IRCC issues 324 ITAs in April 13 Express Entry draw
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a new Express Entry draw on April 13, inviting candidates through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
A total of 324 invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence were issued in the latest round. The draw targeted candidates who had received a provincial nomination.
The selection reflects ongoing use of PNP-specific draws in 2026, which continue to play a central role in Canada’s federal immigration system.
- Draw date: April 13, 2026
- Number of ITAs issued: 324
- Draw type: Provincial Nominee Program
- Minimum CRS score: 786
- Profile submission deadline: November 19, 2025 at 18:53 UTC
Overview of the April 13 draw
The April 13 round of invitations focused exclusively on candidates nominated through a provincial immigration program. These candidates receive additional points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which significantly increases their ranking in the Express Entry pool.
To be eligible for this draw, candidates were required to have a CRS score of at least 786. They also needed to have submitted their Express Entry profile before the specified tie-breaking date.
Provincial nominations are issued by participating provinces and territories to meet regional labour market needs. Programs such as the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program continue to contribute to these selections, with eligibility criteria varying by region. More details on provincial selection factors can be found through tools such as the Manitoba PNP points calculator.
Express Entry draw trends in 2026
The April 13 draw marks the eighth PNP-specific selection round held so far in 2026. It is also the twenty-first Express Entry draw conducted this year.
PNP draws have occurred more frequently than other draw types in recent months. This reflects a broader emphasis on candidates who have established connections to specific provinces or who meet targeted regional requirements.
In addition to provincial nominees, IRCC has issued invitations through several other categories in 2026. These include the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), French-language proficiency draws, and category-based selections for specific occupations.
Recent draw activity
Earlier in April, IRCC held a category-based draw focused on trades occupations on April 2, issuing 3,000 invitations with a CRS cut-off of 477.
March also saw multiple rounds of invitations across different streams. These included PNP draws, CEC draws, and selections targeting French-speaking candidates, with some draws issuing up to 5,500 invitations.
The range of CRS cut-off scores in 2026 has varied significantly depending on the draw type, with PNP draws typically requiring higher scores due to the additional points awarded for provincial nomination.
Total invitations issued in 2026
As of mid-April, IRCC has issued 59,154 invitations to apply through Express Entry in 2026. The majority of these invitations have been allocated to candidates under the Canadian Experience Class and French-language proficiency categories.
Canadian Experience Class candidates have received the largest share of invitations, with 30,250 ITAs issued so far this year. French-language draws account for 18,000 invitations.
Provincial Nominee Program candidates have received 3,263 invitations across multiple draws in 2026. Other categories, including healthcare, trades, and physician-specific draws, have also contributed to the total.
Distribution by draw type
Express Entry draws this year have been distributed across several categories. Provincial Nominee Program rounds have been the most frequent, followed by Canadian Experience Class draws.
Additional targeted draws have included French-language proficiency selections and category-based invitations for healthcare workers, trades professionals, and senior managers with Canadian work experience.
This distribution highlights the range of pathways through which candidates can be selected under the Express Entry system.
Role of the Provincial Nominee Program
The Provincial Nominee Program allows provinces and territories to select candidates who meet specific economic and demographic needs. Candidates who receive a nomination are awarded 600 additional CRS points.
This point increase typically places nominated candidates above most others in the Express Entry pool, making them likely to receive an invitation in subsequent PNP-specific draws.
Each province operates its own streams and criteria, which may target skilled workers, international graduates, or candidates with experience in in-demand occupations.
CRS score considerations
The CRS cut-off score of 786 in the April 13 draw reflects the inclusion of candidates with provincial nominations. Scores in PNP draws are consistently higher due to the added points associated with nomination certificates.
By contrast, draws under other categories, such as Canadian Experience Class or occupation-specific selections, often have lower CRS thresholds.
The tie-breaking rule applied in this draw required candidates to have submitted their profiles before November 19, 2025, at 18:53 UTC if their CRS score matched the minimum threshold.
Ongoing selection patterns
IRCC has continued to conduct Express Entry draws at regular intervals throughout 2026. The department has issued invitations through a mix of general and targeted selection rounds.
Recent patterns indicate a continued focus on candidates with Canadian work experience and those nominated by provinces. Category-based draws have also remained a consistent feature of the system.
The April 13 draw aligns with these trends, reinforcing the role of provincial nominations in Canada’s immigration selection process.
Further updates on Express Entry draws and provincial immigration activity are expected as selection rounds continue throughout the year.