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October 27, 2026
October 27, 2026

Canada issues 792 invitations to Provincial Nominees on October 26, 2026

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Express Entry

Dear future neighbour,

Provincial nominees had good news on Monday, October 26, 2026. Canada held a new Express Entry draw and invited 792 candidates with a provincial nomination to apply for permanent residence.

The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score was 761. This was draw number 451, and it was the 63rd Express Entry draw of 2026.

See below the key details at a glance.

Draw detail Official result
Draw number 451
Date October 26, 2026
Category Provincial Nominee Program
Invitations issued 792
Minimum CRS score 761
Tie-breaking rule April 3, 2026

Why a score of 761 did not guarantee an invitation

This part confuses a lot of people, so let’s make it simple.

Sometimes several candidates land on the lowest score that gets invited. When that happens, Canada looks at the date and time each person submitted their Express Entry profile. In this draw, only profiles submitted before 6:00:26 p.m. UTC on April 3, 2026 made the cut.

So a candidate with exactly 761 points who created their profile after that time was not invited.

This draw also only considered candidates with a provincial nomination. A high score alone was not enough to be included. Your profile had to be in the right category.

How this draw compares with earlier nominee draws

The closest comparison is the draw held on October 13, which invited 752 candidates at a minimum score of 772. The latest draw invited 40 more people, and the cut-off was 11 points lower. It was also the largest nominee draw since June 22, 2026, when 955 candidates were invited.

Draw Date Invitations Minimum CRS Change from draw 451
451 October 26, 2026 792 761 –
448 October 13, 2026 752 772 40 fewer invitations; 11 points higher
445 September 28, 2026 733 725 59 fewer invitations; 36 points lower
442 September 14, 2026 576 734 216 fewer invitations; 27 points lower
438 August 31, 2026 562 697 230 fewer invitations; 64 points lower

Notice that more invitations do not always mean a lower cut-off, and fewer invitations do not always mean a higher one. Nominee draws have moved up and down this year, so there is no clear pattern to predict.

Where candidates stand in the pool

Here is the latest breakdown of scores in the Express Entry pool.

CRS score range Number of candidates
601-1200 787
501-600 20,535
451-500 71,112
491-500 12,162
481-490 12,342
471-480 16,330
461-470 15,803
451-460 14,475
401-450 63,505
441-450 13,159
431-440 13,155
421-430 12,768
411-420 12,543
401-410 11,880
351-400 47,911
301-350 17,247
0-300 7,627
Total 228,724

A look at the recent draws

Canada keeps switching between different types of draws. Here is the recent sequence.

Draw Date Category Invitations Minimum CRS
451 October 26, 2026 Provincial Nominee Program 792 761
450 October 16, 2026 French-Language proficiency 2026-Version 2 5,000 435
449 October 15, 2026 Canadian Experience Class 2,500 519
448 October 13, 2026 Provincial Nominee Program 752 772
447 October 1, 2026 Trades Occupations, 2026-Version 3 3,500 476
446 September 29, 2026 Canadian Experience Class 2,000 518
445 September 28, 2026 Provincial Nominee Program 733 725
444 September 16, 2026 Senior managers with Canadian Work Experience, 2026-Version 1 250 389
443 September 15, 2026 Canadian Experience Class 2,000 519
442 September 14, 2026 Provincial Nominee Program 576 734
441 September 4, 2026 Healthcare and Social Services Occupations, 2026-Version 3 3,500 475
440 September 3, 2026 Physicians with Canadian Work Experience, 2026-Version 1 229 198
439 September 1, 2026 Canadian Experience Class 2,000 521
438 August 31, 2026 Provincial Nominee Program 562 697
437 August 19, 2026 French-Language proficiency 2026-Version 2 5,000 382
436 August 18, 2026 Canadian Experience Class 1,000 523

Please don’t compare draws across categories. A French-language draw of 5,000 and a physicians draw of 229 are aimed at completely different groups of people. Each one has its own score and its own target.

What 2026 has looked like so far

Most invitations this year have gone to people with a connection to Canada, such as provincial nominees and people with Canadian work experience. Here is how the 63 draws break down.

