Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued another round of invitations to apply through the Express Entry system on April 28, 2026. Officials sent out 2,000 invitations specifically to Canadian Experience Class candidates. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score required for this draw was 514. To be eligible, candidates also had to have created their Express Entry profile before 2:18 p.m. UTC on September 24, 2025.
This marked the last Express Entry draw of April and the ninth dedicated to the Canadian Experience Class program so far this year. It was also the twenty-fourth overall selection round of 2026. The previous day, on April 27, IRCC held a Provincial Nominee Program draw that issued 473 invitations with a much higher CRS cutoff of 795.
Express Entry activity remained brisk throughout the month. On April 15, a French-language proficiency draw invited 4,000 candidates at a CRS score of 419. April 14 saw a second Canadian Experience Class draw that issued 2,000 invitations requiring a minimum score of 515. On April 13, another Provincial Nominee Program round distributed 324 invitations with a CRS cutoff of 786. Earlier in the month, on April 2, IRCC conducted a Trades occupations draw that selected 3,000 candidates at a CRS score of 477.
IRCC has clearly focused its 2026 draws on candidates already living and working in Canada. The department has prioritized those with Canadian work experience or provincial nominations, helping retain skilled talent already integrated into the economy.
Here is a line-by-line summary of the Express Entry draws held in 2026 to date:
April 28, 2026 Canadian Experience Class 2,000 invitations issued CRS cutoff: 514
April 27, 2026 Provincial Nominee Program 473 invitations issued CRS cutoff: 795
April 15, 2026 French-language proficiency 4,000 invitations issued CRS cutoff: 419
April 14, 2026 Canadian Experience Class 2,000 invitations issued CRS cutoff: 515
April 13, 2026 Provincial Nominee Program 324 invitations issued CRS cutoff: 786
April 2, 2026 Trades occupations 3,000 invitations issued CRS cutoff: 477
In total, IRCC has issued 67,627 invitations to apply across all categories this year. The Canadian Experience Class program has accounted for the largest share at 34,250 invitations. French-language proficiency draws have followed closely with 22,000 invitations. Provincial Nominee Program selections total nine draws so far.
This targeted approach supports Canada’s immigration goals by fast-tracking permanent residence for workers already contributing to the labour market. Eligible candidates who received an invitation now have 60 days to submit a complete application. With several months left in 2026, more draws are expected, particularly for in-Canada applicants. Those in the pool should keep their profiles updated and monitor for future opportunities.
