Canada’s immigration department has issued a fresh round of 2,000 invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence through the Express Entry system, targeting candidates in the Canadian Experience Class.
Key details of the September 15, 2026 draw
- Draw type: Canadian Experience Class
- CRS cut‑off: 519 (minimum score required)
- Profile deadline: 12:16 a.m. UTC on 26 March 2026 (candidates had to create an Express Entry profile before this time)
- ITAs issued: 2,000
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) option
Applicants already in Canada who are awaiting the outcome of their permanent‑residence application can apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit. If their current work permit expires before the BOWP is processed, they may retain maintained status, allowing them to keep working under the same conditions while remaining in Canada. Eligible family members may also apply for a BOWP.
Recent Express Entry draws (September 2026)
| Date | Draw type | CRS cut‑off | ITAs issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Sep 2026 | Canadian Experience Class | 519 | 2,000 |
| 14 Sep 2026 | Provincial Nominee Program | 734 | 576 |
| 4 Sep 2026 | Healthcare & social services | 475 | 3,500 |
| 3 Sep 2026 | Physicians with Canadian work experience | 198 | 229 |
| 1 Sep 2026 | Canadian Experience Class | 521 | 2,000 |
(Earlier draws in 2026 are listed in the source table; the above are the most recent.)
2026 Express Entry activity at a glance
-
Total draws held: 55
-
Draws by category:
- Provincial Nominee Program – 18 draws
- Canadian Experience Class – 16 draws
- French‑language proficiency – 10 draws
- Physicians with Canadian work experience – 3 draws
- Healthcare & social services – 3 draws
- Senior managers with Canadian work experience – 2 draws
- Trades – 1 draw
- Transport – 1 draw
- Skilled military recruits – 1 draw
-
ITAs issued by category (cumulative 2026):
- Canadian Experience Class – 51,250
- French‑language proficiency – 50,500
- Provincial Nominee Program – 8,537
- Healthcare & social services – 11,500
- Trades – 3,000
- Transport – 300
Physicians with Canadian work experience – 891
Senior managers with Canadian work experience – 750
Skilled military recruits – 4
These figures show a continued emphasis on candidates with Canadian work experience and provincial nominations, while French‑language draws remain a significant component of the overall selection strategy. Applicants should ensure their Express Entry profiles are up‑to‑date and meet the CRS threshold for upcoming draws, and consider the BOWP route if they are already residing in Canada while awaiting permanent‑residence decisions.
Source article: www.cicnews.com