Draw Type Number of Draws
Provincial Nominee Program 21
Canadian Experience Class 18
French-Language proficiency 11
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, Canada has issued 144,259 invitations this year.

Draw type ITAs Issued
Canadian Experience Class 57,750
French-Language proficiency 55,500
Provincial Nominee Program 10,814
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

And here is every draw held in 2026 so far.

Date Draw Type CRS cut-off score ITAs issued
October 26 Provincial Nominee Program 761 792
October 16 French-Language proficiency 435 5,000
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

Big changes arrive on November 3, 2026

This is the part you should not skip. From November 3, 2026, Canada will add extra CRS points for candidates with a job offer or Canadian work experience in a high-wage occupation. These are jobs whose national median wage is at least 1.3, 1.5 or 2 times the Canada-wide median.

The extra points sit in a new section of the CRS called the Labour Market Integration Factor. Candidates get whichever of these is higher:

  • Up to 100 points for a qualifying high-wage job offer.
  • Up to 150 points for Canadian work experience, or 140 if the candidate has an accompanying spouse or common-law partner. This combines the existing points for length of experience with up to 70 points for high-wage experience.

A qualifying job offer will also no longer need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The LMIA requirement is being removed from the job offer criteria under the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Federal Skilled Trades Program too, although immigration officers must still be satisfied that the offer is genuine.

Canada has published a list of 186 eligible occupations. While it recalculates candidate scores, it will pause Express Entry invitations. The government says this could take up to two weeks.

This is also the first time job offer points are coming back since March 2025, when points for arranged employment were removed. If you have a job offer that might qualify, update your Express Entry profile before November 3 so the new points can count.

Already in Canada with a pending application?

Foreign nationals who have submitted an Express Entry application for permanent residence and live in Canada may qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit. If your current work permit expires before a decision is made on your bridging permit application, you may be able to keep working under your previous permit conditions through maintained status, as long as you stay in Canada. Qualifying family members may also be able to get open work permits.

Stop guessing where you stand: Let’s check your Canada PR options together

If you are asking yourself whether your score is strong enough, whether a provincial nomination could change your chances, or whether the new high-wage points could work in your favour, you do not have to figure it out alone. Whether you are looking at provincial nomination, Express Entry, work permits, postgraduate work permits, spousal sponsorship, visitor visas, super visas, citizenship applications or school admissions, our team can walk you through the best route for your situation. Book your consultation here: https://euiacademy.selar.com/30minutes

October 21, 2026
October 21, 2026

Newfoundland and Labrador issued 257 invitations in two October 2026 draws

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Canada, Provincial nomination

Dear future neighbour,

Newfoundland and Labrador had a busy couple of weeks. The province held two draws, one on October 9 and another on October 16, and sent out 257 invitations in total.

Of those, 255 went to candidates under the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP). The other two went to candidates under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).

Here’s how the two draws looked:

Date of draw Invitations issued: NLPNP Invitations issued: AIP
Oct. 16 130 1
Oct. 9 125 1

The province did not say which NLPNP streams were covered in these draws. It also did not share the occupations or sectors of the people invited. So if you were hoping to spot a trend, there isn’t enough information to do that yet.

What happens after you get an invitation?

Getting invited is a big win, but the clock starts ticking right away. You have 60 days to submit a complete application to the province. That means nomination if you applied through the NLPNP, or endorsement if you applied through the AIP.

Once the province approves you, you can then apply to the federal government for permanent residence (PR).

There is also good news on the work permit side. At the time of writing, a nominee already in Canada who applies through a regular provincial nominee program can apply for a bridging open work permit. The usual wait for the Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) on the PR application is no longer required first. This is a temporary federal measure that took effect on June 9, 2026.

For those endorsed under the AIP, an employer-specific work permit valid for up to two years may be possible.

A look at Newfoundland and Labrador’s 2026 draws so far

As of this writing, the province has held 18 draws this year. In 14 of them, candidates under both programs were invited. In the remaining four, only NLPNP candidates were selected.

