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Canada
October 29, 2026
October 29, 2026

Canada invites 150 Transport Workers in the October 28, 2026 Express Entry draw

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Express Entry

Dear future neighbour,

Canada’s third Express Entry draw of the week is out, and this one was all about transport workers.

On October 28, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) sent 150 invitations to apply for permanent residence under the Transport Occupations category. The lowest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score invited was 477.

See below draw details:

Draw detail Result
Draw number 453
Date October 28, 2026
Round type Transport Occupations, 2026-Version 2
Invitations issued 150
Minimum CRS score 477
Tie-break cutoff June 4, 2026

How does this compare with the last Transport draw?

This was only the second Transport draw of 2026. The first took place on August 7, when IRCC issued 300 invitations at a CRS score of 470.

So this time, 150 fewer people were invited and the cut-off score went up by seven points. Changes like this can come from the size of the candidate pool, the number of invitations available, and how candidates rank on the day. One draw is not a promise of what the next one will look like, so please don’t treat 477 as a permanent target.

Here is how this draw fits in with the most recent rounds:

Draw Date Category Invitations CRS cutoff
453 October 28, 2026 Transport Occupations 150 477
452 October 27, 2026 French-Language proficiency 5,000 407
451 October 26, 2026 Provincial Nominee Program 792 761
450 October 16, 2026 French-Language proficiency 5,000 435
449 October 15, 2026 Canadian Experience Class 2,500 519

Who can be invited in a Transport draw?

Being a transport worker is not enough on its own. You first need to qualify for Express Entry through one of three federal programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, or the Federal Skilled Trades Program.

On top of that, the 2026 Transport category requires:

  • At least 12 months of full-time work experience (or the same amount of part-time work) within the past three years.
  • All of that experience in one single occupation from the Transport list.
  • Experience that does not have to be continuous, and that can be from inside or outside Canada.

The occupations on the current list are:

  • Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors (NOC 72404)
  • Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors (NOC 72600)
  • Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors (NOC 22313)
  • Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics, and mechanical repairers (NOC 72410)

Note that a job title that sounds similar is not enough. Your actual duties must match the main duties of the NOC code you claim, because that is what IRCC will look at.

Got an invitation? Here’s what to do next

First, congratulations. But an invitation is not an approval, and you still have work to do.

You generally have 60 days to submit a complete application. Everything you submit must match your Express Entry profile, so double-check your work history, job duties, employment dates, language results, education documents and supporting records. Depending on your situation, you may also need police certificates, medical exams or proof of funds. Incomplete or inconsistent information can hurt your application, so take your time and get it right.

If you are already in Canada and have submitted your permanent residence application through Express Entry, you may qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit. If you apply for it before your current work permit expires, you can keep working under the same conditions while you wait, as long as you stay in Canada. Eligible family members may also qualify for open work permits.

Big changes are coming on November 3

This is the part many candidates are talking about. From November 3, 2026, Express Entry candidates can earn more CRS points for Canadian work experience or a qualifying job offer in a high-wage occupation.

Here is how it works:

  • An occupation counts as high-wage when its national median wage is at least 1.3 times the average median wage of the Canadian workforce. 186 occupations meet this standard, split into three levels (1.3, 1.5 and 2 times the average).
  • Job offers are worth 50, 70 or 100 points, depending on the wage level.
  • Canadian work experience can earn up to 150 points, or 140 if you have an accompanying spouse or common-law partner. This includes your existing points for length of work, plus up to 70 more for at least one year in a high-wage occupation.
  • You will no longer need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) for a job offer to earn these points.
  • Candidates invited on or after November 3 will also be exempt from the LMIA requirement for qualifying job offers used under the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Federal Skilled Trades Program.

One more thing to plan for: invitation rounds will pause while IRCC recalculates everyone’s scores under the new system. IRCC says this could take up to two weeks.

Express Entry in 2026 so far

Canada has now held 65 Express Entry draws this year, and the pattern is clear. IRCC has leaned heavily toward candidates who already have a link to Canada, such as provincial nominees and people with Canadian work experience.

Draws by type:

Draw Type Number of Draws
Provincial Nominee Program 21
Canadian Experience Class 18
French-Language proficiency 12
Physicians with Canadian work experience 3
Healthcare and social services 3
Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 3
Trades 2
Transport 2
Skilled Military Recruits 1

In total, IRCC has issued 149,409 invitations this year:

Draw type ITAs Issued
Canadian Experience Class 57,750
French-Language proficiency 60,500
Provincial Nominee Program 10,814
Healthcare and social services 11,500
Trades 6,500
Transport 450
Physicians with Canadian work experience 891
Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 1,000
Skilled Military Recruits 4

Don’t Wait for the Next Draw to Find Out Where You Stand

With the November 3 changes just days away, your CRS score could look very different very soon, and the right plan today can save you months of waiting. Whether you are a transport worker eyeing the next round, someone sitting in the pool with a score that is just short, or a candidate holding a job offer that may now be worth more, the smartest move is to get your numbers checked and your strategy set before the rules change.

