Canada Invites 752 Candidates in Latest Express Entry Draw
Introduction
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has held another Express Entry draw. On October 13, 2026, the department issued 752 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
To receive an invitation, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 772. In addition, they had to create their Express Entry profile before 1:57:33 p.m. UTC on July 15, 2026.
Overall, this draw highlights Canada’s continued focus on candidates with strong connections to the country. For instance, provincial nominees and people with Canadian work experience have received considerable attention throughout 2026.
What Were the Requirements for the October 13 Express Entry Draw?
IRCC set two main requirements for this round. First, candidates needed a CRS score of at least 772. Second, they had to create their Express Entry profiles before 1:57:33 p.m. UTC on July 15, 2026.
Therefore, candidates had to meet both requirements to receive an invitation in this draw.
What Is the Provincial Nominee Program?
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate eligible candidates who can meet local economic and labour market needs.
When candidates receive a provincial nomination through an Express Entry-linked process, they gain additional CRS points. As a result, their overall scores increase, which can improve their chances of receiving an invitation.
However, a nomination does not remove the need to meet the relevant immigration program requirements. Instead, candidates must still follow the required application process.
Can Express Entry Candidates Apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit?
Yes, some foreign nationals in Canada may qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) after applying for permanent residence through Express Entry.
This permit can help eligible applicants continue working in Canada while IRCC processes their permanent residence applications. In other words, it can help eligible applicants maintain their ability to work while they wait for a decision.
However, applicants must meet the applicable conditions. If their current work permit expires after they submit a BOWP application, they may be able to continue working under maintained status. To qualify, they must remain in Canada and continue working under the same conditions as their previous permit.
Additionally, eligible family members may qualify for open work permits, depending on the applicable rules.
What Are the Recent Express Entry Draw Results?
Throughout 2026, IRCC has conducted several types of Express Entry draws. For example, these rounds have targeted candidates with provincial nominations, Canadian work experience, French-language skills and experience in specific occupations.
To understand the recent trends, here are some of the latest results:
| Date | Draw category | CRS cut-off | ITAs issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 13 | Provincial Nominee Program | 772 | 752 |
| October 1 | Trades | 476 | 3,500 |
| September 29 | Canadian Experience Class | 518 | 2,000 |
| September 28 | Provincial Nominee Program | 725 | 733 |
| September 16 | Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience | 389 | 250 |
| September 15 | Canadian Experience Class | 519 | 2,000 |
| September 14 | Provincial Nominee Program | 734 | 576 |
| September 4 | Healthcare and social services | 475 | 3,500 |
| September 3 | Physicians with Canadian Work Experience | 198 | 229 |
| September 1 | Canadian Experience Class | 521 | 2,000 |
As these results show, IRCC has continued to invite candidates through different categories. Rather than relying on only one type of draw, the department has selected candidates according to different immigration priorities.
How Many Express Entry Draws Has Canada Held in 2026?
The October 13 round brought the total number of Express Entry selection rounds in 2026 to 60, according to the provided information.
Among these rounds, the Provincial Nominee Program accounted for the highest number of draws. Meanwhile, the Canadian Experience Class and French-language proficiency categories also received considerable attention.
Here is the full breakdown by draw type:
| Draw category | Number of draws |
|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program | 20 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 17 |
| French-language proficiency | 10 |
| Physicians with Canadian work experience | 3 |
| Healthcare and social services | 3 |
| Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience | 3 |
| Trades | 2 |
| Transport | 1 |
| Skilled Military Recruits | 1 |
Therefore, provincial nominees and candidates with Canadian work experience have featured prominently in the 2026 selection rounds. Furthermore, French-language proficiency has remained an important category.
How Many Invitations Has IRCC Issued in 2026?
According to the provided figures, IRCC has issued 135,967 Invitations to Apply through Express Entry draws in 2026.
The Canadian Experience Class accounts for the largest number of invitations. In comparison, French-language proficiency draws rank second, with 50,500 invitations.
Here is the breakdown by category:
| Draw category | ITAs issued in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class | 55,250 |
| French-language proficiency | 50,500 |
| Healthcare and social services | 11,500 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 10,022 |
| Trades | 6,500 |
| Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience | 1,000 |
| Physicians with Canadian work experience | 891 |
| Transport | 300 |
| Skilled Military Recruits | 4 |
| Total | 135,967 |
Taken together, these figures show the range of candidates IRCC has targeted this year. In particular, the Canadian Experience Class and French-language proficiency categories account for a large share of the invitations issued so far.
What Does the Latest Draw Mean for Express Entry Candidates?
The latest draw highlights the importance of understanding how Express Entry selection works.
First, candidates with a provincial nomination can receive a significant increase in their CRS scores. Meanwhile, other candidates may benefit from draws targeting Canadian work experience, French-language skills or specific occupations.
However, meeting the eligibility requirements for an Express Entry program does not guarantee an invitation. Since the CRS cut-off and the number of invitations can change with each round, candidates should continue to monitor new draws.
For this reason, candidates should keep their Express Entry profiles updated and check the latest IRCC announcements. Additionally, they can explore whether they qualify for a provincial nomination or another eligible category.
Final Takeaway
On October 13, 2026, Canada issued 752 invitations through its Provincial Nominee Program draw. The minimum CRS cut-off was 772.
At the same time, IRCC continued to conduct draws for candidates with Canadian work experience, French-language skills and experience in selected occupations.
As a result, candidates should regularly review their CRS scores, confirm their eligibility and follow the latest immigration updates. By taking these steps, they can better understand their options for applying for permanent residence in Canada.
Get in touch with SPS Global
Receive advice on any of your questions regarding immigration. Get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Global. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).
