IRCC issues 4,000 ITAs in latest Express Entry draw
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted another Express Entry draw, issuing 4,000 invitations to apply for permanent residence. The round targeted candidates with French-language proficiency.
The selection sets out current conditions for candidates in this category, reflecting ongoing use of targeted draws within the Express Entry system. The draw forms part of a broader series held throughout 2026.
Individuals invited in this round met both language and ranking requirements under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). A profile submission deadline was also applied to manage candidate selection.
- 4,000 invitations issued to candidates with French-language proficiency
- Minimum CRS cut-off score was 400
- Profiles had to be submitted before April 7, 2026 at 20:13 UTC
- This marks the fifth French-language draw in 2026
- The draw is the 26th Express Entry round held this year
Overview of the Express Entry system
Express Entry is Canada’s primary application management system for several federal economic immigration programs. It ranks candidates based on factors such as age, education, language ability, and work experience.
Candidates are assigned CRS scores and placed into a pool. IRCC conducts draws at regular intervals, inviting those with the highest scores or those meeting specific category requirements.
Recent draws have increasingly focused on targeted selection categories, including language ability, Canadian work experience, and provincial nominations.
French-language category draws in 2026
The April 29 selection represents the fifth draw this year dedicated to French-speaking candidates. This category has remained a significant component of Express Entry activity in 2026.
Earlier French-language draws occurred on April 15, March 18, March 4, and February 6. CRS cut-off scores across these rounds have ranged from 393 to 419.
In total, 26,000 invitations have been issued to French-speaking candidates so far this year, making it the second-largest category after the Canadian Experience Class.
Recent Express Entry draw activity
The latest draw follows consecutive rounds held earlier in the same week. On April 28, IRCC invited 2,000 candidates under the Canadian Experience Class with a CRS cut-off of 514.
On April 27, 473 invitations were issued to candidates with provincial nominations, requiring a CRS score of 795. These back-to-back draws highlight the continued use of program-specific rounds.
Throughout April, draws also included a trades-focused selection and additional rounds for Canadian Experience Class and Provincial Nominee Program candidates.
Distribution of draws in 2026
Express Entry activity this year has covered multiple categories. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws account for the largest number of rounds, followed by Canadian Experience Class selections and French-language draws.
Other targeted categories in 2026 have included healthcare and social services, trades occupations, physicians with Canadian work experience, and senior management roles.
Across all categories, IRCC has issued 71,627 invitations to apply as of late April 2026.
Breakdown of invitations issued
The majority of invitations this year have been allocated to candidates with Canadian work experience. A total of 34,250 invitations have been issued through the Canadian Experience Class.
French-speaking candidates have received 26,000 invitations. Meanwhile, 4,000 invitations have been issued under healthcare and social services occupations, and 3,736 through the Provincial Nominee Program.
Additional invitations include 3,000 under trades occupations, 391 for physicians with Canadian work experience, and 250 for senior managerial positions.
Role of provincial nominations
Provincial Nominee Program draws continue to play a defined role in Express Entry selections. Candidates with a provincial nomination receive additional CRS points, resulting in higher cut-off scores for these rounds.
Provinces, including Manitoba through streams aligned with Express Entry, select candidates based on regional labour market needs. Further details on provincial pathways can be found through tools such as the Manitoba PNP points calculator.
PNP-specific draws in 2026 have consistently required higher CRS scores due to the added points from nominations.
Program trends and focus
Express Entry draws this year indicate a continued emphasis on candidates already in Canada, particularly those with domestic work experience or provincial nominations. These groups have been regularly targeted in separate rounds.
At the same time, category-based draws for language ability and specific occupations remain part of the selection approach. French-language proficiency continues to be prioritized within this framework.
The combination of general and category-based draws reflects operational adjustments in selecting candidates across different economic streams.
Ongoing Express Entry activity
The April 29 round contributes to a steady sequence of invitations issued in 2026. Draw size and frequency have varied, with some rounds issuing larger numbers of invitations despite fewer overall draws.
CRS cut-off scores have also fluctuated depending on the category and type of selection. Lower CRS thresholds have been observed in certain category-based draws, particularly those targeting specific groups.
Further updates on Express Entry draws and immigration selection activity are expected as IRCC continues to conduct rounds throughout the year.
Additional reporting on Canadian immigration programs and selection trends is available through ongoing coverage.