Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 250 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a new Express Entry draw targeting candidates in the Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience category.
To be eligible, applicants needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 429 and a created Express Entry profile before 3:10 p.m. UTC on August 19, 2025.
This draw marks the fourteenth Express Entry selection of 2026. Throughout the year, IRCC has leaned toward inviting candidates already in Canada, with a pronounced emphasis on provincial nominations and Canadian work experience.
As of 2026 thus far, IRCC has issued 39,362 ITAs across the following draw types: Canadian Experience Class (24,000), French-Language proficiency (14,000), Healthcare and social services (4,000), Provincial Nominee Program (1,798), and Physicians with Canadian work experience (391). A breakdown of recent activity shows five Provincial Nominee Program draws, four Canadian Experience Class draws, two French-language proficiency draws, one draw for physicians with Canadian work experience, and one healthcare and social services draw.
The ongoing pattern suggests Canada is prioritizing applicants with established ties to the country, particularly those sponsored through provincial nomination streams or with relevant Canadian work experience. Prospective applicants should regularly review their CRS scores and eligibility, and consider provincial nomination routes if they qualify, as IRCC continues to direct invitations toward candidates with local connections.