Express Entry: IRCC Holds First Draw Since May

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has held its first Express Entry draw since May, inviting 955 Provincial Nominee Program candidates to apply for permanent residence.

The June 22 draw required candidates to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score of 730. Candidates also needed to have created their Express Entry profile before 1:02 a.m. UTC on March 9, 2026, to be considered.

The latest round marks the 31st Express Entry selection draw of 2026 and the first draw held in June.

Provincial Nominees Remain A Key Focus

This draw shows that IRCC continues to give strong attention to candidates already connected to provinces and territories.

Provincial nominees usually receive a large boost in the Express Entry system because a provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points to a candidate’s score. That is why PNP draws often have higher cut-off scores than other Express Entry categories.

So far in 2026, IRCC has held 12 Provincial Nominee Program draws. These draws have issued 5,405 invitations in total.

The latest PNP draw follows another provincial nominee draw held on May 25, when IRCC invited 334 candidates with a CRS cut-off score of 805. Earlier in May, IRCC also held a PNP draw on May 11, inviting 380 candidates with a minimum score of 798.

Canadian Experience And French Skills Also Prioritized

While provincial nominees remain important, IRCC has also focused heavily on candidates with Canadian work experience.

In 2026, Canadian Experience Class draws have been the largest source of Express Entry invitations. IRCC has held nine CEC draws this year and issued 37,250 invitations through that category.

French-language proficiency candidates have also received strong attention. IRCC has held six French-language draws in 2026 and issued 30,500 invitations.

The most recent French-language draw before this latest PNP round took place on May 28. That draw invited 4,500 candidates with a CRS cut-off score of 409.

One day earlier, on May 27, IRCC invited 3,000 Canadian Experience Class candidates with a cut-off score of 518.

More Than 80,000 Invitations Issued In 2026

IRCC has now issued 80,796 invitations to apply through Express Entry in 2026.

Canadian Experience Class candidates have received the highest number of invitations, with 37,250 issued so far. French-language candidates follow with 30,500 invitations.

Provincial Nominee Program candidates have received 5,405 invitations. Healthcare and social services candidates have received 4,000 invitations, while trades candidates have received 3,000.

IRCC has also issued 391 invitations to physicians with Canadian work experience and 250 invitations to senior managers with Canadian work experience.

Draw Pattern Shows Canada’s Priorities

This year’s Express Entry pattern suggests that Canada is continuing to focus on candidates who may be ready to settle and work quickly.

Candidates with Canadian work experience, provincial nominations, French-language ability, and experience in selected occupations have received most invitations so far.

The June 22 draw continues that trend by selecting provincial nominees, many of whom already have a clear connection to a Canadian province or territory.