Canada’s immigration department has issued a new round of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through the Express Entry system, targeting candidates who hold a provincial nomination.
- Draw date: 16 August 2026
- Draw type: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- CRS cut‑off: 760 points (minimum)
- ITAs issued: 442
- Eligibility window for profiles: Candidates must have created an Express Entry profile before 6:01 p.m. UTC on 7 August 2026.
2026 Express Entry draw landscape
Since the start of 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has held 47 Express Entry selection rounds. The draws have largely favored applicants with Canadian ties—particularly provincial nominees and those with Canadian work experience.
| Draw type | Number of draws in 2026 | ITAs issued (cumulative) |
|---|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program | 16 | 7,399 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 13 | 48,250 |
| French‑Language proficiency | 9 | 45,500 |
| Physicians with Canadian work experience | 2 | 662 |
| Healthcare and social services | 2 | 8,000 |
| Senior Managers with Canadian work experience | 2 | 750 |
| Trades | 1 | 3,000 |
| Transport | 1 | 300 |
| Skilled Military Recruits | 1 | 4 |
Total ITAs issued in 2026: 113,865.
Recent draw details (selected)
- 16 Aug 2026 – PNP: CRS 760, 442 ITAs (provincial nominees).
- 7 Aug 2026 – Transport: CRS 470, 300 ITAs.
- 6 Aug 2026 – French‑Language proficiency: CRS 391, 5,000 ITAs.
- 5 Aug 2026 – Canadian Experience Class: CRS 516, 3,000 ITAs.
- 4 Aug 2026 – PNP: CRS 768, 507 ITAs.
(Full draw list available in the source article.)
Practical considerations for prospective applicants
- Provincial nomination remains a strong pathway: Nominees automatically receive an additional 600 points, but the August 2026 draw still required a minimum CRS of 760, indicating high competition among nominees.
- Profile timing is critical: The deadline for creating a profile for this draw was 6:01 p.m. UTC on 7 August 2026. Late submissions are ineligible for the round.
- CRS thresholds vary by draw type: French‑language draws have seen cut‑offs in the high‑300s, while PNP draws have ranged from the low‑700s to 768. Candidates should monitor upcoming draws to gauge realistic score targets.
- Category focus: In 2026, IRCC has prioritized candidates with Canadian work experience and provincial nominations, suggesting that applicants should consider securing a nomination or Canadian employment before entering Express Entry.
Prospective applicants can assess their competitiveness using official tools or authorized assessment services.
Source article: www.cicnews.com
