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October 16, 2026
October 16, 2026

Express Entry Draw 449 Sends 2,500 PR Invitations to CEC Candidates

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Express Entry

Dear future neighbour,

Did you check your Express Entry account on October 15? If you did, and you hold a Canadian Experience Class profile, this draw may have been the one you were waiting for.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited 2,500 Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates to apply for permanent residence. The lowest score that made the cut was 519 on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). It was the 61st Express Entry draw of 2026 and the third one this month, following the Trades draw on October 1 and the Provincial Nominee Program draw on October 13.

See below draw details:

Detail Result
Draw number 449
Date  October 15, 2026
Draw type Canadian Experience Class
Invitations issued 2,500
CRS cut-off score 519
Profile submission cut-off September 21, 2026 

How does this draw compare with earlier CEC draws?

The previous CEC draw was on September 29, and it invited 2,000 candidates at a score of 518. So this round invited 500 more people, which is 25 percent more, and the cut-off went up by just one point. Sixteen days passed between the two draws, and a lot can change in that time. New profiles join the pool, old ones expire, and candidates improve their scores with new language results or more Canadian work experience.

See below the recent CEC rounds side by side:

CEC round Date Invitations CRS cut-off
Round 449 October 15, 2026 2,500 519
Round 446 September 29, 2026 2,000 518
Round 443 September 15, 2026 2,000 519
Round 439 September 1, 2026 2,000 521
Round 436 August 18, 2026 1,000 523
Round 432 August 5, 2026 3,000 516

Notice something? A bigger draw does not always mean a lower score. A 3,000-invitation draw in August had a cut-off of 516, while a smaller 1,000-invitation draw later that month needed 523. The score depends on how many strong candidates are sitting near the top of the pool on the day, not just on how many invitations go out. It also means no one can accurately predict the next cut-off. IRCC does not promise the date, size, type or score of any future draw, so treat this result as a record of what happened and not as a forecast.

Who qualifies for the Canadian Experience Class?

A good score is only half the story. You also have to meet the program rules:

  • You need at least one year, or 1,560 hours, of paid, authorized work in Canada within the last three years. It can come from more than one job.
  • The work must fall under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3, and you must have done the main duties of that occupation.
  • Volunteer work, unpaid internships, work done while studying full-time and most self-employed work do not count.
  • You need CLB 7 in all four language abilities for TEER 0 or 1 jobs, or CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3 jobs.
  • You do not need a job offer, and there is no minimum education requirement, although your education can raise your CRS score.
  • Work experience gained in Quebec can count, but you must plan to live outside Quebec.

Meeting these rules makes you eligible, but it does not guarantee an invitation. IRCC ranks eligible profiles by CRS score and invites the highest ones for each round.

You got an invitation. What now?

Congratulations! Take a breath, then act carefully:

  • Open your IRCC account, confirm the program named in the invitation and note the deadline. An invitation is valid for 60 days, and the deadline in your account is the one that counts.
  • Gather proof of your work history, including duties, dates and hours. You may also need valid passports, language test results, police certificates, medical exam information and civil documents.
  • CEC applicants generally do not need to show proof of funds. If the system asks for it anyway, follow IRCC’s instructions.
  • Recalculate your score before you submit. If your situation changed and your score has dropped below 519, you should decline the invitation instead of submitting an application that no longer meets the draw’s requirements. Everything you declare must be accurate and backed by documents, because mistakes can cause serious processing and admissibility problems.

Applicants who live in Canada may also qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit after submitting their permanent residence application. If your current permit is about to expire while you wait for a decision on the bridging permit, maintained status may let you keep working under your old permit conditions as long as you stay in Canada. Qualifying family members may also be able to get open work permits.

Did not get an invitation? You are still in the game.

Your profile stays in the pool for 12 months, as long as it remains valid and you still qualify. Check the expiry date in your account. In the meantime, you can look at ways to raise your score, like a stronger language result, more eligible Canadian work experience or a new credential. Only update what you can truly prove.

How has 2026 looked so far?

This year IRCC has leaned toward candidates who already have ties to Canada, like provincial nominees and people with Canadian work experience. Across the year, IRCC has held these draws:

Draw type Number of draws
Provincial Nominee Program 20
Canadian Experience Class 18
French-Language proficiency 10
Physicians with Canadian work experience 3
Healthcare and social services 3
Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 3
Trades 2
Transport 1
Skilled Military Recruits 1

In total, IRCC has issued 138,467 invitations in 2026:

Draw type ITAs issued
Canadian Experience Class 57,750
French-Language proficiency 50,500
Healthcare and social services 11,500
Provincial Nominee Program 10,022
Trades 6,500
Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 1,000
Physicians with Canadian work experience 891
Transport 300
Skilled Military Recruits 4

And here is every Express Entry draw so far this year:

Date Draw Type CRS cut-off score ITAs issued
October 15 Canadian Experience Class 519 2,500
October 13 Provincial Nominee Program 772 752
October 1 Trades 476 3,500
September 29 Canadian Experience Class 518 2,000
September 28 Provincial Nominee Program 725 733
September 16 Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 389 250
September 15 Canadian Experience Class 519 2,000
September 14 Provincial Nominee Program 734 576
September 4 Healthcare and social services 475 3,500
September 3 Physicians with Canadian Work Experience 198 229
September 1 Canadian Experience Class 521 2,000
August 31 Provincial Nominee Program 697 562
August 19 French-Language proficiency 382 5,000
August 18 Canadian Experience Class 523 1,000
August 17 Provincial Nominee Program 760 442
August 7 Transport 470 300
August 6 French-Language proficiency 391 5,000
August 5 Canadian Experience Class 516 3,000
August 4 Provincial Nominee Program 768 507
July 23 Skilled Military Recruits 368 4
July 22 French-Language proficiency 399 5,000
July 21 Canadian Experience Class 516 2,000
July 20 Provincial Nominee Program 744 511
July 10 Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 392 500
July 9 French-Language proficiency 420 5,000
July 7 Canadian Experience Class 517 2,000
July 6 Provincial Nominee Program 708 534
June 25 Healthcare and social services 475 4,000
June 24 Physicians with Canadian Work Experience 223 271
June 23 Canadian Experience Class 516 4,000
June 22 Provincial Nominee Program 730 955
May 28 French-Language proficiency 409 4,500
May 27 Canadian Experience Class 518 3,000
May 25 Provincial Nominee Program 805 334
May 11 Provincial Nominee Program 798 380
April 29 French-Language proficiency 400 4,000
April 28 Canadian Experience Class 514 2,000
April 27 Provincial Nominee Program 795 473
April 15 French-Language proficiency 419 4,000
April 14 Canadian Experience Class 515 2,000
April 13 Provincial Nominee Program 786 324
April 2 Trades 477 3,000
March 31 Canadian Experience Class 509 2,250
March 30 Provincial Nominee Program 802 356
March 18 French-Language proficiency 393 4,000
March 17 Canadian Experience Class 507 4,000
March 16 Provincial Nominee Program 742 362
March 5 Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 429 250
March 4 French-Language proficiency 397 5,500
March 3 Canadian Experience Class 508 4,000
March 2 Provincial Nominee Program 710 264
February 20 Healthcare and social services 467 4,000
February 19 Physicians with Canadian Work Experience 169 391
February 17 Canadian Experience Class 508 6,000
February 16 Provincial Nominee Program 789 279
February 6 French-Language proficiency 400 8,500
February 3 Provincial Nominee Program 749 423
January 21 Canadian Experience Class 509 6,000
January 20 Provincial Nominee Program 746 681
January 7 Canadian Experience Class 511 8,000
January 5 Provincial Nominee Program 711 574