Here is the full breakdown:

Date of draw Invitations issued: NLPNP Invitations issued: AIP
Oct. 16 130 1
Oct. 9 125 1
Sept. 25 41 N/A
Sept. 18 61 1
Sept. 10 36 N/A
Sept. 4 97 N/A
Aug. 26 94 46
Aug. 18 122 N/A
Aug. 10 186 22
July 28 400 45
July 10 17 40
June 10 89 19
May 28 84 19
May 11 168 18
May 1 157 33
April 13 177 33
March 30 209 36
March 6 362 83

As of October 16, the province has sent out 2,952 invitations this year. Of these, 2,555 went to NLPNP candidates and 397 went to AIP candidates.

How the process works, step by step

If you want to move to Newfoundland and Labrador through the NLPNP or AIP, this is the path:

  • Make sure you meet the requirements of the AIP or one of the NLPNP streams.
  • Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) profile.
  • Wait for an invitation in one of the upcoming draws.
  • Apply for nomination or endorsement within 60 days of being invited.
  • Receive your nomination or endorsement certificate once you are approved.

After that, you can apply to the federal government for PR.

So who gets picked? The province looks at its own priorities. Having a job in health care helps. So does working outside the big urban centres, or having graduated from a post-secondary school in Newfoundland and Labrador. The province publishes its full EOI prioritization criteria on its immigration website, and it’s worth reading before you build your profile.

Ready to Turn an Invitation Into Your Canadian Dream?

Draws like these show that Newfoundland and Labrador is actively inviting workers, but the process has real deadlines and many moving parts. Miss one step, or submit an incomplete application within that 60-day window, and the opportunity can slip away.

You don’t have to figure it out alone. At Ese Umoh Immigration, we can help you understand where you fit, whether that’s provincial nomination, Express Entry, work permits, postgraduate work permits, spousal sponsorship, visitor visas, super visas, citizenship applications, or school admissions.

Newfoundland and Labrador sent out 257 invitations in two draws this October, with most going to NLPNP candidates. If you want to know whether your profile can land one of the next ones, book a consultation here: https://euiacademy.selar.com/30minutes

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.

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 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

June 22, 2026
June 22, 2026

Manitoba issues 124 invitations in latest Provincial Nomination Draw

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Provincial nomination

Dear future neighbour,

Manitoba has been quietly but consistently making moves in 2026, and the latest one is worth your attention.

On June 18, 2026, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) wrapped up its 12th immigration draw of the year, sending out 124 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) to skilled workers both inside the province and overseas. Every single draw Manitoba has held this year has gone through the Skilled Worker Stream and this latest one is no exception.

So who exactly got invited? Candidates who had been directly contacted by Manitoba through a strategic recruitment initiative, or those who held Manitoba-supported work permits. In other words, this wasn’t a general open draw. Manitoba was deliberately picking people it had already been in contact with.

See below the breakdown of invitations by recruitment category:

Strategic Recruitment Initiative LAAs Issued
Employer Services 49
Temporary Public Policy (TPP) 32
Regional Communities 19
Francophone Community 15
Ethnocultural Communities 9

Employer Services took the largest share by nearly 40% of all invitations, showing that having an actual employer connection in Manitoba continues to be a serious advantage. Out of the 124 LAAs issued, 22 went to candidates who also had a valid Express Entry profile, meaning those individuals could potentially benefit from both the provincial and federal immigration systems working in their favour.

One thing to note: the Temporary Public Policy (TPP) that used to help certain candidates secure Manitoba-supported work permits has now expired. However, Manitoba announced back in May that it would still run targeted draws for people who received Support Letters under the TPP while it was active, specifically those whose letters were approved between April 22 and June 30, 2025. This June draw was part of that commitment.

It’s also worth knowing that some candidates who met the criteria may still not have received an invitation. The MPNP flagged two common reasons this happens: either a language test ID was missing, expired, or invalid in the Expression of Interest profile, or the invitation number from a recruitment initiative wasn’t entered correctly. These are fixable issues but only if you catch them before the next draw.

As of June 18, Manitoba has now extended a total of 1,833 invitations to apply this year. For context, the federal government granted the province a 2026 nomination allocation of 6,239, and 2,165 nominations have already been approved as of May.

