IRCC issues 473 ITAs in latest Express Entry draw
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted a new Express Entry draw, issuing 473 invitations to apply for permanent residence.
The round targeted candidates who had received a provincial nomination, continuing a pattern of draws focused on nominees and applicants with Canadian work experience.
Those invited were required to meet a high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) threshold and fall within a specified profile submission timeframe.
- 473 invitations issued under the Provincial Nominee Program
- Minimum CRS score set at 795
- Profiles submitted before April 13, 2026 were eligible
- This marks the 23rd Express Entry draw of 2026
- Draws in 2026 have prioritized provincial nominees and in-Canada candidates
Focus on Provincial Nominee Program candidates
The latest draw was limited to applicants who had obtained a nomination through a provincial or territorial immigration program. These candidates receive additional CRS points, significantly increasing their rankings in the Express Entry pool.
Provincial nominations are issued through streams aligned with labour market needs, including those administered by provinces such as Manitoba under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP).
Eligibility for provincial streams varies by region and may consider factors such as work experience, education, language ability, and regional labour demand.
CRS requirements and tie-breaking rule
The minimum CRS score required in this round was 795, reflecting the additional points awarded to nominees. Scores at this level are typical for draws limited to PNP candidates.
IRCC also applied a tie-breaking rule based on profile creation date and time. Candidates needed to have submitted their Express Entry profile before 11:11 p.m. UTC on April 13, 2026 to be considered.
Express Entry activity in 2026
So far in 2026, IRCC has conducted a mix of draw types, targeting different categories of candidates within the Express Entry system.
These have included draws for the Canadian Experience Class, French-language proficiency candidates, and category-based selections such as healthcare and trades.
Provincial Nominee Program draws have been among the most frequent, accounting for a notable share of invitation rounds this year.
Distribution of draw types
As of late April, nine draws have focused on provincial nominees, while seven have targeted candidates under the Canadian Experience Class. Additional rounds have selected French-speaking candidates and specific occupational categories.
This distribution highlights IRCC’s continued emphasis on individuals with Canadian experience or established provincial support.
Total invitations issued this year
IRCC has issued 65,627 invitations to apply through Express Entry in 2026 to date.
The largest share has gone to candidates in the Canadian Experience Class, followed by French-language proficiency draws. Provincial Nominee Program candidates have received 3,736 invitations so far this year.
Other categories, including healthcare, trades, and specialized occupations, have also contributed to overall invitation totals.
Role of provincial nominations in Express Entry
The Provincial Nominee Program allows provinces and territories to select candidates who meet regional economic needs. Successful nominees can then enter or update their Express Entry profile with additional CRS points.
This system integrates federal and provincial immigration pathways, enabling targeted selection of candidates for permanent residence.
Programs such as Manitoba’s provincial streams operate alongside the federal system, and eligibility criteria differ across jurisdictions. More information on Manitoba-specific criteria can be found through resources such as the Manitoba PNP points calculator.
Recent trends in selection patterns
Recent draws indicate a continued focus on candidates already in Canada or those nominated by provinces. CRS thresholds vary depending on the category, with PNP draws consistently requiring higher scores due to the additional nomination points.
French-language draws and category-based selections have shown comparatively lower CRS cut-offs, reflecting broader eligibility criteria within those streams.
Ongoing Express Entry updates
Express Entry draw activity remains a key indicator of Canada’s immigration priorities, with regular invitation rounds shaping application intake for permanent residence.
Updates on draw sizes, CRS thresholds, and targeted categories continue to provide insight into how selection is evolving across the system.
Further information on Express Entry developments and provincial nomination pathways is available through ongoing immigration coverage.