Do not leave your Canadian PR dream to chance

Reading draw results is the easy part. Knowing what your own score means, how to raise it, and whether Express Entry is even your best route is where most people get stuck. A small mistake in your profile, a wrongly claimed job duty or an expired language test can cost you an invitation, or worse, a refusal.

The October 15 draw showed once again that Canadian work experience matters, and that every single CRS point counts. Whether you are chasing a score of 519 or looking for a smarter pathway, such as a provincial nomination, you do not have to figure it out alone. We also help with work permits, postgraduate work permits, spousal sponsorship, visitor visas, super visas, citizenship applications and school admissions.

Book a consultation today at https://euiacademy.selar.com/30minutes, and let’s build a clear plan for your Canadian journey.

October 15, 2026
October 15, 2026

Manitoba invited 340 candidates in its October 8, 2026 MPNP draw

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Provincial nomination

Dear future neighbour,

Teachers, early childhood educators and healthcare workers in Manitoba got some very good news on October 8, 2026.

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) sent out 340 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) for provincial nomination. Of those, 211 went to workers in selected education and childcare jobs, 46 went to healthcare workers, and 83 went to candidates the province had recruited directly.

An LAA is the invitation that lets you move forward. Everyone who got one had 60 days to submit a complete provincial nomination application. Once a candidate is nominated, they can ask the MPNP for a work permit support letter and use it to apply for a federal work permit.

Candidates may also qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) after they submit their permanent residence application. Since June 9, 2026, a temporary public policy has eased some of the conditions for base PNP applicants, so they can apply for a BOWP much earlier than before.

Who got invited, and how?

This was the MPNP’s 20th draw. Here is the breakdown:

Stream/pathway Selection criteria Details LAAs issued
Skilled Worker in Manitoba pathway Occupation-specific selection Employment in a qualifying education or childcare occupation 211
Skilled Worker in Manitoba pathway Occupation-specific selection Employment in a healthcare occupation 46
Skilled Worker Stream – in Manitoba and overseas Direct invitation under a strategic recruitment initiative Invitation under one of five eligible recruitment initiatives 83

Out of the 340 people invited, 103 had declared a valid Express Entry profile number and job seeker validation code. Manitoba did not publish a cutoff score for any of the selection categories this time.

In total, 257 invitations went to workers already employed in Manitoba in education, childcare or healthcare, and the other 83 went to candidates the province had recruited directly.

The education and childcare group. Four occupations were selected, and candidates had to state in their Expression of Interest (EOI) that they were currently working in Manitoba in one of them:

  • Early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202)
  • Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants (NOC 43100)
  • Elementary school and kindergarten teachers (NOC 41221)
  • Secondary school teachers (NOC 41220)

The healthcare group. These 46 invitations went to people who said in their EOI that they were currently working in Manitoba in an occupation under Broad Occupational Category 3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC). That category covers a wide range of health roles, from patient-facing professionals to people who support health services. It has four major groups:

  • Assisting occupations in support of health services (code 33)
  • Professional occupations in health (code 31)
  • Specialized middle management occupations in healthcare (code 30)
  • Technical occupations in health (code 32)

The strategic recruitment group. The 83 LAAs in this group went to people in Manitoba and overseas who said they had been invited directly by the province, either through a strategic recruitment initiative or through the temporary public policy for prospective PNP candidates (now expired). Employer Services accounted for the biggest share:

Strategic recruitment initiative LAAs issued
Employer Services 45
Francophone Community 16
Regional Communities 12
Ethnocultural Communities 9
Temporary Public Policy to Facilitate Work Permits for Prospective Provincial Nominee Program Candidates (TPP) 1

What if you didn’t get an invitation?

Missing this draw doesn’t mean the road is closed. Manitoba’s Workforce Transition Bridge policy offers open work permits to some candidates who were not invited. It is meant to support up to 2,700 at-risk Manitoba workers, specifically MPNP candidates who held a provincial support letter and an active EOI profile as of December 31, 2025.

How is Manitoba doing in 2026 so far?

The MPNP publishes monthly Skilled Worker Stream figures. The latest ones cover January 1 to August 31, 2026. Manitoba’s nomination allocation for the year is 8,000, and 3,774 nominations had been issued by the end of August.

Month EOIs drawn Nominations issued Enhanced nominations Applications received Applications refused
January 102 483 154 292 95
February 101 425 146 237 38
March 60 389 129 104 35
April 340 444 143 109 95
May 1,002 408 128 554 55
June 228 505 186 589 53
July 2,989 433 141 739 66
August 794 687 246 1,132 47
Total 5,616 3,774 1,273 3,756 484

A quick note on two of the columns. “EOIs drawn” counts candidates who were pulled from the pool and given an LAA. The refusals column counts people who received an LAA that month, applied for nomination, and were refused.

One more figure worth knowing: applications “in assessment” means a provincial officer has been assigned to the file but no final decision has gone out yet. That number was 2,605 in January, dropped to 1,575 in April, and stood at 2,279 by the end of August.

Ready to find your own route to Manitoba, or anywhere in Canada?