At Ese Umoh Immigration, we guide people through every step of the journey, including Express Entry, provincial nomination, work permits, postgraduate work permits, spousal sponsorship, visitor visas, super visas, citizenship applications and school admissions. Book your consultation today at https://euiacademy.selar.com/30minutes and let’s work out the best route to Canada for you.

October 28, 2026
October 28, 2026

Canada invited 5,000 French-Speaking candidates in the October 27, 2026 Express Entry draw

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Express Entry

Dear future neighbour,

Canada’s immigration department was busy this week. On October 27, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited 5,000 candidates to apply for permanent residence in a French-language Express Entry draw. The lowest score that made the cut was 407.

That is 28 points lower than the previous French-language draw on October 16, when the cutoff was 435. The number of invitations stayed the same, but IRCC went further down the list of French-speaking candidates this time.

It was also the second draw in two days. A Provincial Nominee Program draw took place on October 26 and invited 792 candidates. Together, the two draws sent out 5,792 invitations in just 48 hours.

If your CRS score was stuck somewhere between 407 and 434 and you have strong French, this draw may have been the opening you were waiting for.

See the full results below:

Draw details Results
Express Entry draw number 452
Date October 27, 2026
Draw category French-Language proficiency
Invitations issued 5,000
Minimum CRS score 407
Tie-breaking rule July 13, 2026

The tie-breaking rule only mattered for candidates who scored exactly 407. Where several people had the same score, IRCC looked at when each profile was submitted. Candidates with 407 points whose profiles were submitted before that cutoff time were considered for an invitation, as long as they met all the other requirements.

How the French-language cutoff has moved

The 5,000-invitation size has been steady, but the minimum score has gone up and down quite a bit.

Draw date Invitations Minimum CRS
October 27, 2026 5,000 407
October 16, 2026 5,000 435
August 19, 2026 5,000 382
August 6, 2026 5,000 391
July 22, 2026 5,000 399
July 9, 2026 5,000 420

Across these six rounds, IRCC invited 30,000 French-speaking candidates. The lowest cutoff was 382 on August 19, and the highest was 435 on October 16. The latest score of 407 sits in the middle.

Past results don’t promise anything about future draws, though. A score that qualified last time might not qualify next time, so you can’t plan around one number.

Who can get an invitation in these draws?

French-language draws are for candidates who meet specific language requirements. Under the current category rules, you need at least NCLC 7 in all four skills:

  • Speaking
  • Listening
  • Reading
  • Writing

Your results must come from an approved French-language test and must be less than two years old. You also need to qualify under one of the programs managed through Express Entry.

Meeting these requirements doesn’t guarantee an invitation. Candidates are still ranked by CRS score, and IRCC invites the highest-ranking ones until it reaches the number set for that draw. Canada runs these rounds to support French-speaking immigration outside Quebec.

How the other draws compare

Here are the latest Express Entry rounds, so you can see how different the cutoffs are from one category to another.

Draw Date Category Invitations CRS
452 October 27 French-language proficiency 5,000 407
451 October 26 Provincial Nominee Program 792 761
450 October 16 French-language proficiency 5,000 435
449 October 15 Canadian Experience Class 2,500 519
448 October 13 Provincial Nominee Program 752 772
447 October 1 Trades occupations 3,500 476
446 September 29 Canadian Experience Class 2,000 518
445 September 28 Provincial Nominee Program 733 725
444 September 16 Senior managers with Canadian work experience 250 389
443 September 15 Canadian Experience Class 2,000 519
442 September 14 Provincial Nominee Program 576 734
441 September 4 Healthcare and social services occupations 3,500 475
440 September 3 Physicians with Canadian work experience 229 198
439 September 1 Canadian Experience Class 2,000 521
438 August 31 Provincial Nominee Program 562 697
437 August 19 French-language proficiency 5,000 382

The PNP scores look huge because a provincial nomination adds 600 extra CRS points. That is why the October 26 PNP draw needed 761 while the French-language draw needed only 407. The Canadian Experience Class has also been demanding lately, with its last three draws landing at 519, 518 and 519.

Don’t compare these scores directly, though. Each draw looks at a different group of candidates, so a cutoff of 407 in one category is not “easier” than 519 in another for the same person.

What comes next?

IRCC hasn’t confirmed the date, category or size of the next draw. Recent rounds show it keeps rotating between categories, so the next one could target almost anyone. The practical lesson is to get your profile and documents ready now rather than waiting for the draw that suits you.

Ready to Turn Your Express Entry Profile Into an Invitation?

Watching draws from the sidelines is stressful, especially when you don’t know which category fits you best. The October 27 draw showed that French-language skills can open a different door, with a cutoff of 407 against 519 for the latest Canadian Experience Class draw. Whether that door is open to you depends on your language scores, work history and the program you qualify for.

