Canada’s immigration department issued 2,000 invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence in the latest Express Entry draw, targeting candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Draw details (September 29 2026)
| Category | CRS cut‑off | ITAs issued |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class | 518 | 2,000 |
Eligibility requirements
- Minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 518.
- An Express Entry profile must have been created before 8:48 p.m. UTC on 13 February 2026.
Work‑permit options for CEC candidates
- Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP): Applicants who have already submitted a permanent‑residence application under Express Entry may be eligible for a BOWP, allowing them to keep working while their PR application is processed.
- Maintained status: If a current work permit expires before the BOWP is approved, the applicant can remain authorized to work under maintained (implied) status, subject to the conditions of the previous permit, provided they stay in Canada.
- Open work permits for family members: Eligible spouses, common‑law partners, and dependent children may also qualify for open work permits.
Recent Express Entry draw activity (2026)
- Total draws to date: 58 draws across 9 categories.
- Draw frequency by category
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): 19 draws
- Canadian Experience Class: 17 draws
- French‑Language proficiency: 10 draws
- Physicians with Canadian work experience: 3 draws
- Healthcare and social services: 3 draws
- Senior managers with Canadian work experience: 3 draws
- Trades, Transport, Skilled Military Recruits: 1 draw each
Cumulative ITAs issued in 2026 (by draw type)
| 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 | 3,000 |
| Transport | 300 |
| Physicians with Canadian work experience | 891 |
| Senior managers with Canadian work experience | 1,000 |
| Skilled Military Recruits | 4 |
Overall, 131,715 ITAs have been issued in 2026, reflecting a continued focus on candidates with Canadian work experience or provincial nominations. Applicants meeting the CRS threshold and profile deadline should act promptly to submit their applications and explore available work‑permit pathways.
Source article: www.cicnews.com
