Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 3,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a recent Express Entry draw focused on Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates. To be eligible, applicants needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 516 and had to have created an Express Entry profile before 9:35 p.m. UTC on July 3, 2026.
This draw marks IRCC’s 44th Express Entry selection round of 2026. The department continues to prioritize candidates with Canadian work experience and those who hold provincial nominations, a trend that has shaped invitations across the year.
IRCC’s latest figures show a year-to-date total of 108,123 ITAs issued through Express Entry draws. By category, the year’s invitations have been distributed as follows: Canadian Experience Class 48,250; French-language proficiency 45,500; Provincial Nominee Program 6,957; Healthcare and social services 8,000; Trades 3,000; Physicians with Canadian work experience 662; Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 750; Transport 300; and Skilled Military Recruits 4.
For applicants, the key takeaway is clear: a strong profile and opportunities tied to Canadian work experience or provincial nominations continue to drive Express Entry outcomes. Candidates looking to improve their standing should consider language training to boost CRS scores, explore provincial nomination options, and ensure their profiles remain up to date and complete.
Maple News will continue monitoring IRCC announcements and Express Entry rounds to keep readers informed about invitations, CRS trends, and policy changes affecting immigration and the startup ecosystem.