There are also two recent changes worth flagging. The Career Employment Pathway (CEP) under the International Education Stream was permanently closed on June 11, 2026. Anyone who was pursuing that route and has at least six months of Manitoba work experience is being encouraged to transition to the Skilled Worker in Manitoba pathway instead. Additionally, since April 14, Manitoba introduced temporary measures allowing rural employers (outside the Winnipeg area) to hire a higher percentage of low-wage temporary foreign workers by up to 15% instead of the usual 10%. These measures run until March 31, 2027.

Manitoba isn’t slowing down, and the door hasn’t closed. But the program is clearly becoming more targeted, which means your preparation and profile accuracy matter more than ever.

Your Canadian Dream Doesn’t Have to Wait – Let’s Build Your Path Together

Whether you’re eyeing a provincial nomination through Manitoba or another province, exploring Express Entry, applying for a work permit, postgraduate work permit, spousal sponsorship, visitor or super visa, citizenship, or even school admissions – we’re here to walk you through every step. Book a consultation today and let’s figure out exactly where you stand and what your best options are.

June 22, 2026
June 22, 2026

British Columbia invites high earners and high scorers in its latest PNP draw

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Provincial nomination

Dear future neighbour,

British Columbia is still making moves. On June 18, 2026, the province’s Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) wrapped up its 13th selection round of the year, and this one was specifically targeted at what the province calls “high economic impact” candidates. A total of 279 people received invitations to apply for provincial nomination through the Skills Immigration (SI) category, making it the seventh SI draw British Columbia has conducted so far in 2026.

So who exactly got invited, and what does this draw mean for you?

Two types of candidates qualified for invitations in this round. The first group had a job offer in a TEER 0 to 3 occupation with an offered wage of at least $62 per hour (roughly $125,000 per year). The second group was selected based on their registration score, with a minimum score of 136 required to receive an invitation.

See below breakdown of draw details:

Selection Criteria Invitations Issued Minimum Score
Wage/salary + job offer TEER 0–3 job offer with an offered wage of at least $62/hour (≈ $125,000/year) N/A
Registration score Minimum point total 136

The majority of invitations which was about 53.4%, went to candidates selected by registration score rather than wage. Both categories fall under British Columbia’s “Innovate” initiative, which is the province’s way of targeting top talent across all sectors to fuel long-term economic growth. Interestingly, BC did not disclose the specific occupations or sectors of those invited in this particular draw.

One thing worth noting: this was actually the smallest SI draw the province has run all year. For context, the largest draw of 2026 took place back on April 22, when 484 candidates were invited under the same selection criteria. As of June 18, British Columbia had issued a total of 2,764 SI invitations in 2026.

It’s also good to know that high economic impact invitations aren’t always tied only to wage or registration score. Future draws could factor in things like your education level and field of study, professional designations in the province, work experience, language ability, your specific occupation, where in BC you plan to live, or broader strategic priorities tied to the province’s labour market needs.

Now let’s talk about the registration pool, because this is where it gets really useful if you’re planning ahead. As of June 2, 2026 (the most recently available data), there were 9,902 active registrations in the BCPNP Skills Immigration pool. Here’s how scores were distributed:

Score Range Number of Registrations
0 – 59 221
60 – 69 427
70 – 79 858
80 – 89 1,388
90 – 99 1,829
100 – 109 2,039
110 – 119 1,532
120 – 129 1,128
130 – 139 430
140 – 149 44
150+ 6

The biggest cluster of candidates sits in the 100–109 score range, accounting for about 20.6% of the entire pool. If your score is currently in that range, you can see just how competitive things are and why working to push your score higher could make a real difference in when you get noticed.

Beyond Skills Immigration, British Columbia has also been active on the entrepreneurship side, running six Entrepreneur Immigration selection rounds this year and inviting at least 54 entrepreneurs so far.

 

Your Path to British Columbia Starts With the Right Guidance

Whether your score is sitting comfortably above 136 or you’re still working toward that threshold, understanding exactly where you stand and what can be done to improve your chances, is the kind of clarity that changes everything. We help clients navigate provincial nomination, Express Entry, work permits, postgraduate work permits, spousal sponsorship, visitor visas, super visas, citizenship applications, school admissions, and more.