That’s where we come in. Book a consultation at https://euiacademy.selar.com/30minutes and we will look at your profile, your CRS score and your best route forward. We help with Express Entry, provincial nomination, work permits, postgraduate work permits, spousal sponsorship, visitor visas, super visas, citizenship applications and school admissions. Your next invitation could be closer than you think, so let’s find the right path together.

October 21, 2026
October 21, 2026

Is Your Job on the New Express Entry High-Wage List?

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Canada

Dear future neighbour,

Canada has released the official list of high-wage occupations, and it will change how Express Entry candidates are ranked from November 3, 2026. If your job is on the list, your CRS score could go up, and that might be the push you have been waiting for.

What counts as a high-wage occupation?

IRCC looks at the median wage for each job across the country, using its NOC code. If that median is at least 1.3 times the national median wage for all workers, the job qualifies. Your personal salary does not decide this. The occupation does. In all, 186 NOC codes made the list, split into three tiers.

How many extra points can you earn?

You can claim points through Canadian work experience or through a qualifying job offer.

High-Wage Occupation Level Work Experience Points Job Offer Points
At least twice the average median wage 70 100
At least 1.5 times but less than twice 40 70
At least 1.3 times but less than 1.5 times 20 50
Below the high-wage threshold 0 0
  • You need at least 12 months of qualifying Canadian work experience to claim work experience points.
  • The two types of points cannot be combined. You get whichever is higher.
  • From November 3, a job offer no longer needs an LMIA to earn these points.
  • Extra points do not guarantee an invitation. Your overall score and the draw cut-offs still decide that.

Top tier: at least twice the median wage

This tier has 31 NOC codes, worth 70 points for work experience or 100 points for a job offer.

NOC Code Occupation
00011 Senior government managers and officials
00012 Senior managers – financial, communications and other business services
00013 Senior managers – health, education, social and community services and membership organizations
10010 Financial managers
10011 Human resources managers
10012 Purchasing managers
10020 Insurance, real estate and financial brokerage managers
10021 Banking, credit and other investment managers
20010 Engineering managers
20011 Architecture and science managers
20012 Computer and information systems managers
21330 Mining engineers
21332 Petroleum engineers
31100 Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
31101 Specialists in surgery
31102 General practitioners and family physicians
31103 Veterinarians
31302 Nurse practitioners
31303 Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals
40010 Government managers – health and social policy development and program administration
40011 Government managers – economic analysis, policy development and program administration
40012 Government managers – education policy development and program administration
40019 Other managers in public administration
40040 Commissioned police officers and related occupations in public protection services
40041 Fire chiefs and senior firefighting officers
41100 Judges
41101 Lawyers and Quebec notaries
41200 University professors and lecturers
60010 Corporate sales managers
80010 Managers in natural resources production and fishing
90011 Utilities managers

Middle tier: at least 1.5 times but less than twice the median wage

This is the biggest group, with 89 NOC codes worth 40 points for work experience or 70 points for a job offer. Software developers, registered nurses, civil engineers, pharmacists, teachers, police officers, firefighters and several skilled trades are all here.

NOC Code Occupation
00014 Senior managers – trade, broadcasting and other services
00015 Senior managers – construction, transportation, production and utilities
10019 Other administrative services managers
10022 Advertising, marketing and public relations managers
10029 Other business services managers
10030 Telecommunication carriers managers
11103 Securities agents, investment dealers and brokers
11201 Professional occupations in business management consulting
21100 Physicists and astronomers
21102 Geoscientists and oceanographers
21103 Meteorologists and climatologists
21109 Other professional occupations in physical sciences
21111 Forestry professionals
21120 Public and environmental health and safety professionals
21202 Urban and land use planners
21210 Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries
21211 Data scientists
21220 Cybersecurity specialists
21221 Business systems specialists
21222 Information systems specialists
21223 Database analysts and data administrators
21230 Computer systems developers and programmers
21231 Software engineers and designers
21232 Software developers and programmers
21300 Civil engineers
21301 Mechanical engineers
21310 Electrical and electronics engineers
21311 Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
21320 Chemical engineers
21321 Industrial and manufacturing engineers
21322 Metallurgical and materials engineers
21331 Geological engineers
21390 Aerospace engineers
21399 Other professional engineers
22231 Engineering inspectors and regulatory officers
22312 Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics
30010 Managers in health care
31110 Dentists
31112 Audiologists and speech-language pathologists
31120 Pharmacists
31200 Psychologists
31202 Physiotherapists
31203 Occupational therapists
31300 Nursing coordinators and supervisors
31301 Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
32111 Dental hygienists and dental therapists
40020 Administrators – post-secondary education and vocational training
40021 School principals and administrators of elementary and secondary education
40030 Managers in social, community and correctional services
40042 Commissioned officers of the Canadian Armed Forces
41210 College and other vocational instructors
41220 Secondary school teachers
41221 Elementary school and kindergarten teachers
41310 Police investigators and other investigative occupations
41311 Probation and parole officers
41320 Educational counsellors
41401 Economists and economic policy researchers and analysts
41402 Business development officers and market researchers and analysts
41404 Health policy researchers, consultants and program officers
41407 Program officers unique to government
42100 Police officers (except commissioned)
42101 Firefighters
50010 Library, archive, museum and art gallery managers
50011 Managers – publishing, motion pictures, broadcasting and performing arts
51100 Librarians
70010 Construction managers
70012 Facility operation and maintenance managers
70020 Managers in transportation
70021 Postal and courier services managers
72011 Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades and telecommunications occupations
72012 Contractors and supervisors, pipefitting trades
72023 Supervisors, railway transport operations
72103 Boilermakers
72202 Power system electricians
72203 Electrical power line and cable workers
72301 Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers
72406 Elevator constructors and mechanics
72600 Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors
72601 Air traffic controllers and related occupations
72604 Railway traffic controllers and marine traffic regulators
73310 Railway and yard locomotive engineers
82020 Supervisors, mining and quarrying
82021 Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services
83101 Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers and related workers
90010 Manufacturing managers
92011 Supervisors, petroleum, gas and chemical processing and utilities
92100 Power engineers and power systems operators
93100 Central control and process operators, mineral and metal processing
93101 Central control and process operators, petroleum, gas and chemical processing