Draws like this one move fast, and the details decide who gets picked. Occupation codes, what you write in your EOI, your current job in the province and your timing can all make the difference between waiting and being invited. If you are a teacher, childcare worker or healthcare professional in Manitoba, or you want to be, the right plan matters.

That is where we come in. Book a consultation at https://euiacademy.selar.com/60minutes and let’s look at where you stand. We help with provincial nomination, Express Entry, work permits, postgraduate work permits, spousal sponsorship, visitor visas, super visas, citizenship applications, school admissions and more. Pick your time, bring your questions, and take the next step toward your Canadian dream.

October 15, 2026
October 15, 2026

Canada invites 752 Provincial Nominees on October 13, 2026

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Express Entry

Dear future neighbour,

Let’s face it, a score of 772 sounds impossible. That was the lowest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score invited in the October 13, 2026 draw, where Canada invited 752 provincial nominees to apply for permanent residence. Before you decide it is out of reach, let’s look at what that number really means for someone hoping to be nominated.

See below details of October 13 Express Entry draw

Draw Detail Information
Draw number 448
Date and time October 13, 2026 at 10:25:58
Round type Provincial Nominee Program
Invitations issued 752
CRS cutoff 772
Tie-breaking rule July 15, 2026

Is 772 too high to aim for?

Not really. An accepted provincial nomination adds 600 points to your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Take those away, and the lowest invited score comes to 172 from your age, education, language results and work experience.

The 772 applies only to this nominee round. It is not a general requirement for Express Entry. Other draws, like Canadian Experience Class draws, have much lower cutoffs because they cover different groups.

The tie-breaking timestamp is just an ordering tool. If several people were tied at 772, those who submitted their profiles before July 15, 2026 ranked first. It adds no points and is not an extra requirement.

How does the nomination route work?

You need to qualify for at least one federal Express Entry program (Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades or Canadian Experience Class). A province or territory then has to select you. Once you accept the nomination in your IRCC account, your score goes up by 600, and you become eligible for nominee-only draws.

Each province sets its own rules and expects you to genuinely plan to live and work there. Even after a nomination, the federal government still checks your documents and admissibility.

What do recent nominee draws look like?

PNP round Date Invitations CRS cutoff
448 October 13, 2026 752 772
445 September 28, 2026 733 725
442 September 14, 2026 576 734
438 August 31, 2026 562 697
435 August 17, 2026 442 760
431 August 4, 2026 507 768

Notice that more invitations does not always mean a lower cutoff. The October 13 round invited 19 more people than September 28, yet the cutoff rose by 47 points. Canada also decides the timing and size of every draw and promises no schedule, so these numbers show a range, not what comes next.

What should you do next?

If you are invited, you generally have 60 calendar days to submit a complete application, and the exact deadline is in your IRCC account. Start gathering your passport, language results, education assessment, work letters, police certificates and medical exam early. Report any change in your situation honestly, and if your recalculated score falls below the round’s cutoff, decline the invitation.

If you have not been invited yet, stay in the pool, keep your profile valid, and work on what you can control, like a stronger language result or more qualifying work experience. Research the province where you truly plan to live and work.

Are You Ready to Turn Your Nomination Goal Into a Real Plan?

The October 13 draw showed how much a provincial nomination can change your chances. The right province, stream and timing make all the difference, and the best route depends on your own profile.

Book a consultation with our team at https://euiacademy.selar.com/30minutes and let us look at your situation together. Whether you need help with provincial nomination, Express Entry, work permits, postgraduate work permits, spousal sponsorship, visitor visas, super visas, citizenship applications or school admissions, we can help you find your next step.

October 2, 2026
October 2, 2026

Canada invited 3,500 Tradespeople to apply for PR on October 1, 2026

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Express Entry

Dear future neighbour,

Canada’s first Express Entry draw of October landed on October 1, 2026, and it was great news for skilled tradespeople. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) sent out 3,500 invitations to apply for permanent residence, and the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score was 476.

If you work in a trade and have been wondering whether your profile stands a real chance, this draw gives you a clear picture. It was draw number 447, and it was only the second Trades-focused draw of 2026.

See below details of October 1 draw:

Draw detail October 1 result
Express Entry draw number 447
Category Trades Occupations, 2026-Version 3
Invitations issued 3,500
Minimum CRS score 476
Rank required 3,500 or above
Draw date October 1, 2026 
Tie-breaking rule May 28, 2026 at 16:55:23 UTC

Who can be invited in a Trades draw?

Having a high score alone was not enough. To be invited, a candidate had to qualify for the Trades category and also be eligible for at least one of the programs managed through Express Entry: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program or the Canadian Experience Class.

For the Trades category itself, IRCC asks for the following:

  • At least 12 months of full-time work experience in the last three years, or the same amount in part-time hours.
  • The experience must be in a single eligible trade occupation.
  • It does not have to be continuous.
  • It can be from Canada or from outside Canada.
  • The trade does not have to be your main occupation. What matters is that you did the work.

This is the list of eligible occupations:

Eligible occupation NOC 2021
Construction estimators 22303
Construction managers 70010
Home building and renovation managers 70011
Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors 72100
Sheet metal workers 72102
Welders and related machine operators 72106
Electricians, except industrial and power system 72200
Industrial electricians 72201
Plumbers 72300
Gas fitters 72302
Carpenters 72310
Cabinetmakers 72311
Bricklayers 72320
Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics 72400
Heavy-duty equipment mechanics 72401
Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics 72402
Electrical mechanics 72422
Water well drillers 72501
Other technical trades and related occupations 72999
Concrete finishers 73100
Roofers and shinglers 73110
Painters and decorators, except interior decorators 73112
Floor covering installers 73113
Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services 82021
Butchers, retail and wholesale 63201

One more thing worth knowing: category-based draws are not a separate immigration program. You still have to qualify through the regular Express Entry system first, then meet the extra category requirements on top.

How this draw compares with the last Trades draw

The previous Trades draw took place on April 2, 2026. It invited 3,000 candidates at a CRS score of 477. This time, IRCC invited 500 more people (3,500) and the cut-off score dipped by just one point to 476. That is a handy reference point if your score is close to that range, although one draw’s cut-off is never a promise for the next one.

