Canada’s immigration system continues to move at a steady pace in 2026, with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada conducting another targeted Express Entry draw. In the latest round held on 30th March, the department issued 356 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
This draw again shows a clear trend—Canada is focusing more on candidates who already have some form of connection to the country, especially through provincial nominations or local work experience.
Key Eligibility Criteria for This Draw
To be considered in this round, candidates had to meet specific requirements. A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 802 was required, which is expected in PNP draws due to the additional points from nomination. Along with this, candidates must have created their Express Entry profile before 3:54 a.m. UTC on February 12, 2026. Even a slight delay beyond this timestamp meant missing out on this round.
Express Entry Draw Result – 30th March 2026
| Date | EE Draw Category | No. of ITAs | Minimum CRS Score Requirement | Tie-breaking rule |
| 30 March 2026 | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 356 | 802 | February 12, 2026 at 03:54:03 UTC |
Click here to see the complete list of Express Entry draws until date
2026 Draw Trends So Far
This was the 18th Express Entry draw of 2026, and the pattern this year is quite clear. Instead of broad, all-program draws, the focus has shifted to smaller, category-based selections.
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 7 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 5 |
| French-Language proficiency | 3 |
| Physicians with Canadian work experience | 1 |
| Healthcare and social services | 1 |
| Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience | 1 |
From this breakdown, it’s evident that most invitations are going to candidates already inside Canada or those meeting very specific criteria.
Total ITAs Issued in 2026
Canada has already issued a significant number of ITAs this year across different categories. The distribution highlights where the country’s priorities lie.
| Draw type | ITAs Issued |
| 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 |
| Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience | 250 |
These numbers clearly show that candidates with Canadian work experience and French-language skills are leading the way in 2026.
What This Means for Applicants
If you are planning to apply for Canada PR, this trend cannot be ignored. Simply being in the Express Entry pool may not be enough anymore. You need a focused approach—either by improving your CRS score, gaining Canadian experience, or exploring provincial nomination options. The system is becoming more selective, but at the same time, opportunities are still strong for those who plan strategically.
Plan Your Canada PR Journey with the Right Guidance
Applying for Canada PR today requires more than just eligibility—it needs the right direction. Choosing between Express Entry categories or targeting a Provincial Nominee Program can directly impact your chances. Visas Avenue can guide you with a clear and practical approach based on your profile, helping you take the next step with confidence. To begin your process with better clarity, you can connect with their team for an evaluation. Call Toll-Free at 78-18-000-777 or email info@visasavenue.com.
Canada Express Entry Draw – April 28, 2026 (CEC Draw) 
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Rajneesh Kumar
31 March, 2026 