Entry tier: at least 1.3 times but less than 1.5 times the median wage

This tier has 66 NOC codes worth 20 points for work experience or 50 points for a job offer. Accountants, architects, social workers, web developers, paramedics, crane operators and industrial electricians are among them.

NOC Code Occupation
00010 Legislators
11100 Financial auditors and accountants
11101 Financial and investment analysts
11102 Financial advisors
11109 Other financial officers
11200 Human resources professionals
12201 Insurance adjusters and claims examiners
12203 Assessors, business valuators and appraisers
21101 Chemists
21110 Biologists and related scientists
21112 Agricultural representatives, consultants and specialists
21200 Architects
21201 Landscape architects
21203 Land surveyors
21234 Web developers and programmers
22214 Technical occupations in geomatics and meteorology
22232 Occupational health and safety specialists
22233 Construction inspectors
22310 Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians
22313 Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors
31121 Dietitians and nutritionists
32102 Paramedical occupations
32103 Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists
32120 Medical laboratory technologists
32121 Medical radiation technologists
32122 Medical sonographers
41300 Social workers
41400 Natural and applied science policy researchers, consultants and program officers
41403 Social policy researchers, consultants and program officers
41405 Education policy researchers, consultants and program officers
41409 Other professional occupations in social science
43201 Correctional service officers
43203 Border services, customs, and immigration officers
50012 Recreation, sports and fitness program and service directors
51101 Conservators and curators
51102 Archivists
51111 Authors and writers (except technical)
51112 Technical writers
51120 Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations
52112 Broadcast technicians
60020 Retail and wholesale trade managers
60031 Accommodation service managers
60040 Managers in customer and personal services
72010 Contractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades and related occupations
72013 Contractors and supervisors, carpentry trades
72014 Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers
72020 Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades
72021 Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews
72102 Sheet metal workers
72105 Ironworkers
72201 Industrial electricians
72302 Gas fitters
72320 Bricklayers
72321 Insulators
72401 Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
72403 Railway carmen/women
72404 Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors
72500 Crane operators
72602 Deck officers, water transport
72603 Engineer officers, water transport
73311 Railway conductors and brakemen/women
82010 Supervisors, logging and forestry
83100 Underground production and development miners
83120 Fishing masters and officers
92010 Supervisors, mineral and metal processing
93102 Pulping, papermaking and coating control operators

What happens next?

If you are already in the Express Entry pool, you do not need to withdraw and resubmit your profile. IRCC will automatically recalculate your score to include work experience points. Job offer points are different. You must enter all the job offer details into your profile before November 3.

Invitation rounds will pause from November 3 while scores are recalculated, and the break is expected to last about two weeks. If you already hold an ITA, nothing changes for you, because IRCC will use the tier that applied on the day your invitation was issued.

Before the deadline, do these three things:

  1. Check that the NOC code in your profile matches the duties you actually perform, because IRCC looks at duties, not job titles.
  2. Confirm that your 12 months of qualifying Canadian experience is recorded correctly.
  3. Add any qualifying job offer to your profile.

Even if your job is not on the list, you can still get an invitation through other draw types, such as Canadian Experience Class, provincial nominee and category-based draws.

Don’t leave your CRS points to chance

A small mistake in your profile before November 3 could cost you valuable points. Maybe you are not sure your NOC code is right, or whether your job offer qualifies, or whether Express Entry is even your best route. A one-on-one conversation can settle those questions before the deadline.

To sum up, Canada released a list of 186 high-wage occupations, and from November 3 those jobs can earn you between 20 and 100 extra CRS points through Canadian work experience or a qualifying job offer. No LMIA is needed for the job offer route. Check your NOC code and update your profile in time.