Book a consultation today with your preferred link below and let’s talk about what British Columbia or any other province could look like for you.

30-minute Quick and Focused Session

1-hour Comprehensive and In-depth Session

June 19, 2026
June 19, 2026

Alberta just made it easier to find out if you qualify for Provincial Nomination

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Canada, Provincial nomination

Dear future neighbour,

One of the most common questions people have when considering immigration to Alberta is simple: do I even qualify? Finding the answer used to mean hours of research, comparing stream requirements, and second-guessing yourself at every turn. Alberta has now stepped in to change that.

On June 17, 2026, the Government of Alberta rolled out a brand new tool called the Eligibility Explorer, designed specifically to help foreign nationals figure out which streams under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) they may be eligible for and it takes just a few minutes to use.

This is how it works: you answer a short questionnaire about your situation, and the tool generates a list of permanent residence pathways that could be a match for you. Once your potential streams are identified, you can review the requirements for each one and, if ready, proceed to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).

The questions you’ll be asked depend entirely on what your immigration goal is. The tool starts by asking whether you’re planning to live and work in Alberta (or are already doing so), or whether your goal is to start or purchase a business in the province. From there, the questions branch out accordingly.

For those coming as workers, you can expect questions about whether you have a job offer, your current residency status in Alberta, the type of work permit you hold (if applicable), and your National Occupational Classification (NOC) code. For entrepreneurs, the tool will ask about your educational background, how much you’re able to invest, and whether you’re open to setting up your business in a rural Alberta community.

It’s worth noting upfront: Alberta is clear that this tool is for guidance purposes only. Getting a list of potential streams does not confirm your eligibility, and it certainly doesn’t guarantee you’ll receive an invitation after submitting your EOI.

What streams could you be considered under?

The AAIP currently has streams for both workers and entrepreneurs. see breakdown below:

Worker Streams:

Stream Who It’s For
Alberta Opportunity Stream Foreign nationals already living and working in Alberta with a job offer from an Alberta employer
Alberta Express Entry Stream Express Entry pool candidates with a CRS score of at least 300 and a job in a provincial priority occupation (includes four pathways: Dedicated Health Care, Accelerated Tech, Law Enforcement, and Priority Sectors)
Rural Renewal Stream Temporary workers with a job offer from an employer in a designated Alberta community, plus an endorsement letter from that community
Tourism and Hospitality Stream Candidates living and working in Alberta with a full-time job offer in the province’s tourism and hospitality sector

Entrepreneur Streams:

Stream Who It’s For
Rural Entrepreneur Stream Entrepreneurs looking to start or buy a business in a rural Alberta community
Graduate Entrepreneur Stream International graduates of approved Alberta post-secondary institutions wanting to start or acquire a business
Farm Stream Experienced farmers planning to purchase or establish a farm in Alberta
Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream Graduates of post-secondary institutions outside Canada who want to launch a start-up or innovative business in Alberta

As for fees: submitting a worker EOI currently costs $135, while an entrepreneur EOI runs $200. The Farm Stream operates differently as it goes straight to application with a $3,500 fee.

 

Ready to Make Alberta Your New Home? Let’s Discuss.

Whether you’re eyeing a provincial nomination pathway, navigating Express Entry, applying for a work permit or postgraduate work permit, pursuing spousal sponsorship, planning a visit through a visitor or super visa, working toward citizenship, or exploring school admissions – getting the right guidance from the start makes all the difference. Book a consultation today and let’s map out the best route for your situation:

30-Minute Quick and Focused Session

1-hour Comprehensive and In-Depth Session

 

 

January 6, 2026
January 6, 2026

Canada kicks off 2026 with its first Express Entry draw

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Express Entry

Dear future neighbour,

Canada has officially launched the first Express Entry draw of 2026, marking the beginning of a new year for skilled immigrants hoping to secure permanent residence. On January 5, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 574 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through the Express Entry system in a draw focused on Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates.

