Express Entry Is Back: Canada Invites 955 Provincial Nominees in New IRCC Draw

Canada has resumed Express Entry invitations after nearly a month-long pause, issuing 955 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates nominated by provinces. The latest round marks the first Express Entry draw conducted in June 2026 and signals that provincial immigration pathways remain a major priority for the federal government.

For many prospective immigrants, the draw reinforces an important message: obtaining a provincial nomination continues to be one of the strongest routes toward securing permanent residence in Canada.

What Has Been Announced?

On June 22, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted an Express Entry draw exclusively for candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

To receive an invitation, candidates were required to:

• Have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 730;
• Maintain an active Express Entry profile created before 1:02 a.m. UTC on March 9, 2026.

A total of 955 invitations were issued, making this the largest PNP-specific draw of the year and a notable increase compared with several previous provincial rounds held in 2026.

The selection also represents the 31st Express Entry draw conducted by IRCC this year and the first invitation round held in June.

Key Changes Explained

Provincial Nominee Program

The latest draw demonstrates a renewed emphasis on provincial nominations. Earlier PNP rounds in 2026 issued between 264 and 681 invitations, with CRS thresholds frequently exceeding 740 points. While the CRS requirement in this draw remained high at 730, the number of invitations increased substantially.

Candidates holding a provincial nomination automatically receive an additional 600 CRS points, which explains why PNP draws typically feature elevated cut-off scores.

Permanent Residence Pathways

Provincial nominees continue to enjoy a significant advantage in Canada's permanent residence system. Provinces select candidates based on local labour shortages and economic priorities, allowing nominated applicants to move quickly through the federal immigration process.

Express Entry Trends in 2026

IRCC's selection pattern this year reveals a clear preference for applicants already contributing to the Canadian economy.

Among the 31 draws conducted so far:

• 12 targeted Provincial Nominee Program candidates;
• 9 focused on the Canadian Experience Class (CEC);
• 6 were dedicated to French-speaking candidates;
• The remaining draws targeted healthcare professionals, trades workers, physicians, and senior managers.

Overall, IRCC has issued 80,796 invitations in 2026, distributed as follows:

Why This Change Is Happening

Canada's immigration strategy has increasingly shifted toward selecting candidates who are already established in the country or who meet targeted regional labour demands.

Several factors appear to be influencing this approach:

• Provinces require workers to address persistent shortages in healthcare, construction, technology, and other essential sectors.
• Federal authorities are seeking better control over population growth and settlement patterns.
• Prioritizing applicants with Canadian work experience or provincial endorsements may improve long-term economic integration outcomes.

Rather than relying solely on general Express Entry draws, IRCC is using targeted invitations to align immigration levels with labour market needs.

Impact Analysis

Students

International graduates planning to remain in Canada may find provincial nomination programs increasingly valuable. Candidates with employer support, in-demand occupations, or regional ties may have stronger prospects through provincial streams.

Work Permit Applicants

Temporary foreign workers employed in sectors facing shortages could benefit from provincial pathways that provide a direct route to permanent residence.

However, workers without provincial support may face greater competition as IRCC continues favouring selected categories.

PR Candidates

Express Entry candidates with CRS scores below traditional cut-offs should closely examine provincial programs. A nomination can transform an otherwise uncompetitive profile into one that is almost guaranteed to receive an invitation.

Winners and Losers

Winners

• Candidates already holding a provincial nomination.
• Applicants with Canadian work experience.
• French-speaking candidates benefiting from category-based draws.
• Individuals employed in priority occupations identified by provinces.

Those Facing Challenges

• Overseas applicants relying solely on general Express Entry draws.
• Candidates with moderate CRS scores and no provincial support.
• Applicants whose occupations do not align with current provincial labour demands.

Expert Insight

From a strategic immigration perspective, this draw confirms that Canada's Express Entry system is becoming increasingly selective and targeted.

The high CRS threshold should not discourage applicants. For provincial nominees, CRS scores above 700 are expected because the nomination itself contributes 600 additional points.

More importantly, the increase to 955 invitations suggests provinces may be receiving greater room to nominate skilled workers during the second half of 2026. If this trend continues, applicants who position themselves for provincial streams could benefit from improved opportunities.

The broader pattern also indicates that IRCC is maintaining its preference for candidates who have demonstrated an ability to integrate into Canadian society through work experience, language proficiency, or regional connections.

Strategic Advice for Applicants

Applicants hoping to improve their chances of receiving an ITA should consider the following steps:

1. Explore provincial nominee streams that align with your occupation and experience.
2. Keep your Express Entry profile updated with new language test results, education credentials, and work experience.
3. Monitor provinces that regularly invite candidates from targeted occupations.
4. Strengthen French-language skills, as French-proficiency draws continue to issue substantial numbers of invitations.
5. Seek employment opportunities in Canada that may support provincial nomination applications.
6. Avoid relying exclusively on all-program Express Entry draws, which remain limited.

The June 22, 2026 Express Entry draw highlights Canada's continued reliance on provincial nominations as a key immigration tool. With 955 invitations issued and a growing emphasis on candidates who meet regional labour needs, aspiring immigrants should focus on targeted pathways rather than waiting for broad-based selections.

For many applicants, securing a provincial nomination may be the most realistic and effective strategy for obtaining Canada PR in 2026.