Whether you need help with Express Entry, provincial nomination, work permits, postgraduate work permits, spousal sponsorship, visitor visas, super visas, citizenship applications or school admissions, our team at Ese Umoh Immigration is ready to guide you. Book your consultation here: https://euiacademy.selar.com/30minutes

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.

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

Manitoba invited hundreds of international graduates and their spouses in latest MPNP

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Provincial nomination

Dear future  neighbour,

On September 10, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) issued 793 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs). The largest share, 508 invitations, went to Manitoba graduates and spouses of Manitoba graduates. Healthcare workers picked up 233 invitations, francophones got 11, and 41 went to candidates recruited through strategic initiatives.

Anyone who received an LAA now has 60 days to submit a complete application for provincial nomination.

The numbers

Stream/pathway Selection category LAAs issued Cut-off score
Skilled Worker in Manitoba Post-secondary study in Manitoba 508 825
Employment in a healthcare occupation 233 N/A
Francophones 11 N/A
Skilled Worker Stream – in Manitoba and Overseas Direct invitation under a strategic recruitment initiative 41 N/A

Of the 793 total invitations, 272 candidates had already declared a valid Express Entry profile, meaning their nomination could eventually stack with a federal Express Entry application for extra points.

To qualify under the graduate category, candidates (or their spouse) needed to have completed post-secondary studies in Manitoba and held an EOI score of at least 825. They’ll need to back this up with a diploma and transcript later in the process.

Healthcare selections came from candidates already working in Manitoba under Broad Occupational Category 3 of Canada’s National Occupational Classification, which covers a wide range of health-related roles, from support work to professional and technical positions.

The 41 strategic recruitment invitations broke down like this:

Initiative LAAs issued
Employer Services 17
Francophone Community 12
Ethnocultural Communities 7
Regional Communities 3
Temporary Public Policy (TPP) 2

Once nominated, candidates can request a work permit support letter and apply for a work permit while their PR application is processed. Many also become eligible for a bridging open work permit once that PR application is submitted.

Candidates still waiting in the EOI pool aren’t left out either. Those holding a Manitoba support letter issued on or before December 31, 2025, confirming their pool placement, and who hold, recently held, or applied to renew a work permit, may still qualify for a special work permit under a temporary public policy.

Not sure where you stand?

Immigration rules shift often, and missing one detail can cost you an invitation you actually qualified for. At Ese Umoh Immigration, we help with provincial nomination, Express Entry, work permits, postgraduate work permits, spousal sponsorship, visiting visas, super visas, citizenship applications, and school admissions. Book a consultation at https://euiacademy.selar.com/30minutes and let’s find out where you fit.

September 3, 2026
September 3, 2026

IRCC Opens September With a 2,000-Invitation Express Entry Draw

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Express Entry

Dear future neighbour,

Canada’s first Express Entry draw of September just landed, and it’s good news for candidates who’ve been watching the score requirements climb. On September 1, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited 2,000 Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates to apply for permanent residence, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 521.

If you’ve been sitting just above or below the low 520s, this draw tells you something important: the score you need isn’t set in stone, and it moves depending on how many invitations IRCC decides to hand out.

See below details of September 1 Express Entry draw

  • Draw Category: Canadian Experience Class
  • Draw Date: September 1, 2026
  • Invitations Issued: 2,000
  • CRS Cut-Off Score: 521
  • Tie-Break Date: August 18, 2026

This comes just two points below the previous CEC draw on August 18, which had a cut-off of 523 – the highest CEC score recorded all year. The reason is simple: that August 18 round only offered 1,000 spots, and fewer invitations almost always mean tougher competition. By doubling the invitations this time around, IRCC naturally reached a little deeper into the pool, and the score requirement eased slightly.

Why Your Score Requirement Keeps Changing

This is the pattern worth understanding if you’re planning your own Express Entry strategy: draw size and CRS cut-off move in opposite directions. Smaller draws push scores up. Bigger draws bring them back down. It’s not random, it’s just math.

Here’s how that’s played out across every CEC draw so far in 2026:

Draw Date Invitations Issued CRS Cut-Off
January 7, 2026 8,000 511
January 21, 2026 6,000 509
February 17, 2026 6,000 508
March 3, 2026 4,000 508
March 17, 2026 4,000 507
March 31, 2026 2,250 509
April 14, 2026 2,000 515
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

Notice the trend: back in January and February, IRCC was issuing 6,000 to 8,000 invitations per round, and scores sat comfortably in the low 510s. As the year went on and volumes shrank, the bar for getting invited crept steadily higher. IRCC front-loaded its invitations early in the year, which is exactly why it can afford to slow things down now without missing its annual targets.

