Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued fresh invitations to apply (ITAs) through the Express Entry system. On June 22, 2026, the department conducted a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) specific draw, inviting 955 candidates.
This marks the first Express Entry draw since late May and the 31st overall in 2026. Candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 730. Their Express Entry profiles must have been created before 1:02 a.m. UTC on March 9, 2026.
Significance of the Draw
A provincial nomination adds 600 points to a candidate’s CRS score, significantly improving their chances of receiving an ITA. The 730 cutoff in this round indicates strong competition among nominated candidates. IRCC continues to prioritize in-Canada applicants, particularly those with provincial nominations and Canadian work experience.
For aspiring immigrants, this draw underscores the value of securing a nomination through one of Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs. These streams target skilled workers, international graduates, and professionals in high-demand occupations across various provinces.
Express Entry Trends in 2026
Canada’s immigration department has maintained steady Express Entry activity this year, with a strong focus on category-based selections:
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): 12 draws, issuing over 5,400 ITAs.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 9 draws, totaling 37,250 ITAs.
- French-Language proficiency: 6 draws, inviting around 30,500 candidates.
- Other categories such as healthcare, trades, physicians, and senior managers have also seen targeted invitations.
In total, IRCC has issued approximately 80,800 ITAs across all Express Entry draws in 2026 so far. While PNP draws often feature higher CRS cutoffs, they provide reliable pathways for nominated candidates.
Recent PNP Draws
- June 22, 2026: PNP – 955 ITAs (CRS 730)
- May 25, 2026: PNP – 334 ITAs (CRS 805)
- May 11, 2026: PNP – 380 ITAs (CRS 798)
- April 27, 2026: PNP – 473 ITAs (CRS 795)
The lower cutoff in the latest draw compared to previous PNP rounds suggests effective management of the candidate pool through provincial nominations.
Tips for Success
- Optimize Your Profile: Keep your Express Entry profile updated with accurate details on education, work experience, language test results, and age. Higher language scores (especially CLB 9 or above) and Canadian credentials can make a big difference.
- Target Provincial Nominees: Research and apply to PNP streams in provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and others. Many programs are aligned with Express Entry.
- Prepare Strong Documentation: Focus on clear proof of financial stability, genuine intent, and ties to your home country where required. Professional review of applications helps minimize refusal risks.
- Stay Informed: Regularly monitor draw results and program updates to time your profile creation and submissions effectively.
At Career Brick, we specialize in helping students and professionals achieve their Canadian Permanent Residence goals. With 15+ years of experience, partnerships with 700+ universities worldwide, and expertise in study visas, PNP applications, SOPs, and complete PR processes, our team in Janakpuri West, Delhi delivers high success rates.
Whether you are exploring Express Entry, provincial nominations, or study pathways leading to PR, our experts provide personalized guidance from profile creation to visa approval and settlement.
If you have a provincial nomination or want to strengthen your Express Entry profile, reach out to our team today for expert support.
