Come to Canada / 29/04/2026

Express Entry: Canada Issues 2000 ITAs in Latest Provincial Nominee Draw

Canada invites 2,000 Canadian Experience Class candidates in latest Express Entry draw, focusing on skilled workers with Canadian work experience.

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently conducted another Express Entry draw, inviting 2,000 candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program. The draw, which took place on April 28, 2026, was part of the government's ongoing efforts to invite skilled workers to settle in Canada.

Invitation Criteria

To be eligible for this draw, candidates had to meet specific requirements. Firstly, they needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 514. Additionally, candidates had to have created an Express Entry profile before 2:18 p.m. UTC on September 24, 2025. These conditions ensured that the draw focused on those who had already made steps toward applying for permanent residence in Canada, with a particular emphasis on individuals with Canadian work experience.

Express Entry Draw Summary

This draw is the ninth under the Canadian Experience Class program in 2026 and marks the twenty-fourth overall selection this year. Since the start of 2026, the IRCC has held various draws, with the majority of invitations being issued to those already in Canada. In addition to the CEC draw, the provincial nominee program (PNP) has been a focal point in many of this year’s selections, as well as draws targeting French-language proficiency and specific job categories.

Below is a breakdown of the most recent draws in 2026:

  • April 28, 2026: Canadian Experience Class (CEC) - 2,000 invitations, CRS score of 514.
  • April 27, 2026: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) - 473 invitations, CRS score of 795.
  • April 15, 2026: French-Language proficiency - 4,000 invitations, CRS score of 419.
  • April 14, 2026: Canadian Experience Class (CEC) - 2,000 invitations, CRS score of 515.
  • April 13, 2026: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) - 324 invitations, CRS score of 786.

In total, the IRCC has issued 67,627 invitations to apply (ITAs) so far in 2026, across multiple categories including CEC, French-language proficiency, provincial nominations, healthcare workers, and skilled trades.

Focus on Canadian Experience

The recent Express Entry draws indicate a strong focus on candidates with Canadian work experience. This aligns with Canada’s goal to retain skilled workers who have already contributed to the country’s economy and are familiar with its labour market. The Canadian Experience Class, which targets workers already in Canada, is a pathway designed for individuals who have worked in the country for at least one year.

In addition to the CEC, the IRCC has been prioritizing provincial nominee programs (PNP), which allow provinces to select immigrants based on their regional needs. This year, the PNP has played a significant role, with 9 draws dedicated to it so far. Other categories like healthcare, trades, and French-language proficiency also received attention.

Moving Forward

As the year progresses, the IRCC is expected to continue issuing invitations under various Express Entry categories, with a particular focus on attracting skilled workers to meet the demands of the Canadian labour market. The current trends indicate that Canada will likely continue its emphasis on candidates with provincial nominations and work experience within the country.

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