What this means if your score is below 521

Not everyone sitting in the mid-500s needs to just wait around. A few genuinely useful moves can push your CRS score higher:

  • Retake your language test. Jumping just one proficiency band on IELTS or CELPIP can add 15 to 30 points, especially if you’re close to CLB 9 across all four skills.
  • Add a French test. Category-based French-language draws have run at cut-offs as low as the 380s to 420s this year – dramatically lower than CEC thresholds.
  • Pursue a provincial nomination. A nomination adds a flat 600 points to your CRS score, which puts you well ahead of any CEC or general draw.
  • Boost education or work experience. These help offset the natural points you lose as you get older, particularly past age 30.

Since March, IRCC has also settled into a pattern: a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw kicks off a cluster, a CEC draw follows a day or two later, and a category-based draw (often French-language) rounds things out. The August 31 PNP round opened this latest cluster, and the latest CEC draw was the second piece – so don’t be surprised if another category-based draw follows within the next few days.

Received your invitation? Here’s what to do next

If you were invited in this round, the clock is already running. You have 60 calendar days from the date the invitation appears in your account to submit a complete application and that window cannot be extended.

Log into your Express Entry profile now to confirm your status, then get your documents in order: police certificates, your upfront medical exam, valid language test results, and proof of your Canadian work experience. Double-check expiry dates too, since an expired document is one of the fastest ways to have an application sent back.

Let’s Get Your Application Right, The First Time

Express Entry rewards preparation. Whether you’re chasing a higher CRS score, weighing a provincial nomination, or racing against a 60-day application deadline, small mistakes can cost you months of waiting. That’s where having someone in your corner makes the difference.

At Ese Umoh Immigration, we help clients navigate every step of the Canadian immigration journey – from Express Entry and provincial nomination strategy to work permits, postgraduate work permits, spousal sponsorship, visitor visas, super visas, citizenship applications, and school admissions. If you’ve received an invitation, are trying to boost your CRS score, or simply want a clear plan forward, book a consultation with us today at https://euiacademy.selar.com/30minutes and let’s map out your path to permanent residence together.

 

September 1, 2026
September 1, 2026

BC just issued 16 more invitations for entrepreneurs: Is your business idea ready?

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Provincial nomination

Dear future neighbour,

British Columbia has once again opened its doors to entrepreneurs looking to build a future in Canada. On August 25, the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) held another round of invitations under its Entrepreneur Immigration category, giving 16 more business owners a shot at permanent residence.

If you’ve been dreaming of starting or growing a business in British Columbia while securing PR for yourself and your family, this draw is worth paying close attention to.

What happened in this draw

This was BC’s 21st PNP draw of the year and the ninth one dedicated specifically to entrepreneurs. Invited candidates now have the chance to apply for provincial nomination, which puts them on the path to Canadian permanent residence.

The invitations were split between two streams:

Stream Minimum score Invitations issued
Base 116 11
Regional 116 5

Interestingly, both streams shared the same cutoff score this time around, even though the numbers invited weren’t equal. Worth noting too: this round produced the highest number of Regional Stream invitations of any draw so far in 2026, a good sign for entrepreneurs eyeing opportunities outside Metro Vancouver.

How this draw compares to earlier ones this year

BC has been steady with its entrepreneur draws throughout 2026. Here’s how the recent rounds stack up:

Date of draw Stream Invitations issued Minimum score
August 25, 2026 Base 11 116
Regional 5 116
July 28, 2026 Base 10 117
June 30, 2026 Base 14 118
Regional <5 113
June 2, 2026 Base 15 117
Regional <5 117
May 5, 2026 Base 8 115
Regional <5 115
April 14, 2026 Base 14 115
March 10, 2026 Base 7 117
Regional <5 129
February 10, 2026 Base 13 121
Regional <5 105
January 13, 2026 Base 7 115

Altogether, BC has run nine entrepreneur selection rounds this year, resulting in 15 individual draws (nine Base and six Regional). More than 104 entrepreneurs have been invited so far in 2026, and when you combine that with BC’s other PNP streams, the province has issued over 4,942 invitations to date this year. That’s a lot of opportunity on the table.

Base Stream vs. Regional Stream: what’s the difference?

Both streams lead to the same destination, permanent residence through BC, but they don’t ask the same things of applicants. Here’s 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 Regional District
Business experience 3 years as a business owner-manager in the last 10 years 3 years as a business 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 31.33% 51%
Community referral required? No Yes
Exploratory visit required? No Yes
Minimum registration score 115/200 105/200
Registration with co-applicant permitted? Yes No

If you don’t have a post-secondary credential, you can still qualify by showing at least three years of hands-on business ownership and management experience within the past five years, as long as you fully owned the business.

Notice how the Regional Stream asks for a smaller investment and a lower net worth, but expects full ownership and a couple of extra steps. It’s built for entrepreneurs willing to set up shop outside the Metro Vancouver area, and in exchange, the province lowers the financial bar a little.

