Express Entry: Canada Invites 2,000 Skilled Workers Through

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 2,000 invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence through the latest Express Entry draw.

The September 15 draw focused on candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). To qualify for this invitation round, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 519 and must have created their Express Entry profile before 12:16 a.m. UTC on March 26, 2026.

The draw continues Canada’s focus on selecting candidates with Canadian work experience as part of its economic immigration strategy.

Express Entry Draw Activity Continues Across Categories

The latest CEC draw follows several other Express Entry selections held throughout September.

On September 14, IRCC invited 576 candidates through the Provincial Nominee Program, with a CRS cutoff of 734. Earlier in September, the department also conducted category-based draws, including a healthcare and social services draw that invited 3,500 candidates with a CRS cutoff of 475.

A separate draw for physicians with Canadian work experience took place on September 3, issuing 229 invitations with a CRS cutoff of 198. Another Canadian Experience Class draw on September 1 invited 2,000 candidates with a CRS cutoff of 521.

With the latest selection, Canada has now conducted 55 Express Entry draws in 2026.

Candidates With Canadian Connections Remain a Priority

Throughout 2026, candidates with Canadian connections have continued to receive a significant share of invitations, particularly provincial nominees and individuals with Canadian work experience.

Among the draw categories held this year, the Provincial Nominee Program has accounted for 18 draws, while the Canadian Experience Class has accounted for 16 draws.

Other categories selected by IRCC include French-language proficiency, healthcare and social services, physicians with Canadian work experience, senior managers with Canadian work experience, trades, transport, and skilled military recruits.

IRCC Has Issued Over 128,000 Invitations in 2026

So far in 2026, IRCC has issued 128,732 invitations to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry. The Canadian Experience Class has received the largest share, with 51,250 invitations issued.

French-language proficiency candidates received 50,500 invitations, followed by healthcare and social services candidates with 11,500 invitations. Provincial Nominee Program candidates received 8,537 invitations during the year.

These figures show the continued use of different Express Entry categories to select candidates based on labour market needs and immigration priorities.

Work Permit Options Available for Some Applicants

Candidates in Canada who apply for permanent residence through Express Entry may also be eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP).

If their current work permit expires before their BOWP application is finalized, eligible applicants may continue working under maintained status, as long as they remain in Canada and meet the required conditions. Eligible family members may also qualify for a BOWP.

How Express Entry Works

Express Entry manages applications for skilled workers seeking permanent residence outside Quebec. Candidates must qualify for at least one of three programs: the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, or the Federal Skilled Trades Program.

Eligible candidates receive CRS scores based on factors such as age, education, language ability, and work experience. IRCC then selects candidates through regular and category-based draws.

Candidates who receive an invitation have a limited period to submit a complete permanent residence application.