Canada Express Entry Next Draw Prediction 2026

Canada Express Entry Next Draw Prediction

Canada's Immigration Levels Plan for 2026 to 2028 sets the admission targets that guide every Express Entry draw, giving IRCC full authority to adjust both draw dates and CRS cut-offs based on economic conditions and labour market needs. The latest draw took place on May 11, 2026, with the next round anticipated around May 25 to 26, following the standard two-week cycle.

The overall candidate pool dropped by 682 profiles since April 26, yet the 501 to 600 CRS band added 1,799 candidates over the same period, according to pool data from May 10, 2026. The next draw is widely expected to be a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) round.

Canada Express Entry Draw List 2026

Total ITAs issued in 2026: 67,403

Weekly Draws and Future Prospects

So far in 2026, IRCC has issued 72,007 ITAs across 27 draws as of May 11.The Express Entry system oversees three core federal programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), alongside Provincial Nominee Program draws. 

In 2026, IRCC kept draws on a broadly biweekly schedule, though some weeks have seen two rounds held in quick succession. Three to four draws take place each month on average, with selected candidates given 60 days to submit their permanent residency application.

Economic class immigration is projected to make up 64% of all admissions by 2027, continuing to shape the pace and composition of Express Entry rounds, with PNP admission targets for 2026 set at 91,500. Canada's Immigration Levels Plan 2025 to 2027 continues to shape the pace and composition of these rounds. 

Canada Introduces Express Entry Categories for 2026

On February 18, 2026, Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab announced updated Express Entry selection categories aimed at aligning federal economic immigration with Canada's long-term labour shortages and workforce priorities. 

The updated categories build on the framework introduced by former Minister Marc Miller on February 20, 2025, in line with Canada's Immigration Levels Plan 2025 to 2027.

Despite STEM being listed as a priority category, no dedicated STEM draw has been held in over 23 months. IRCC appears to be routing STEM candidates through PNP and CEC rounds instead, where many are already receiving ITAs without a separate category draw.

The Agriculture and Agri-Food occupations category, which was active in previous years, has been retired for 2026. The selection categories now in effect are:

• French-language proficiency

• Healthcare and social services

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

• Trade occupations such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors

• Education occupations

• Transport occupations

• Physicians with Canadian work experience

• Senior managers with Canadian work experience

• Researchers with Canadian work experience

• Skilled military recruits

2026 Express Entry Draws – Overview by Category

Express Entry draws fall into three broad categories, each serving a distinct selection purpose.

Types of Rounds on Invitations

Category-Based Rounds of Invitations

Category-based draws are initiated when the Immigration Minister designates a specific occupational or demographic category to meet targeted economic goals. IRCC then invites the highest-ranking candidates who qualify under that category. 

Cut-offs in these rounds can fall significantly below general draw thresholds — French-language draws have landed as low as 393, the first Trades draw opened at 477, and the inaugural Physicians draw set a record low of 169 in 2026.

Program-Specific Rounds of Invitations

Rather than drawing from the full pool, program-specific rounds target top-ranking candidates eligible for one particular Express Entry program. PNP draws are a prime example, exclusively inviting candidates who already hold a provincial nomination, typically tied to regional labour market needs.

General Rounds of Invitations

General draws pull the highest-ranking candidates from the entire Express Entry pool, covering programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, Canadian Experience Class, and Provincial Nominee Program. No general draws have taken place in 2026 so far, as IRCC has shifted its focus toward program-specific and category-based selection.

Canada's Evolving Express Entry Draws: 2023 to 2026 Outlook

In 2026, Express Entry has seen several milestones. The first-ever Senior Manager draw (#402) took place on March 5, issuing 250 ITAs at a CRS of 429. CEC draws have been running at 2,000 ITAs per round, with cut-offs climbing from a yearly low of 507 in March to 515 by late April. IRCC is expected to continue holding draws on a biweekly basis, targeting specific fields and skill sectors in line with the Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2026 to 2028.

The Physicians with Canadian work experience category, officially added on December 8, 2025, saw its first dedicated draw on February 19, 2026, issuing 391 ITAs at a record-low CRS of 169 — the lowest cut-off in the program's history.

Looking back, 2024 saw permanent residency targets reach significant highs, with Express Entry draws playing a central role in meeting them. Before that, 2023 marked a turning point when IRCC introduced category-based draws, bringing in targeted selection for STEM workers, tradespeople, and French-speaking candidates to address specific labour market gaps.