Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a surprise Express Entry draw held on a statutory holiday. This draw specifically targeted Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates — individuals with recent Canadian work experience — continuing the department’s recent focus on candidates already residing in Canada.
To qualify for this latest round, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 508 and were required to have an Express Entry profile submitted before 9:35 a.m. UTC on March 16, 2025. This is the third CEC-specific draw of 2026 and the eighth Express Entry selection overall for the year.
The 2026 trend in Express Entry invitations points to a strategic prioritization of in-Canada applicants, particularly those with either Canadian work experience or provincial nominations. So far this year, IRCC has issued a total of 24,457 ITAs across several targeted draws.
Out of these, the majority—14,000 ITAs—have been allocated to CEC candidates. French-speaking candidates received 8,500 ITAs in a single draw held on February 6, while Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates have received 1,534 invitations across four separate rounds.
Recent draw statistics indicate a consistent decline in CRS cut-off scores for CEC candidates, from 511 at the beginning of January to 508 in the latest draw. This trend could suggest increasing opportunities for qualified temporary residents and workers looking to transition to permanent residency through Express Entry.
Here’s a snapshot of Express Entry draws so far in 2026:
– January 5 to March 16: 8 draws completed
– Draw types include: 4 PNP, 3 CEC, 1 French-language proficiency
This latest development reaffirms IRCC’s ongoing strategy to support candidates with strong Canadian ties, especially those already contributing to the workforce. The momentum behind CEC draws and French-speaking candidate selection also aligns with Canada’s immigration goals centered on integration, economic contribution, and addressing labor shortages.
Stay tuned to Maple News for ongoing coverage and analysis of Canada’s immigration pathways and policy updates.