Key Highlights of the January 5 Express Entry Draw

  • Draw date: January 5, 2026

  • ITAs issued: 574

  • Program targeted: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

  • Minimum CRS score: 711

  • Tie-breaker cutoff: Candidates had to have submitted profiles before October 6, 2025 to be considered if tied at the cut-off score.

This draw represents the first round of Express Entry invitations for the year and continues Canada’s trend of programme-specific and category-based draws. In this case, priority was given to candidates who hold a provincial nomination – a powerful CRS booster that adds 600 points to an applicant’s score and greatly improves their chances of receiving an ITA.

Trends and Changes in the CRS Score Distribution

To help put things into perspective, here’s the CRS score distribution in the Express Entry pool as of January 4, 2026, just one day before the draw and comparison.

CRS score range Number of candidates (Jan 4, 2026) Number of candidates (Dec 14, 2025 Change
601-1200 559 390 169
501-600 21,013 21,792 -779
451-500 70,523 68,700 1,823
491-500 12,873 12,315 558
481-490 12,499 12,149 350
471-480 15,435 14,859 576
461-470 14,881 14,535 346
451-460 14,835 14,842 -7
401-450 65,120 66,948 -1,828
441-450 14,139 13,992 147
431-440 14,285 14,244 41
421-430 12,816 12,750 66
411-420 12,442 12,367 75
401-410 11,438 13,595 -2,157
351-400 52,469 52,574 -105
301-350 18,745 18,829 -84
0-300 8,125 8,069 56
Total 236,554 237,302 -748

What This Means for Immigration Candidates

The high CRS cutoff of 711 reflects the competitive nature of PNP-specific draws where candidates nominated by a province already have a significant advantage. Securing a provincial nomination remains one of the strongest strategies to receive an invitation under Express Entry, especially for skilled workers whose core scores might otherwise fall below typical thresholds.

Candidates invited in this draw now have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application. IRCC aims to process most complete applications within the standard six-month timeframe once an ITA is issued.

What to Expect in 2026

This first draw sets the tone for the year ahead. While this round focused exclusively on PNP candidates, future draws may include:

  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws – likely with lower CRS thresholds for those with Canadian work experience.

  • Potential French-language focused draws, reflecting Canada’s francophone immigration priorities.

  • New categories such as targeted streams for specific occupations, including health professionals.

Whether you’re already in the Express Entry pool or planning to create a profile, 2026 looks set to remain competitive – with multiple pathways and programme streams shaping the year’s selections.

Need help with your Canadian immigration process?

Whether you’re applying for a visitor visa, submitting a work permit or visa application, creating an Expression of Interest (EOI), setting up an Express Entry or Provincial Nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an Invitation to Apply, or simply want a professional review of your self-prepared application, we’re here to assist you.

Schedule a 30-minute / 60- minute consultation or contact us at:
info@eseumohimmigration.com

December 9, 2025
December 9, 2025

IRCC invites 1,123 PNP candidates in latest Express Entry draw

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Express Entry, Provincial nomination

Dear future neighbour,

If you’ve been watching Canada’s Express Entry draws closely, December 8, 2025, was a day worth noting. While most people focus on numbers and cut-offs, there’s a bigger story here,  one that can help you plan your next steps in immigrating to Canada.

The Significance of This Draw

A total of 1,123 candidates with provincial nominations received Invitations to Apply (ITAs). That’s huge, the largest Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw of 2025.

Here’s the thing, having a provincial nomination gives you 600 extra points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which almost guarantees an ITA. In this draw, the lowest CRS score to receive an ITA was 729. If you didn’t have a nomination, this round wasn’t for you but it signals something important about Canada’s immigration strategy.

See below details of December 8, Express Entry draw

  • Program: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
  • Date: December 8, 2025
  • Lowest CRS score: 729
  • Number of invitations issued: 1,123
  • Tie-breaking rule: March 05, 2025

The Bigger Picture:

1. Provincial Nominations Are More Valuable Than Ever

Canada is increasingly using targeted draws rather than broad ones. This means provinces are actively choosing candidates who fit their labor market needs. If you’ve been thinking about provincial programs, now is the time to explore them. A nomination doesn’t just add points, it can fast-track your application.

