Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw conducted through the Express Entry system. The draw set a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 516 and required candidates to have created an Express Entry profile before 12:03 a.m. UTC on April 14, 2026. This marks the largest CEC invitation round seen since March 31, 2026.
This draw is the 32nd Express Entry selection of 2026. Year to date, IRCC has issued 84,796 ITAs across multiple draw types, including 41,250 for the Canadian Experience Class, 30,500 for French-language proficiency, 5,405 for the Provincial Nominee Program, 4,000 for healthcare and social services, 3,000 for trades, 391 for physicians with Canadian work experience, and 250 for senior managers with Canadian work experience.
IRCC data shows that the majority of 2026 draws have prioritized in-Canada candidates with Canadian work experience or provincial nominations, reflecting ongoing labor-market needs and a focus on mobility within Canada.
For applicants seeking to capitalize on this momentum, building Canadian work experience and pursuing provincial nomination pathways remain strong strategies to strengthen eligibility. Maple News will continue to monitor IRCC announcements and provide analysis on how Express Entry and related programs evolve for skilled workers and startup founders.