Where this draw fits into 2026

With this round, Canada has held 59 Express Entry draws so far this year. Here is the full list of draws:

Date Draw Type CRS cut-off score ITAs issued
October 1 Trades 476 3,500
September 29 Canadian Experience Class 518 2,000
September 28 Provincial Nominee Program 725 733
September 16 Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 389 250
September 15 Canadian Experience Class 519 2,000
September 14 Provincial Nominee Program 734 576
September 4 Healthcare and social services 475 3,500
September 3 Physicians with Canadian Work Experience 198 229
September 1 Canadian Experience Class 521 2,000
August 31 Provincial Nominee Program 697 562
August 19 French-Language proficiency 382 5,000
August 18 Canadian Experience Class 523 1,000
August 17 Provincial Nominee Program 760 442
August 7 Transport 470 300
August 6 French-Language proficiency 391 5,000
August 5 Canadian Experience Class 516 3,000
August 4 Provincial Nominee Program 768 507
July 23 Skilled Military Recruits 368 4
July 22 French-Language proficiency 399 5,000
July 21 Canadian Experience Class 516 2,000
July 20 Provincial Nominee Program 744 511
July 10 Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 392 500
July 9 French-Language proficiency 420 5,000
July 7 Canadian Experience Class 517 2,000
July 6 Provincial Nominee Program 708 534
June 25 Healthcare and social services 475 4,000
June 24 Physicians with Canadian Work Experience 223 271
June 23 Canadian Experience Class 516 4,000
June 22 Provincial Nominee Program 730 955
May 28 French-Language proficiency 409 4,500
May 27 Canadian Experience Class 518 3,000
May 25 Provincial Nominee Program 805 334
May 11 Provincial Nominee Program 798 380
April 29 French-Language proficiency 400 4,000
April 28 Canadian Experience Class 514 2,000
April 27 Provincial Nominee Program 795 473
April 15 French-Language proficiency 419 4,000
April 14 Canadian Experience Class 515 2,000
April 13 Provincial Nominee Program 786 324
April 2 Trades 477 3,000
March 31 Canadian Experience Class 509 2,250
March 30 Provincial Nominee Program 802 356
March 18 French-Language proficiency 393 4,000
March 17 Canadian Experience Class 507 4,000
March 16 Provincial Nominee Program 742 362
March 5 Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 429 250
March 4 French-Language proficiency 397 5,500
March 3 Canadian Experience Class 508 4,000
March 2 Provincial Nominee Program 710 264
February 20 Healthcare and social services 467 4,000
February 19 Physicians with Canadian Work Experience 169 391
February 17 Canadian Experience Class 508 6,000
February 16 Provincial Nominee Program 789 279
February 6 French-Language proficiency 400 8,500
February 3 Provincial Nominee Program 749 423
January 21 Canadian Experience Class 509 6,000
January 20 Provincial Nominee Program 746 681
January 7 Canadian Experience Class 511 8,000
January 5 Provincial Nominee Program 711 574

Here is how those draws break down by type:

Draw Type Number of Draws
Provincial Nominee Program 19
Canadian Experience Class 17
French-Language proficiency 10
Physicians with Canadian work experience 3
Healthcare and social services 3
Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 3
Trades 2
Transport 1
Skilled Military Recruits 1

And here are the invitations issued so far, 135,215 in total:

Draw type ITAs Issued
Canadian Experience Class 55,250
French-Language proficiency 50,500
Provincial Nominee Program 9,270
Healthcare and social services 11,500
Trades 6,500
Transport 300
Physicians with Canadian work experience 891
Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 1,000
Skilled Military Recruits 4

The pattern is easy to spot. Most invitations this year have gone to people with a connection to Canada, mainly provincial nominees and those with Canadian work experience. Trades is one of the smaller streams, but it clearly has real weight behind it, with 6,500 invitations across its two draws.

Didn’t get an invitation this time?

Don’t let it discourage you. Keep your profile accurate, and keep an eye out for honest ways to improve your CRS score. Also remember that you can qualify under more than one category, so being eligible for Trades does not stop you from being picked in a different type of draw later.

Ready to turn your trade experience into a Canadian PR? Let’s talk

Here is the short version: Canada invited 3,500 tradespeople to apply for permanent residence on October 1, 2026, with a minimum score of 476. Whether you are invited depends on far more than your score. It depends on your trade experience, your documents, your NOC match and how well your whole profile is put together. One small mistake can cost you time, money or even your application.

That is where we come in. Our team can review your situation and guide you toward the right pathway, whether that is Express Entry, provincial nomination, work permits, postgraduate work permits, spousal sponsorship, visitor visas, super visas, citizenship applications or school admissions. Don’t leave your Canadian dream to guesswork. Book your consultation today at https://euiacademy.selar.com/60minutes and let’s take the next step together.

Canada latest Express Entry
September 30, 2026
September 30, 2026

Canada sends 2,000 PR invitations to CEC candidates on September 29, 2026

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Express Entry

Dear future neighbour,

Waiting in the Express Entry pool with a CRS score in the 500s can feel endless. On September 29, 2026, Canada gave 2,000 candidates the news they were waiting for.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw and sent out 2,000 invitations to apply for permanent residence. The lowest score that made the cut was 518.

Who got picked?

Anyone with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score above 518 was invited. Candidates at exactly 518 also needed to have created their profile before 8:48 p.m. UTC on February 13, 2026. When people tie on the lowest score, IRCC picks whoever has waited longest. A date that far back shows a lot of candidates were bunched up around 518.

Detail Value
Draw Number 446
Program Canadian Experience Class
Date September 29, 2026
Invitations Issued 2,000
CRS of Lowest-Ranked Candidate 518
Tie-Breaking Rule February 13, 2026, at 20:48:08 UTC

The cutoff keeps inching down

The CEC cutoff has dropped in each of its last three draws:

Draw Date CRS Cutoff Change from Previous
August 18 523 +7
September 1 521 -2
September 15 519 -2
September 29 518 -1

The August 18 draw invited only 1,000 candidates, and the cutoff jumped seven points. Since then, IRCC has gone back to 2,000 invitations per round, and the cutoff has eased each time.

The year so far

Canada has now held 58 Express Entry draws in 2026 and issued 131,715 invitations.