2. Competition Is Still High

Even with a provincial nomination, the cut-off was steep. This shows that top-tier candidates are the ones moving forward. If you’re aiming for Express Entry without a nomination, focus on boosting CRS points through:

  • Improving language test scores

  • Gaining more work experience

  • Enhancing education credentials

3. Timing and Strategy Matter

IRCC uses tie-breakers based on profile submission dates. In other words, being ready and applying early can make a difference, especially when CRS scores are close.

See below summary of Express Entry draws in 2025

Date Draw Type Number of ITAs Cut-off CRS score
November 28 French language proficiency 6,000 408
November 25 Canadian Experience Class 1,000 531
November 25 Provincial Nominee Program 777 699
November 14 Healthcare and social services 3,500 462
November 12 Canadian Experience Class 1,000 533
November 10 Provincial Nominee Program 714 738
October 29 French language proficiency 6,000 416
October 28 Canadian Experience Class 1,000 533
October 27 Provincial Nominee Program 302 761
October 15 Healthcare and social services 2,500 472
October 14 Provincial Nominee Program 345 778
October 6 French language proficiency 4,500 432
October 1 Canadian Experience Class 1,000 534
September 29 Provincial Nominee Program 291 855
September 18 Trade 1,250 505
September 17 Education 2,500 462
September 15 Provincial Nominee Program 228 746
September 4 French language proficiency 4,500 446
September 3 Canadian Experience Class 1,000 534
September 2 Provincial Nominee Program 249 772
August 19 Healthcare and social services 2,500 470
August 18 Provincial Nominee Program 192 800
August 8 French language proficiency 2,500 481
August 7 Canadian Experience Class 1,000 534
August 6 Provincial Nominee Program 225 739
July 22 Healthcare and social services 4,000 475
July 21 Provincial Nominee Program 202 788
July 8 Canadian Experience Class 3,000 518
July 7 Provincial Nominee Program 356 750
June 26 Canadian Experience Class 3,000 521
June 23 Provincial Nominee Program 503 742
June 12 Canadian Experience Class 3,000 529
June 10 Provincial Nominee Program 125 784
June 4 Healthcare and social services 500 504
June 2 Provincial Nominee Program 277 726
May 13 Canadian Experience Class 500 547
May 12 Provincial Nominee Program 511 706
May 2 Healthcare and social services 500 510
May 1 Education 1,000 479
April 28 Provincial Nominee Program 421 727
April 14 Provincial Nominee Program 825 764
March 21 French language proficiency 7,500 379
March 17 Provincial Nominee Program 536 736
March 6 French language proficiency 4,500 410
March 3 Provincial Nominee Program 725 667
February 19 French language proficiency 6,500 428
February 17 Provincial Nominee Program 646 750
February 5 Canadian Experience Class 4,000 521
February 4 Provincial Nominee Program 455 802
January 23 Canadian Experience Class 4,000 527
January 8 Canadian Experience Class 1,350 542
January 7 Provincial Nominee Program 471 793

Tips to Improve Your Chances

  1. Consider Provincial Nominees: Check which provinces match your skills and experience, nominations can make all the difference.

  2. Optimize Your CRS: Small improvements in language, education, or work experience can push you over the threshold.

  3. Stay Prepared: Keep documents ready, update your profile promptly, and monitor draw trends. Targeted draws are becoming the norm, so readiness pays off.

  4. Think Long-Term: Even if you miss a draw, improving your profile now sets you up for the next one.

What You Need to Know

The latest PNP draw isn’t just numbers on a page but a clear signal: Canada values skilled immigrants who align with provincial needs, and strategic planning can be your ticket in. Whether it’s through a nomination, improving your CRS, or timing your application wisely, you can position yourself to succeed.

Remember, immigration isn’t just about waiting for ITAs, it’s about preparing, strategizing, and acting at the right time.

Whether you’re applying for a visitor visa, submitting a work permit or visa application, creating an Expression of Interest (EOI), setting up an Express Entry or Provincial Nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an Invitation to Apply, or simply want a professional review of your self-prepared application, we’re here to assist you.

Schedule a 30-minute / 60- minute consultation or contact us at:
info@eseumohimmigration.com

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