Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued four Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a July 23 Express Entry draw focused on skilled military recruits. To qualify, candidates needed a minimum CRS score of 368 and to have created an Express Entry profile before 20:11 UTC on June 2, 2026.
This marks the first time IRCC has held a draw under the Skilled Military Recruits category since its February 2026 introduction, and it produced the fewest ITAs in any Express Entry round to date (four).
IRCC has conducted 42 Express Entry draws in 2026 to date, underscoring Canada’s continued focus on applicants with Canadian work experience and provincial nominations. Total ITAs issued this year reach 104,616 across streams such as Canadian Experience Class, Provincial Nominee Program, French-language proficiency, healthcare and social services, trades, physicians with Canadian work experience, and senior managers with Canadian work experience.
The new Skilled Military Recruits draw exemplifies Canada’s strategy to attract highly skilled personnel who can translate military training into civilian roles, leveraging security clearances and disciplined training common in the armed forces.
Looking ahead, IRCC’s Express Entry rounds continue to tilt toward candidates with Canadian work experience and provincial nominations, with category-specific draws like the Skilled Military Recruits expanding the program’s reach.
Applicants considering Express Entry should monitor CRS cutoffs and eligibility, recognizing that minimums and competition vary by draw type and date.