Draw Type Number of Draws
Provincial Nominee Program 19
Canadian Experience Class 17
French-Language proficiency 10
Physicians with Canadian work experience 3
Healthcare and social services 3
Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 3
Trades 1
Transport 1
Skilled Military Recruits 1
Draw type ITAs Issued
Canadian Experience Class 55,250
French-Language proficiency 50,500
Provincial Nominee Program 9,270
Healthcare and social services 11,500
Trades 3,000
Transport 300
Physicians with Canadian work experience 891
Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 1,000
Skilled Military Recruits 4

Got an invitation? Move fast

You have 60 days to submit your permanent residence application, and an expired invitation can’t be brought back. Start gathering your documents right away.

If you’re already working in Canada, you may also qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit once your application is submitted. If your current permit expires before the bridging permit is finalized, you can keep working under maintained status while you stay in Canada. Eligible family members may qualify for an open work permit too.

Didn’t make the cut? Try:

  • Boosting your language scores. Stronger English or French results are a common way to raise your CRS.
  • Adding French. Reaching NCLC 7 or higher can open the door to French-language draws, where cutoffs ranged from 382 to 420 this year.
  • Watching category draws. Healthcare (467 to 475), trades (477), and transport (470) all came in below the CEC cutoffs.
  • Aiming for a provincial nomination. It adds 600 CRS points, more than enough to clear every cutoff seen this year.

Turn Your CRS Score Into an Invitation to Apply

To sum up, Canada invited 2,000 CEC candidates on September 29, 2026, with a cutoff of 518, the third drop in a row. Whether you were invited and need a strong application, or you’re a few points short and need a smarter plan, the right guidance can save you months.

Our team supports provincial nomination, Express Entry, work permits, postgraduate work permits, spousal sponsorship, visiting visas, super visas, citizenship applications, school admissions, and more. Book a consultation here and let’s find your best route to Canada: https://euiacademy.selar.com/30minutes

September 29, 2026
September 29, 2026

Alberta invited at least 380 workers to apply for Provincial Nomination between September 10 and 23, 2026

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Canada, Provincial nomination

Dear future neighbour,

Trying to move to Canada permanently and wondering which province is actually inviting people right now? Alberta just gave a clear answer.

Between September 10 and 23, 2026, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) held several draws and invited at least 380 candidates to apply for provincial nomination. Most of the invitations went to workers in healthcare, tech, manufacturing and agriculture.

Being invited is a big step, but it isn’t the finish line. Candidates who received an invitation can now submit their nomination application to the province. Those the province approves can then apply to the federal government for Canadian permanent residence.

There is also some good news for people who are already working in Canada. Once a provincial nominee has submitted a permanent residence application, they can apply for a bridging open work permit. This permit lets them keep working while the application is processed.

Nominees under the Alberta Opportunity Stream may get even more help. Since June 9, 2026, a temporary federal measure has let qualifying nominees under base provincial nomination programs apply for this work permit months earlier than before. The measure is scheduled to remain in place until December 31, 2026, so the timing matters if you fall into this group.

Here is a breakdown of the draws.

Draw date Stream/pathway Invitations issued Minimum score
Sept. 23 Alberta Opportunity Stream 113 58
Sept. 22 Alberta Express Entry Stream – Accelerated Tech Pathway 100 59
Sept. 21 Alberta Express Entry Stream – Law Enforcement Pathway <10 49
Sept. 18 Alberta Express Entry Stream – Priority Sectors (Health Care) 100 62
Sept. 15 Alberta Express Entry Stream – Priority Sectors (Agriculture) 18 60
Sept. 10 Alberta Express Entry Stream – Priority Sectors (Manufacturing) 48 60

A few of these draws set records for 2026 so far:

  • Sept. 23, Alberta Opportunity Stream: the lowest number of invitations for this type of draw this year.
  • Sept. 18, Health Care: the highest number of invitations for a priority sector draw this year.
  • Sept. 15, Agriculture: the highest minimum score for this type of draw this year.
  • Sept. 10, Manufacturing: also the highest minimum score for this type of draw this year.

Almost all of these draws matched the priorities Alberta announced at the start of 2026, which also include construction, aviation and rural settlement. The two exceptions were the Sept. 21 and Sept. 23 rounds.

How big is the competition?

Numbers tell the story best. This table shows how many workers currently have active profiles in the pool, compared with how many invitations have gone out in 2026. The figures are current to Sept. 23.

Stream/pathway Workers with active profiles Invitations issued
Alberta Opportunity Stream 22,315 8,296
Rural Renewal Stream 1,736 1,043
Tourism and Hospitality Stream 3,275 227
Dedicated Health Care Pathways (EE + non-EE) 1,222 895
Alberta Express Entry – Accelerated Tech Pathway 1,992 1,466
Alberta Express Entry – Law Enforcement Pathway 45 <50
Alberta Express Entry – Priority sector draws/initiatives 5,011 >1,156

So far in 2026, Alberta has held 80 draws and issued at least 13,089 invitations.

What does this mean for you? Alberta is inviting people steadily, and the province clearly has a type. Workers in healthcare, tech, manufacturing, agriculture and a few other priority areas are getting the most attention. The Alberta Opportunity Stream has the biggest pool of candidates, so competition there is stiff. Smaller pools like Tourism and Hospitality still have a lot of profiles compared with the invitations issued, which shows how important it is to choose the right stream and have a strong profile before you enter the pool.

Ready to Turn Your Alberta Dream Into a Real Plan?

Alberta’s numbers show that opportunities are there, but they go to people who are prepared. Between the different streams, minimum scores, priority sectors and work permit options, it is easy to pick the wrong path or miss a deadline. You don’t have to figure it out alone.

Book a consultation with our team and we will look at your situation, your work background and your goals, then point you to the pathway that gives you the best chance. We help with provincial nomination, Express Entry, work permits, postgraduate work permits, spousal sponsorship, visitor visas, super visas, citizenship applications, school admissions and more.

Your next step is one click away: Book your consultation here

September 29, 2026
September 29, 2026

Canada invites 733 Provincial Nominees in the September 28, 2026 Express Entry Draw

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Canada, Express Entry

Dear future neighbour,

Holding a provincial nomination and wondering when your invitation would come? For 733 candidates, the wait ended on September 28, 2026, when Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a draw just for Express Entry candidates with a provincial nomination.

Let’s walk through what happened, what it means, and what to do next if you were invited or hope to be in the next round.

The draw at a glance

Draw Detail Value
Draw Category Provincial Nominee Program
Date of Draw September 28, 2026
Number of Invitations Issued 733
CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate 725
Tie-Breaking Rule September 17, 2026

To get an invitation, a candidate needed a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 725. 

