Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued another Invitation to Apply (ITA) through the Express Entry system, this round exclusively for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates. The draw awarded 473 ITAs, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 795, and applicants were required to have created an Express Entry profile before 11:11 p.m. UTC on April 13, 2026.
This round underscores IRCC’s ongoing emphasis on provincial nominations and Canadian work experience, continuing a trend in 2026 that has seen invitations skew toward nominees with provincial support or strong in-country credentials.
This marks the year’s twenty-third Express Entry draw. Through 2026 thus far, IRCC has conducted eight Provincial Nominee Program draws, seven Canadian Experience Class draws, four French-language proficiency draws, and single draws for physicians with Canadian work experience, for healthcare and social services, for senior managers with Canadian work experience, and for trades.
Overall, IRCC has issued 65,627 ITAs in 2026 across these draw types: Canadian Experience Class 32,250; French-language proficiency 22,000; Healthcare and social services 4,000; Provincial Nominee Program 3,263; Trades 3,000; Physicians with Canadian work experience 391; Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 250. These figures reflect a year so far defined by targeted openings designed to advance provincial nominees and professionals with Canadian experience.
As 2026 continues, candidates in the Express Entry pool should monitor evolving CRS cut-offs and provincial nomination streams. Maple News will continue to provide timely coverage and analysis of Express Entry developments for prospective applicants.