Surprise Express Entry Draw Invites Provincial Nominees
The latest draw from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) surprised many by taking place on a statutory holiday. This draw, part of the Express Entry system, specifically targeted Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates.
Details of the Recent Express Entry Draw
In this surprise draw, IRCC issued a total of 279 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for candidates in the PNP. To qualify, candidates needed to meet specific criteria:
- A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 789.
- Creation of an Express Entry candidate profile before 12:59 a.m. UTC on September 5, 2025.
Overview of 2026 Express Entry Draws
This recent draw is significant as it marks the seventh selection of the year and the fourth focused on PNP candidates in 2026. The IRCC has primarily directed its attention towards candidates already residing in Canada, especially those holding provincial nominations and possessing Canadian work experience.
2026 Draw Types and ITAs Issued
So far this year, IRCC has issued a total of 24,457 ITAs across various draw types:
| Draw Type | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class | 20,000 |
| French-Language Proficiency | 8,500 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 1,534 |
The focus on immigration candidates already experienced in Canada marks a new strategy by the IRCC. It highlights the increasing importance of provincial nominations and domestic experience in the selection process.