What the journey to PR actually looks like

Getting nominated isn’t a one-step process, but it is a clear one. Here’s the general path:

  1. Regional Stream applicants first pick a participating community that fits their business idea.
  2. Regional Stream applicants also complete an exploratory visit and secure a community referral.
  3. Put together a solid business proposal.
  4. Register with the BCPNP and get scored based on your human capital and economic profile.
  5. Wait for an invitation to apply in a future draw.
  6. Once invited, submit your nomination application within four months.
  7. If approved, apply to the federal government for a work permit.
  8. Move to BC and get your business up and running while on that work permit.
  9. Once you’ve met the program’s requirements, receive your provincial nomination.

From there, you can apply directly to IRCC for permanent residence, no separate Express Entry profile needed for this route.

Thinking of building your business in BC?

Whether you’re eyeing a bustling opportunity in Metro Vancouver or looking to plant roots in a smaller BC community through the Regional Stream, this pathway can turn your entrepreneurial ambition into Canadian permanent residence for you and your family. But between choosing the right stream, building a business proposal that actually scores well, and navigating each step without missing a deadline, it helps to have someone in your corner who knows the process inside and out.

At Ese Umoh Immigration, we guide entrepreneurs and skilled workers through every route into Canada, including provincial nomination, Express Entry, work permits, postgraduate work permits, spousal sponsorship, visitor visas, super visas, citizenship applications, and school admissions. If you’re ready to find out where you stand and map out your next move, book a consultation with us today: https://euiacademy.selar.com/60minutes

September 1, 2026
September 1, 2026

Canada invites 562 candidates in latest Express Entry draw as PNP cutoff drops to 697 CRS

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Express Entry

Dear future neighbour,

Canada just made it noticeably easier for provincial nominees to land an invitation for permanent residence. On August 31, IRCC ran another Express Entry draw for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and the numbers tell a good story for anyone sitting in the pool with a nomination in hand.

See below details of August 31 Express Entry draw

  • Draw Date: August 31, 2026
  • Program: Provincial Nominee Program
  • No. of Invitations: 562
  • CRS Score: 697
  • Tie-Breaking Rule: April 12, 2026

Anyone with a provincial nomination automatically gets a 600-point boost added to their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, so a cutoff of 697 really means candidates only needed a base score of roughly 97 before that bonus kicked in. That’s about as accessible as this pathway has been in 2026.

Why the cutoff dropped so fast

Cutoffs like this usually come down to supply. When provinces release a fresh batch of nominations, more candidates suddenly show up in the pool with scores above 601, and IRCC can afford to fill its invitation round at a lower threshold. That’s exactly what happened here, likely fuelled by Ontario’s new Workforce Priority stream, which opened its expression of interest portal in early August, alongside steady nomination activity out of Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan through the summer.

PNP cutoffs climbed steadily from March through May, peaking at 805 on May 25, then reversed course once June arrived. Today’s 697 sits 108 points below that spring peak, confirming that the summer trend toward lower, more accessible cutoffs isn’t slowing down.

Every PNP draw in 2026 so far

Date Invitations Issued CRS Cutoff
August 31, 2026 562 697
August 17, 2026 442 760
August 4, 2026 507 768
July 20, 2026 511 744
July 6, 2026 534 708
June 22, 2026 955 730
May 25, 2026 334 805
May 11, 2026 380 798
April 27, 2026 473 795
April 13, 2026 324 786
March 30, 2026 356 802
March 16, 2026 362 742
March 2, 2026 264 710
February 16, 2026 279 789
February 3, 2026 423 749
January 20, 2026 681 746
January 5, 2026 574 711

This year’s Express Entry picture at a glance

This was IRCC’s 50th Express Entry draw of 2026, and the invitations have leaned heavily toward candidates already connected to Canada, whether through a provincial nomination or through work experience gained here.

Draw Type Number of Draws
Provincial Nominee Program 17
Canadian Experience Class 14
French-Language Proficiency 10
Physicians with Canadian Work Experience 2
Healthcare and Social Services 2
Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 2
Trades 1
Transport 1
Skilled Military Recruits 1

Altogether, IRCC has now issued 120,427 invitations to apply across 2026, already ahead of the 113,998 issued through all of 2025.

What the pool looks like right now

As of August 30, one day before this draw, the Express Entry pool held 226,673 candidates, down slightly from 229,100 earlier in the month. Only 559 of those candidates sat in the 601+ CRS band the night before the draw, yet IRCC issued 562 invitations, meaning a handful of fresh nominations must have landed in the pool right before the round closed. That’s a useful reminder that pool numbers shift by the hour, not just by the week.

If you were invited, here’s what matters

Anyone who received an invitation in this round has 60 calendar days to submit a complete application, and that deadline doesn’t bend. Log into your IRCC account and confirm your status shows “Invited to Apply,” then start pulling together your documents right away: police certificates, medical exam results, proof of funds, your educational credential assessment, and language test results. Double-check that nothing expires before you plan to submit, because an expired document can hold up an otherwise strong application.