The profile date only mattered for people who scored exactly 725. Anyone above 725 received an invitation no matter when they created their profile. Among those at exactly 725, only profiles submitted before that timestamp made the cut.

Why is the score so high?

A cutoff of 725 looks scary until you know the trick behind it. A provincial nomination adds 600 points to a candidate’s CRS score. So a nominated candidate with a base score of around 125 could reach that cutoff, as long as they met every program requirement and the tie-breaking rule.

That is also why you should never compare a provincial nominee cutoff with the cutoff for the Canadian Experience Class or a category-based draw. Those candidates don’t get the 600-point boost, so the numbers don’t measure the same thing.

How this draw compares to the last one

The previous provincial nominee draw was on September 14. It invited 576 candidates with a cutoff of 734. This time, the cutoff dropped by 9 points to 725, and the number of invitations rose by about 27%.

It was also the biggest provincial nominee draw since June 22, when 955 candidates were invited at a cutoff of 730. Looking at the calendar, these draws have been landing roughly every two weeks since July.

Express Entry draws so far in 2026

The September 28 round was the 57th Express Entry draw of the year. Here is the full list.

Date Draw Type CRS cut-off score ITAs issued
September 28 Provincial Nominee Program 725 733
September 16 Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 389 250
September 15 Canadian Experience Class 519 2,000
September 14 Provincial Nominee Program 734 576
September 4 Healthcare and social services 475 3,500
September 3 Physicians with Canadian Work Experience 198 229
September 1 Canadian Experience Class 521 2,000
August 31 Provincial Nominee Program 697 562
August 19 French-Language proficiency 382 5,000
August 18 Canadian Experience Class 523 1,000
August 17 Provincial Nominee Program 760 442
August 7 Transport 470 300
August 6 French-Language proficiency 391 5,000
August 5 Canadian Experience Class 516 3,000
August 4 Provincial Nominee Program 768 507
July 23 Skilled Military Recruits 368 4
July 22 French-Language proficiency 399 5,000
July 21 Canadian Experience Class 516 2,000
July 20 Provincial Nominee Program 744 511
July 10 Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 392 500
July 9 French-Language proficiency 420 5,000
July 7 Canadian Experience Class 517 2,000
July 6 Provincial Nominee Program 708 534
June 25 Healthcare and social services 475 4,000
June 24 Physicians with Canadian Work Experience 223 271
June 23 Canadian Experience Class 516 4,000
June 22 Provincial Nominee Program 730 955
May 28 French-Language proficiency 409 4,500
May 27 Canadian Experience Class 518 3,000
May 25 Provincial Nominee Program 805 334
May 11 Provincial Nominee Program 798 380
April 29 French-Language proficiency 400 4,000
April 28 Canadian Experience Class 514 2,000
April 27 Provincial Nominee Program 795 473
April 15 French-Language proficiency 419 4,000
April 14 Canadian Experience Class 515 2,000
April 13 Provincial Nominee Program 786 324
April 2 Trades 477 3,000
March 31 Canadian Experience Class 509 2,250
March 30 Provincial Nominee Program 802 356
March 18 French-Language proficiency 393 4,000
March 17 Canadian Experience Class 507 4,000
March 16 Provincial Nominee Program 742 362
March 5 Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 429 250
March 4 French-Language proficiency 397 5,500
March 3 Canadian Experience Class 508 4,000
March 2 Provincial Nominee Program 710 264
February 20 Healthcare and social services 467 4,000
February 19 Physicians with Canadian work experience 169 391
February 17 Canadian Experience Class 508 6,000
February 16 Provincial Nominee Program 789 279
February 6 French-Language proficiency 400 8,500
February 3 Provincial Nominee Program 749 423
January 21 Canadian Experience Class 509 6,000
January 20 Provincial Nominee Program 746 681
January 7 Canadian Experience Class 511 8,000
January 5 Provincial Nominee Program 711 574

The pattern is clear. Candidates with existing ties to Canada, meaning provincial nominees and people with Canadian work experience, have featured heavily in 2026 selections. Here is how the year has looked by draw type.

Draw Type Number of Draws
Provincial Nominee Program 19
Canadian Experience Class 16
French-Language proficiency 10
Physicians with Canadian work experience 3
Healthcare and social services 3
Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 3
Trades 1
Transport 1
Skilled Military Recruits 1

In total, IRCC has issued 129,715 invitations to apply (ITAs) this year.

Draw Type ITAs Issued
Canadian Experience Class 53,250
French-Language proficiency 50,500
Provincial Nominee Program 9,270
Healthcare and social services 11,500
Trades 3,000
Transport 300
Physicians with Canadian work experience 891
Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 1,000
Skilled Military Recruits 4

Where everyone else stands in the pool

Not everyone in the pool was competing in this draw, so it helps to see the bigger picture. This is how candidates were spread across CRS scores as of September 27, 2026.

CRS score range Number of candidates
601-1200 728
501-600 21,070
451-500 73,131
491-500 12,745
481-490 12,817
471-480 16,465
461-470 16,257
451-460 14,847
401-450 62,611
441-450 13,677
431-440 13,419
421-430 12,173
411-420 11,888
401-410 11,454
351-400 47,298
301-350 17,359
0-300 7,707
Total 229,904

You got an invitation. What now?

First, take a breath, then get moving. You have exactly 60 calendar days to submit a complete permanent residence application through your Express Entry account. There are no extensions. If the deadline passes, the invitation expires and your profile is removed from the pool. You would then have to build a brand new profile and wait to be selected again.

Start gathering your documents right away. Depending on your situation, you may need:

  • Proof of your work experience
  • Valid language test results
  • Police certificates
  • An immigration medical exam
  • An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), if you are using education completed outside Canada to qualify or to claim CRS points

Then there is the money side. Since April 30, 2026, the government fees are:

  • $990 per adult for processing, plus $600 per adult for the right of permanent residence fee. That is $1,590 per adult.
  • $270 for each dependent child under 22, with no right of permanent residence fee.
  • $85 per person for biometrics, capped at $170 per family.

These figures don’t cover third-party costs like medical exams, police certificates, language tests, or ECAs, which vary by country and provider.

IRCC has a six-month service standard for Express Entry provincial nominee applications. Real processing times can run longer depending on application volumes, background checks, and how complete your file is. Always check IRCC’s processing-time tool for the latest estimate.

