Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 356 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a single Express Entry draw focused on Provincial Nominee Program nominees on March 30, 2026. To be considered, candidates needed at least a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 802 and had to have created an Express Entry profile before 3:54 a.m. UTC on February 12, 2026.
This marks the eighteenth Express Entry draw of 2026, continuing IRCC’s pattern of prioritizing provincial nominations and candidates with Canadian work experience as part of its admissions strategy.
Through the year to date, IRCC has issued 53,580 ITAs across draw types. The breakdown so far includes: Canadian Experience Class 28,000; French-language proficiency 18,000; Healthcare and social services 4,000; Provincial Nominee Program 2,939; Physicians with Canadian work experience 391; and Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 250.
The March 30 draw underscores a steady tilt toward provincial nominees within Express Entry in 2026, alongside strong activity in the Canadian Experience Class and French-language streams. The year’s data illustrate IRCC’s focus on applicants linked to provinces or with established Canadian work experience.
Maple News will continue to monitor Express Entry developments and provide ongoing coverage of policy shifts, provincial nomination programs, and how they affect pathways to permanent residence for qualified applicants.