Canada issued 576 invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence in a September 14, 2026 Express Entry draw targeting candidates with a provincial nomination. To be eligible, applicants needed a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 734 and had to have created an Express Entry profile before 9:39 p.m. UTC on 29 August 2026.
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
Applicants already in Canada who have applied for permanent residence through Express Entry can request a Bridging Open Work Permit. If the applicant’s existing work permit expires while the BOWP application is pending, maintained (implied) status allows them to keep working under the conditions of the original permit, provided they remain in Canada. Eligible family members may also apply for a BOWP.
Express Entry draw activity in 2026 (to date)
| Draw type | Number of draws | ITAs issued (cumulative 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 18 | 8,537 |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 15 | 51,250 |
| French‑Language proficiency | 10 | 50,500 |
| Physicians with Canadian work experience | 3 | 891 |
| Healthcare and social services | 3 | 11,500 |
| Senior Managers with Canadian work experience | 2 | 750 |
| Trades | 1 | 3,000 |
| Transport | 1 | 300 |
| Skilled Military Recruits | 1 | 4 |
Overall, 54 Express Entry draws have been conducted in 2026, resulting in 121,732 ITAs across all categories.
Recent draw highlights (selected)
- September 14 2026 – PNP draw: CRS cut‑off 734, 576 ITAs issued.
- September 4 2026 – Healthcare & social services: CRS cut‑off 475, 3,500 ITAs.
- September 3 2026 – Physicians with Canadian work experience: CRS cut‑off 198, 229 ITAs.
- September 1 2026 – Canadian Experience Class: CRS cut‑off 521, 2,000 ITAs.
- August 31 2026 – PNP draw: CRS cut‑off 697, 562 ITAs.
(Full draw list available in IRCC releases.)
Implications for applicants
- High CRS threshold: The 734 cut‑off for the September PNP draw is among the highest in 2026, indicating strong competition for provincial nominee slots.
- Profile timing: Candidates must ensure their Express Entry profiles are up‑to‑date before the specified UTC deadline to be considered.
- BOWP eligibility: In‑Canada applicants can maintain work status while awaiting permanent‑residence decisions, reducing the risk of a work‑permit gap.
Prospective immigrants should monitor upcoming draw dates, CRS cut‑offs, and eligibility criteria for each draw category to assess their chances of receiving an ITA.
Source article: www.cicnews.com
