Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 380 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in the first Express Entry draw of May 2026, a round focused on Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates. Eligible applicants needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 798 and had created an Express Entry profile before 5:23 a.m. UTC on January 7, 2026.
This draw is the 27th Express Entry selection of 2026. Throughout the year, IRCC has prioritized candidates with provincial nominations and Canadian work experience, signaling a continued emphasis on individuals already in Canada or aligned with provincial labor market needs.
In this May draw, the PNP track was the focus, with a CRS cut-off of 798 and 380 ITAs issued to eligible nominees.
IRCC’s 2026 activity to date shows a clear tilt toward in-Canada candidates. The agency has conducted 10 Provincial Nominee Program draws, 8 Canadian Experience Class draws, and five French-language proficiency draws, with single-category draws for physicians with Canadian work experience, healthcare and social services, senior managers with Canadian work experience, and trades.
Year-to-date ITAs total 72,007 across categories: Canadian Experience Class 34,250; French-language proficiency 26,000; Provincial Nominee Program 4,116; Healthcare and social services 4,000; Trades 3,000; Physicians with Canadian work experience 391; Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 250. Maple News will continue to monitor upcoming rounds and any shifts in eligibility criteria or CRS cut-offs as the Express Entry program progresses through 2026.