Canada Express Entry Next Draw Prediction 2026

Latest Canada Express Entry Draw 2026

IRCC has been conducting Express Entry draws every two weeks. The latest Canada Express Entry draw #402 held on March 5, 2026, issued 250 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience category with a minimum CRS score of 429.

 ✅ Invitation Round: #402
✅ Date of Round: March 5,  2026
✅ Type of Draw: Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience
✅ Number of ITAs Issued: 250
✅ CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate Invited: 429
✅ Tie-Breaking Rule: Profile created on or before August 19, 2025 at 15:10:18 UTC

The purpose of this draw was to invite experienced senior managers with Canadian work experience through a category-based selection. This targeted round focused on attracting high-level professionals who can contribute to leadership roles across key sectors. It also supports Canada’s goal of retaining skilled talent already working in the country.

The previous Express Entry draw was held on March 4, 2026, under the French-language proficiency category, issuing 5,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) with a minimum CRS score of 397. This round focused on candidates with strong French language skills to support Francophone communities outside Quebec.

Canada Express Entry Next Draw Prediction

The latest Express Entry draw was conducted on March 5, 2026, and the Canada Express Entry Next Draw Prediction is expected around March 17, 2026.

Express Entry rounds are generally held every 2 weeks. However, IRCC may adjust dates and CRS cut-offs depending on factors such as Canada’s labour market needs, economic priorities, and the immigration targets outlined in the Canada Immigration Levels Plan for 2026–2028.

Canada Express Entry Draw List 2026

Total ITAs issued in 2026: 44,862

Weekly Draws and Future Prospects

Throughout the year, the Canadian Immigration Authority held several of the latest Canada Express Entry Draws. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) holds these draws weekly or for 14 consecutive days. Managed under the Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS), the highest-scoring candidates can apply for permanent residency. The Express Entry pathway is the fastest way to immigrate to Canada from India.

The Express Entry system manages Canada’s Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class programs. On average, three to four draws take place each month, giving selected candidates 60 days to submit their permanent residency application.

Canada's Immigration Level Plan 2025-2027 aims to attract global talent, as candidates are frequently updated on the Express Entry next draw prediction. The steady pace of these invitations reflects Canada’s commitment to economic growth and multicultural development.

Canada Introduces Express Entry Categories for 2026

On February 20, 2025, the Honourable Marc Miller, Canada's Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, announced the introduction of new Express Entry categories. These developments coincided with the objectives outlined in the  Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2025–2027, which emphasises aligning federal economic immigration with Canada’s long-term labour market needs.

On February 18, 2026, the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced updated Express Entry selection categories designed to better align federal economic immigration with Canada’s long-term labour shortages and workforce priorities. The Express Entry categories for 2026 include:

• French-language proficiency
  
  

• Healthcare and social services occupations
  
  

• Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) occupations
  
  

• Trade occupations (such as carpenters, plumbers, contractors, and similar roles)
  
  

• Education occupations
  
  

• Transport occupations
  
  

• Physicians with Canadian work experience
  
  

• Senior managers with Canadian work experience
  
  

• Researchers with Canadian work experience
  
  

• Skilled military recruits
  

Note: Although STEM occupations are listed as a priority category for 2026, dedicated draws may not necessarily occur. This is likely because many STEM candidates are already invited through PNP and CEC rounds.

2026 Express Entry Draws – Overview by Category

Types of Rounds of Invitations

• General Rounds of Invitations

Generally, IRCC selects the highest-ranking candidates from the Express Entry pool who qualify for programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Provincial Nominee Program. 

• Program-Specific Rounds of Invitations

Program-specific rounds focus on the top-ranking candidates eligible for a particular Express Entry program, often linked to a Provincial Nominee Program, to address regional labor needs.

• Category-based Rounds of Invitations

In category-based draws, the Canadian Immigration Minister designates a specific category to meet targeted economic objectives. IRCC then invites the highest-ranking candidates who meet the criteria for that designated category, such as healthcare, STEM, trades, or agriculture occupations.

Canada’s Evolving Express Entry Draws: 2023–2026 Outlook

• Examining Canada’s Express Entry draw history, 2023 was a year of change and improvement. To meet specific labor needs, IRCC introduced category-based draws for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), trades, and candidates with French language proficiency.

• The Physicians with Canadian work experience Express Entry category was officially announced on December 8, 2025 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, and invitations under this new category are planned to begin in early 2026.

• In 2024, a year of growth and transition, permanent residency targets reached high levels, with Express Entry draws playing a crucial role in achieving them. In 2026, draws are expected to reflect Canada’s continued aim to increase applicants in line with the Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2024–2026.

• Given the success of STEM-focused draws since 2023, more specialized categories are anticipated to address labor shortages. IRCC is expected to continue holding draws on a biweekly basis, targeting specific fields and skill sectors.

• The latest Express Entry rounds will remain central to Canada’s immigration strategy and its efforts to attract thousands of skilled applicants globally.