Express Entry: Canada Issues 473 ITAs in Latest Provincial Nominee Draw

On April 27, 2026, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a major draw in the Express Entry system, issuing 473 Invitations to Apply (ITAs). This draw focused on candidates with a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination, marking another important step in Canada's immigration strategy.

Key Requirements for the April 27 Draw

To be selected in this latest draw, candidates needed to meet the following criteria:

• A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 795.
• They must have created an active Express Entry profile before 11:11 p.m. (UTC) on April 13, 2026.

This draw was the 23rd of 2026 and, like many recent draws, focused on candidates who have provincial nominations or Canadian work experience.

A Snapshot of Recent Express Entry Draws

So far in 2026, several Express Entry draws have taken place, with a strong emphasis on candidates with provincial nominations and work experience in Canada. Some of the key draws include:

• April 27: 473 ITAs for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates with a CRS cut-off score of 795.
• April 15: 4,000 ITAs for candidates with French-language proficiency, CRS cut-off of 419.
• April 14: 2,000 ITAs for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates, CRS cut-off of 515.
• April 13: 324 ITAs for PNP candidates with a CRS cut-off of 786.
• April 2: 3,000 ITAs for candidates in trades, CRS cut-off of 477.
• March 31: 2,250 ITAs for CEC candidates, CRS cut-off of 509.
• March 30: 356 ITAs for PNP candidates, CRS cut-off of 802.

Focus on Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Candidates

The PNP stream has been a major focus for Express Entry in 2026. So far, the IRCC has issued a significant number of ITAs to candidates with provincial nominations. These individuals are seen as important assets to the Canadian economy, as they have the skills needed in specific regions and industries.

There have been 9 PNP-specific draws this year alone, and PNP candidates have already received a total of 3,736 ITAs.

The provincial nomination program aims to fill labor shortages and bring skilled workers to Canada, particularly in regions outside of the main urban centers.

Other Express Entry Categories

While PNP candidates have received considerable attention, other categories have also seen significant activity. The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and French-Language Proficiency categories remain important for the IRCC's immigration strategy. Here’s a quick look at how the ITAs break down for various categories:

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 32,250 ITAs issued
• French-Language Proficiency: 22,000 ITAs issued
• Healthcare and Social Services: 4,000 ITAs issued
• Trades: 3,000 ITAs issued
• Physicians with Canadian Work Experience: 391 ITAs issued

Looking Ahead

The IRCC plans to continue holding draws that focus on filling specific labor market needs. For those who received an ITA in the April 27 draw, the next step is submitting a full application for permanent residency in Canada. Candidates must provide all required documents and complete the process in a timely manner.

As the year progresses, more draws are expected, particularly for skilled workers who meet Canada's economic needs, ensuring that the country's immigration system continues to support both growth and diversity.