If you are already working in Canada and your work permit is close to expiring, a bridging open work permit may keep you working while your PR application is processed. For provincial nominees, the usual conditions are:

  • You are the principal applicant.
  • You live in Canada and plan to live outside Quebec.
  • You submitted a complete PR application that passed the completeness check, and you received an acknowledgement of receipt.
  • Your provincial nomination doesn’t attach any employment restrictions.

If your current permit runs out before the bridging permit is approved, you may be able to keep working under the same conditions through maintained status, as long as you stay in Canada. Family members may also qualify for a bridging open work permit.

Not nominated yet? Here’s what to do

Provincial nominees are still in a strong position in these draws because of that 600-point boost. If you don’t have a nomination yet, keep a close eye on the official provincial immigration pages. Intake windows, targeted occupations, eligibility rules, and nomination spots can change during the year.

You can pursue more than one province at the same time, depending on each program’s rules. Just remember that you can accept only one provincial nomination at a time, and you must truly plan to live in the province that nominates you.

Ready to Turn a Nomination Into Permanent Residence?

A cutoff score, a 60-day deadline, and a stack of documents can make the process feel like a maze. One missed form or expired document can cost you months. You don’t have to figure it out alone.

At Ese Umoh Immigration, we support clients through provincial nomination, Express Entry, work permits, postgraduate work permits, spousal sponsorship, visitor visas, super visas, citizenship applications, school admissions, and more. Whether you are waiting on a nomination, holding an invitation, or still deciding which pathway fits you, we can look at your situation and give you a clear next step.

The September 28 draw invited 733 provincial nominees at a cutoff of 725, the biggest nominee round since June. Holding an invitation means the clock is ticking, and not having one yet means the right strategy matters even more. Whichever side you are on, book your consultation here and let’s plan your next move together: https://euiacademy.selar.com/60minutes

September 23, 2026
September 23, 2026

Planning to Start a Business in BC? See What the Latest PNP Draw Means for You

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Provincial nomination

Dear future neighbour,

British Columbia isn’t slowing down on entrepreneur immigration. On September 22, the province handed out another round of invitations through the BC Provincial Nominee Program’s Entrepreneur Immigration category, this time reaching 10 candidates under the Base Stream and fewer than five under the Regional Stream.

For anyone dreaming of starting or buying a business in BC while building a life in Canada, this draw is worth paying attention to, both for what it says about current demand and for how competitive the process has become.

What happened in this round

Both entrepreneur streams were tapped in this invitation round, with the bulk going to Base Stream applicants. To make the cut, candidates in either stream needed a score of at least 119.

Stream Invitations issued Minimum score
Base Stream 10 119
Regional Stream <5 119

119 is the highest score the Base Stream has required since February, and the highest for the Regional Stream since March. In plain terms, it’s getting harder to land an invitation, and applicants with stronger profiles are being prioritized.

This was British Columbia’s tenth entrepreneur-focused round this year, part of 17 total draws across both streams so far in 2026 (10 for Base, seven for Regional). Here’s how the year has unfolded:

Date of draw Stream Minimum score Invitations issued
22 Sep Base 119 10
Regional 119 <5
25 Aug Base 116 11
Regional 116 5
28 Jul Base 117 10
30 Jun Base 118 14
Regional 113 <5
2 Jun Base 117 15
Regional 117 <5
5 May Base 115 8
Regional 115 <5
14 Apr Base 115 14
10 Mar Base 117 7
Regional 129 <5
10 Feb Base 121 13
Regional 105 <5
14 Jan Base 115 7

So far this year, BC has issued at least 114 entrepreneur invitations, and when you add in Skills Immigration invitations (over 5,300), the province has sent out more than 5,414 invitations across its PNP streams in 2026 alone.

Base Stream or Regional Stream, which one fits you?

This is usually the first question entrepreneurs ask, and honestly, it comes down to where you want to set up shop and what resources you’re bringing to the table.

The Base Stream works for anyone planning to launch a new business anywhere in BC, or take over and grow an existing one. The Regional Stream is built for those willing to set up outside Metro Vancouver, and it asks for a lower net worth and investment in exchange for that regional commitment, plus a couple of extra steps like a community referral and an exploratory visit.

See below a side-by-side look:

Criteria Base Stream Regional Stream
Business type Launch a new business or take over and grow an existing one Launch a new business outside Metro Vancouver
Business experience 3 years as owner-manager in the last 10 years 3 years as owner-manager in the last 5 years
Education Post-secondary credential Post-secondary credential
Minimum language proficiency CLB 4 CLB 4
Minimum personal net worth $600,000 $300,000
Minimum investment $200,000 $100,000
Minimum ownership 33.33% 51%
Community referral required? No Yes
Exploratory visit required? No Yes
Minimum registration score 115/200 105/200
Co-applicant registration permitted? Yes No

Note that if you don’t have a post-secondary credential, you can still qualify as long as you’ve owned and actively managed a business full-time for at least three of the last five years.

How the process actually works

Once you’ve picked your stream, the road to permanent residence looks roughly like this:

  • Regional Stream applicants first choose a participating community and complete an exploratory visit to secure a referral
  • Build a solid business proposal
  • Register with the BCPNP and get scored on your human capital and economic profile
  • Wait to be invited in a future draw
  • Submit your provincial nomination application within four months of getting invited
  • Once approved, apply to the federal government for a work permit
  • Relocate to BC and get your business up and running
  • Receive your provincial nomination once you’ve met all program requirements

There’s also good news for timing. Since June 9, 2026, nominees applying for permanent residence through a base PNP pathway can apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit much sooner. A temporary federal measure now removes the requirement to wait for an Acknowledgement of Receipt before applying, which shaves valuable time off the process for those who’ve submitted their business performance agreement.

Ready to turn your business plan into a Canadian future?

Between rising score thresholds and a process with several moving parts, from picking the right stream to building a proposal that actually scores well, entrepreneur immigration isn’t something to figure out alone. This latest BC draw is a clear sign that opportunities are still open, but competition is climbing, and the details (your net worth, your ownership share, your business plan) all matter to your final score.

If you’re an entrepreneur thinking about establishing or buying a business in British Columbia, now is a good time to get your eligibility and paperwork in order. Book a consultation with us at https://euiacademy.selar.com/30minutes and let’s build a strategy around provincial nomination, work permits, or whichever pathway fits your business goals best.

