Canada's immigration department, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, or IRCC, recently conducted another Express Entry draw, extending invitations to apply for permanent residence. This round specifically targeted candidates who had received a provincial nomination.
A total of 576 invitations were issued in this selection round. To qualify, candidates needed a Comprehensive Ranking System, or CRS, score of at least 734. Additionally, their Express Entry profile must have been created by 9:39 p.m. Universal Coordinated Time, UTC, on August 29, 2026.
Applicants for permanent residence through Express Entry who are already in Canada may be eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit, known as a BOWP. This permit allows them to continue working while their permanent residence application is being processed.
Should an applicant's current work permit expire before a decision is made on their BOWP application, they can benefit from maintained status. This status permits them to continue working under the terms of their existing permit, provided they remain within Canada. Family members who meet the eligibility criteria may also apply for a BOWP.
This latest selection brings the total number of Express Entry draws conducted by Canada in 2026 to 54.
Throughout 2026, Express Entry selections have frequently prioritized candidates with established connections to Canada. This includes individuals who have received provincial nominations and those with prior Canadian work experience.
The Provincial Nominee Program has been the most frequent draw type this year, with 18 selections. The Canadian Experience Class followed with 15 draws, and French Language proficiency draws occurred 10 times. Other categories included physicians with Canadian work experience and healthcare and social services, each with three draws, and senior managers with Canadian work experience, with two draws. Trades, transport, and skilled military recruits each saw one draw.
In total for 2026, IRCC has issued 121,732 invitations to apply through Express Entry. The Canadian Experience Class accounts for the largest share, with 51,250 ITAs, closely followed by French Language proficiency draws, which issued 50,500 invitations. Healthcare and social services received 11,500 ITAs, while the Provincial Nominee Program issued 8,537. Trades saw 3,000 invitations, physicians with Canadian work experience received 891, and senior managers with Canadian work experience received 750. Transport had 300 invitations, and skilled military recruits received 4.