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited candidates through the Express Entry system, focusing exclusively on applicants nominated under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
In this draw, IRCC issued a total of 574 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence. To qualify, candidates were required to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 711. Additionally, applicants needed to have submitted their Express Entry profile before 1:54 a.m. (UTC) on October 6, 2025.
This marks the first Express Entry draw of 2026, setting the tone for how Canada may manage its immigration selections in the coming months. As indicated in Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan, IRCC is expected to continue prioritising in-Canada applicants for permanent residence. Category-based Express Entry draws are also expected to remain a key part of the selection strategy.
Based on earlier announcements from IRCC, there is strong anticipation that French language category-based draws will increase, as Canada aims to boost Francophone immigration outside Quebec. Alongside this, selections under the newly announced “Physicians with Canadian work experience” category are also expected to begin later this year.
So far in 2026, IRCC has issued 574 ITAs through the Express Entry system, signalling a focused and strategic start to the year for Canadian immigration pathways.
With us at Oasis Visas, we closely track these updates to help candidates understand where they stand and how to plan their Express Entry journey effectively.