September 16, 2026
September 16, 2026

Canada issues 2,000 New Express Entry invitations to Canadian Experience Class candidates

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Canada

Dear future neighbour,

Canada kept its Express Entry momentum going on September 15, 2026, when Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited another 2,000 candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) to apply for permanent residence. 

See below details of September 15 Express Entry draw:

  • Category: Canadian Experience Class
  • Draw Date: September 15, 2026
  • No. of Invitations: 2,000
  • CRS Cutoff Score: 519
  • Tie-Breaking Rule: March 26, 2026

This was actually the third CEC draw in a row where the score requirement went down. It fell from 523 on August 18, to 521 on September 1, and now to 519. That’s good news if you’ve been sitting just below the cut-off and watching your score creep closer. It suggests the sharp spike we saw in August, when IRCC issued only 1,000 invitations and pushed the score requirement to its highest point of the year, was more of a one-off than a new normal. Since then, invitation numbers have gone back up to 2,000 per round, and the score needed has been easing back down with them.

With this round, Canada has now held 55 Express Entry draws so far in 2026, bringing the total number of invitations issued this year to well over 120,000.

Who this draw was really for

The Canadian Experience Class is built for people who already have skilled work experience in Canada. To qualify, you generally need:

  • At least 12 months of full-time (or the part-time equivalent) skilled work in Canada, in a job classified under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3, completed within the three years before you apply
  • A minimum language score of CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 jobs, or CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3 jobs, in English or French
  • An intention to live outside Quebec

One thing that makes CEC stand out from some of the other Express Entry categories is that you don’t need to show proof of funds. If your work was gained through a valid work permit, including a Post-Graduation Work Permit, and your job matches the NOC code on your profile, that experience should count. Just make sure your paperwork, like pay stubs and reference letters, backs it up.

There’s also a helpful safety net for people already in Canada on a work permit that’s about to expire while their Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) application is still being processed. As long as you stay in Canada, you can keep working under your existing conditions while IRCC finalizes things, and eligible family members may qualify for a BOWP too.

See below how the recent CEC draws have trended

Draw Date Invitations Issued CRS Cut-off
April 28, 2026 2,000 514
May 27, 2026 3,000 518
June 23, 2026 4,000 516
July 7, 2026 2,000 517
July 21, 2026 2,000 516
August 5, 2026 3,000 516
August 18, 2026 1,000 523
September 1, 2026 2,000 521
September 15, 2026 2,000 519

If you have your sights on permanent residence through Canadian Experience Class, the pattern here matters. Smaller draws tend to push scores up, while larger draws bring them back down. So if your CRS score is close to the 510-520 range, staying active and keeping your profile updated really can pay off within just a few rounds.

Once invited, candidates have 60 calendar days to submit a complete application, so it helps to have your documents ready well before an ITA lands in your inbox.

Not sure where you stand? Let’s find out together

Every draw tells a slightly different story, and CRS cut-offs can shift from one round to the next depending on how many people are in the pool and how big IRCC decides to make that draw. If your score is close to the mark, or if you’re not sure which Express Entry category fits your background best, the smartest move is to get a clear picture of your options before the next draw happens, not after.

At Ese Umoh Immigration, we help people navigate exactly this kind of decision, whether it’s positioning your profile for Express Entry, exploring a provincial nomination, applying for a work permit or postgraduate work permit, sponsoring a spouse, planning a visit or super visa, working toward citizenship, or even sorting out school admissions. Book a consultation with us today at https://euiacademy.selar.com/30minutes and let’s discuss the right path for your Canadian journey.

 

September 14, 2026
September 14, 2026

Canada invites 576 PNP candidates in latest Express Entry draw

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Express Entry

Dear future neighbour,

If you’ve been holding a provincial nomination and waiting for your shot at permanent residence, Canada just gave out some good news.

Today, September 14, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) ran another Express Entry draw, and this one was just for people who already had a provincial nomination.

See below details of September 14 Express Entry draw

  • Draw Date: September 14, 2026
  • Draw Category: Provincial Nominee Program
  • No. of Invitations: 576
  • CRS Cutoff Score: 734
  • Tie-Breaking Rule: August 29, 2026

Two weeks before this, on August 31, a similar draw invited 562 people at a cutoff of just 697 – the lowest score all year for this category. This time, the score jumped up to 734, that’s 37 points higher. It’s a good reminder that these scores can move quite a bit in a short space of time, so what worked two weeks ago doesn’t always work today.

This was actually the 18th draw this year reserved just for provincial nominees, and the cutoff score has ranged anywhere from 697 to 805 in 2026. So while 734 might sound high if you’re just starting out, it’s actually pretty average for the year.

Here’s how invitations have been spread across the different Express Entry categories so far in 2026:

Draw Type ITAs Issued (2026 so far)
Canadian Experience Class 51,250
French-Language proficiency 50,500
Healthcare and social services 11,500
Provincial Nominee Program 8,537
Trades 3,000
Physicians with Canadian work experience 891
Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 750
Transport 300
Skilled Military Recruits 4

What this really tells you is that Express Entry isn’t just one lane – there are several ways people are getting invited. But a provincial nomination is still one of the strongest tools you can have, because it adds a big 600 points to your score the moment it’s confirmed.

What happens after you get the invite

Getting invited is exciting, but it’s really just the beginning. You now have 60 days to put together and submit your full application for permanent residence. That time disappears fast once you factor in medical exams, police certificates, language test results, and anything else still outstanding. And missing that deadline isn’t just a delay – your profile gets removed from the pool completely, meaning you’d have to start all over again.

One thing worth knowing if you’re already working in Canada: if your current work permit is due to expire before a decision comes back on your PR application, you may be able to apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit. This lets you keep working under your current conditions while everything gets processed, and sometimes your family members can apply for one too.

Let’s Discuss Your Path to Canada Together

Express Entry moves fast, and the score you need can shift by dozens of points in just two weeks. Whether you’re working toward a provincial nomination, unsure if your CRS score is competitive, or you’ve already been invited and need help getting your application in before the 60-day deadline, having someone guide you can save you a lot of stress.

At Eseumoh Immigration, we help clients through every step of the process — provincial nomination, Express Entry, work permits, postgraduate work permits, spousal sponsorship, visitor visas, super visas, citizenship applications, and school admissions. If you want to know exactly where you stand and what to do next, book a consultation with us today: https://euiacademy.selar.com/30minutes

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