According to Maple News, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 2,250 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw conducted through the Express Entry system. Eligible candidates needed a minimum CRS score of 509 and had to have created an Express Entry profile before 8:27 a.m. UTC on March 18, 2026.
This draw represents the nineteenth Express Entry selection of 2026 and the sixth Canadian Experience Class draw of the year. It continues IRCC’s recent emphasis on candidates with strong Canadian ties, including provincial nominations and Canadian work experience.
Year to date, IRCC has issued 55,830 ITAs across several draw types. The breakdown so far in 2026 includes 28,000 for the Canadian Experience Class, 18,000 for French-language proficiency, 4,000 for healthcare and social services, 2,939 for the Provincial Nominee Program, 391 for physicians with Canadian work experience, and 250 for senior managers with Canadian work experience.
The pattern underscores a clear focus on applicants who already have Canadian ties—whether through work experience or provincial nomination—as IRCC manages demand within the Express Entry pool. Prospective applicants and advisors should continue to strengthen Canadian connections and keep profiles up to date to remain competitive as thresholds shift with demand.
Maple News will continue to monitor upcoming draws and provide timely analysis on how policy changes impact eligibility and competitiveness for Express Entry candidates.