Canada’s immigration department has continued its steady pace of invitations under the Express Entry system, with a new round focused on provincial nominees.

Latest Draw Details

Immigration officials issued 362 invitations to candidates who had already received a provincial nomination. These individuals must now submit their applications for permanent residence.

To qualify for this round, candidates needed a minimum score of 742 under the Comprehensive Ranking System. They also had to create their Express Entry profile before 8:35 p.m. UTC on October 5, 2025.

The high score reflects the added value of a provincial nomination, which gives applicants a strong boost in the selection process.

Strong Focus on In-Canada Candidates

So far this year, Canada has placed clear attention on candidates who already live and work in the country. Many recent draws have targeted people with Canadian work experience or those selected by provinces.

This latest round marks the fifteenth Express Entry draw of 2026. It also stands as the sixth draw this year that focused on provincial nominees.

Officials continue to use targeted draws to meet labour needs across the country. Provinces select candidates based on local job demands, and the federal system then invites them to apply for permanent residence.

A Look at Recent Trends

Since the start of 2026, immigration draws have covered a range of categories. These include candidates with Canadian work experience, French-speaking applicants, healthcare workers, and senior managers.

Provincial nominee draws have taken place more often than any other category this year. Canadian Experience Class draws follow closely behind.

Other specialized draws have also helped bring in workers for key sectors such as healthcare and leadership roles.

Invitation Numbers in 2026

Canada has already issued over 45,000 invitations through Express Entry in 2026. Most of these went to candidates with Canadian work experience, showing the country’s focus on those already contributing to the workforce.

French-speaking candidates have also received a large share of invitations, reflecting Canada’s goal to support French-speaking communities outside Quebec.

Provincial nominees, while fewer in number, continue to receive strong priority due to their direct link to local labour needs.

What This Means for Applicants

Candidates with a provincial nomination remain in a strong position under Express Entry. The additional points they receive often place them well above the required cut-off scores.

At the same time, applicants without nominations may need higher scores or other advantages, such as Canadian work experience or language skills, to stay competitive.

Canada’s immigration system continues to adjust its approach to meet economic needs while giving priority to candidates who can settle quickly and contribute right away.

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