IRCC issues 4,000 ITAs in latest Canadian Experience Class draw
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted another Express Entry selection, inviting 4,000 applicants under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). The draw, held on June 24, 2025, required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 508.
This marks the twelfth Express Entry draw of 2026, continuing a trend of selections focusing on candidates with prior work experience in Canada.
- Draw type: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Number of invitations: 4,000
- Minimum CRS score: 508
- Profile submission deadline: before 10:35 a.m. UTC on June 24, 2025
- It is the twelfth Express Entry draw of 2026
Overview of the 2026 Express Entry draws
Since the start of 2026, IRCC has organised multiple rounds of invitations through Express Entry, targeting a range of immigration categories including the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), French-language proficiency, healthcare, and other occupation-focused streams. The department has increasingly prioritised invitations for candidates with Canadian work experience and provincial nominations.
Summary of draws held in 2026
So far in 2026, IRCC has completed 12 Express Entry draws across several categories. The most recent before the June 24 event occurred on March 2 and invited 264 candidates through the Provincial Nominee Program with a CRS cut-off of 710. Earlier draws this year included category-based selections for healthcare professionals, French-speaking candidates, and individuals with Canadian experience.
Among the 2026 draws:
- Five draws targeted Provincial Nominee Program candidates
- Three were for Canadian Experience Class applicants
- One focused on French-language proficiency
- One on healthcare and social services occupations
- One on physicians with Canadian work experience
Total invitations issued in 2026
According to available data, IRCC has issued more than 35,000 invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence through Express Entry in 2026. Canadian Experience Class candidates account for the largest share of invitations this year, followed by those with strong French-language skills and professionals in healthcare-related occupations.
- Canadian Experience Class: 20,000 ITAs
- French-language proficiency: 8,500 ITAs
- Healthcare and social services: 4,000 ITAs
- Provincial Nominee Program: 1,798 ITAs
- Physicians with Canadian work experience: 391 ITAs
Express Entry and provincial nominations
Express Entry is the federal system used by Canada to manage applications for skilled migration under the Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, and Canadian Experience Class programs. Candidates with provincial nominations receive additional CRS points, significantly improving their chances of receiving an ITA. Provinces such as Manitoba operate their own nomination systems, such as the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), which aligns with Express Entry to target skilled workers suited to local labour needs.
Focus on domestic and skilled workers
Recent draw patterns indicate continued emphasis on applicants already residing or working in Canada. This approach supports Canada’s goal of transitioning temporary residents into permanent status, particularly those contributing to key sectors such as healthcare, social services, and the francophone workforce outside Quebec.
Context and implications
The CRS cut-off of 508 in the latest draw remains consistent with earlier Canadian Experience Class selections in 2026. For example, the February 17 draw invited 6,000 CEC candidates with the same minimum score. These steady thresholds reflect ongoing demand for skilled professionals who have already gained Canadian work experience.
The introduction of category-based selection rounds in recent years has diversified the Express Entry system. IRCC now conducts targeted draws focusing on occupations or language profiles that align with national economic priorities. Data from early 2026 illustrates how the department has maintained a balance between category-specific and general program draws.
Comparison with previous years
In 2025, Canada recorded a high volume of Express Entry invitations, particularly through the Provincial Nominee Program. The trend continues in 2026, but with a stronger domestic focus. The number of invitations to Canadian Experience Class candidates this year already surpasses other categories, underscoring the government’s ongoing strategy to retain skilled talent within the country.
Outlook
While no schedule for future draws has been confirmed, IRCC continues to conduct regular selections across various categories within Express Entry. Each draw reflects Canada’s evolving labour needs and immigration priorities as outlined in the federal levels plan.
For updates on upcoming Express Entry draws, category-based selections, and regional nominee programs, follow ongoing coverage of Canadian immigration developments.