Missing the 60-day window means losing the invitation entirely, and that’s exactly where things tend to go wrong for people juggling this on their own. If you’d rather not risk it, our team at Ese Umoh Immigration can review your invitation, help you assemble a complete document package, and keep your application on track from start to finish.

Let’s Get You Ready For Your Next Express Entry Draw

Cutoffs are moving, and right now the door for provincial nominees is wider than it’s been all year. Whether you’re building your profile from scratch, chasing a provincial nomination, weighing a work permit or postgraduate work permit as your route into the Canadian labour market, or figuring out how spousal sponsorship, a visitor visa, a super visa, citizenship, or school admissions fits into your bigger plan, timing and preparation make the difference between an invitation you can act on and one you miss. Book a consultation with Ese Umoh Immigration at https://euiacademy.selar.com/30minutes and let’s map out the fastest, most realistic path to your Canadian permanent residence.

August 26, 2026
August 26, 2026

Prince Edward Island’s 8th 2026 draw issues 181 invitations to workers in priority occupations

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Provincial nomination

Dear future neighbour,

Prince Edward Island just handed out another batch of good news to skilled workers already living and working on the island. On August 20, the PEI Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) reached out to 181 candidates, inviting them to apply for a provincial nomination. This marks the eighth round of invitations the province has issued so far this year.

Who got picked this time?

The province kept its focus narrow and practical. Invitations went out to in-province workers already employed in sectors PEI considers priorities – the kind of jobs officials believe will make a real difference to the local economy. This year, that means people working in healthcare, trades, manufacturing, and a handful of other industries currently short on workers.

International graduates got an extra edge too. Anyone who completed their studies at the University of Prince Edward Island, Holland College, or Collège de l’Île received priority consideration in this round.

As always, invitations were split between two pathways: the Labour Impact category and PEI Express Entry. To even be considered, a candidate needed to have flagged in their Expression of Interest (EOI) profile that they were working in one of the province’s targeted occupations.

How this draw stacks up against the rest of 2026

PEI has been remarkably consistent with its selections this year. Here’s how each round has looked so far:

Draw date Invitations issued Immigration categories targeted
January 15, 2026 26 Labour Impact and PEI Express Entry*
February 19, 2026 109
March 20, 2026 101
April 16, 2026 127
May 21, 2026 113
June 18, 2026 182
July 16, 2026 195
August 20, 2026 181

The Labour Impact category covers three streams: Skilled Worker, Critical Worker, and International Graduate.

Every single draw this year has followed the same selection approach. Worth noting: PEI doesn’t publish which specific occupations were targeted in a given round, nor does it break down how many invitations went to each stream – so candidates are left to go by the general criteria rather than exact numbers.

With this latest round, PEI has now issued 1,034 invitations for provincial nomination in 2026 alone. One thing that’s changed from last year – the province hasn’t issued a single invitation through its Business Impact Category this year, the stream meant for entrepreneurs hoping to set up shop in PEI.

What’s coming next

PEI plans to hold 12 draws total in 2026, roughly one every month, usually mid-month. Four more rounds are on the calendar before the year wraps up:

  • September 17
  • October 15
  • November 19
  • December 17

The province is upfront that these dates aren’t set in stone – they’re for general planning purposes, and PEI reserves the right to draw earlier, later, or add extra rounds. That said, the track record speaks for itself: PEI stuck to its published schedule for 8 of 11 draws in 2025, and 7 of 8 so far this year. Only the March 20 round strayed from its listed date (it was originally scheduled for March 19).

How you get on PEI’s radar for the next draw

If you’re hoping to be one of the names invited next time, here’s what actually matters to PEI’s scoring system:

  • How well you speak English or French
  • Your education – level, field of study, and where you studied
  • Whether your work experience lines up with occupations the province is short on
  • How closely your background fits what PEI’s labour market currently needs
  • Your job prospects – a PEI job offer or prior Canadian work experience both count in your favour

Every month, the province ranks profiles and invites the strongest candidates to apply. Once invited, you have 30 days to submit a complete application. If your application succeeds, you’ll receive a provincial nomination certificate, which then lets you apply to IRCC for permanent residence. Get approved, and you’ll receive your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) – the final document you need to land in Canada as a permanent resident.

Ready to Make Your Move to Prince Edward Island?

Provincial nomination programs like PEI’s move fast, and the criteria can shift subtly from one round to the next. If you’re already working in a priority sector, studying at one of PEI’s recognized institutions, or simply exploring your options for Canadian permanent residence, the smartest step you can take right now is getting expert eyes on your profile before the next draw.

At Ese Umoh Immigration, we help clients navigate every route into Canada – provincial nomination, Express Entry, work permits, postgraduate work permits, spousal sponsorship, visitor visas, super visas, citizenship applications, and school admissions. Whatever stage you’re at, we can help you build a profile that actually stands out. Book a one-on-one consultation with us today at https://euiacademy.selar.com/30minutes and let’s map out the fastest path to your Canadian permanent residence.

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