Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has once again turned heads with their recent Express Entry draw, doling out a fresh batch of Invitations to Apply (ITAs). This time, 264 lucky candidates with provincial nominations received their golden tickets to potentially call Canada home.
To snag an invitation in this draw, contenders needed to shine with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 710. They also had to have their Express Entry profiles ready and waiting before 6:02 p.m. UTC on August 7, 2025. Those who meet these stringent criteria are now one step closer to their Canadian dream.
“Provincial nomination can catapult a candidate's CRS score, almost guaranteeing an ITA,” said an immigration consultant.
March's first draw marks the fifth Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) event this year and the eleventh Express Entry selection overall. In 2026, Canada's immigration strategy has spotlighted candidates already within the country's borders, emphasizing those with provincial nominations and Canadian work experience. PNP draws have been particularly prominent, playing a pivotal role in this year's immigration agenda.
This year, the IRCC has rolled out 35,112 ITAs across multiple categories, with the Canadian Experience Class leading the pack at 20,000 invitations. Following closely are French-Language proficiency draws with 8,500 ITAs, and Healthcare and Social Services at 4,000. Provincial Nominee Program candidates have received 1,798 invitations, while Physicians with Canadian work experience have garnered 391 ITAs.
Canada's immigration department continues to adapt and evolve, reflecting a dynamic approach to selecting candidates who are poised to make significant contributions to the Canadian economy and society.