Canada issues invitations to apply to provincial nominees
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has issued 511 invitations to apply through the Express Entry system in a draw for candidates with a provincial nomination. The draw required candidates to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score of 744 and to have created an Express Entry candidate profile before 6:11 p.m. Universal Coordinated Time on May 26, 2026.
This draw is part of a larger trend in 2026, where Express Entry draws have prioritized candidates already in Canada, particularly those with Canadian work experience or a provincial nomination. As of the time of this writing, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has held 39 Express Entry draws in 2026, with 14 of those draws being for candidates with a provincial nomination. The focus on provincial nominees and candidates with Canadian work experience reflects the government's efforts to retain skilled workers who are already integrated into the Canadian labour market.
To be considered in this draw, candidates needed to meet the specified eligibility criteria, including a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score of 744 and an Express Entry candidate profile created before the specified deadline. The Comprehensive Ranking System score is used to rank candidates in the Express Entry pool, taking into account factors such as language proficiency, education, work experience, and other skills. Candidates who received an invitation to apply in this draw will have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence.
"See how competitive your Express Entry profile is" is a tool available to candidates to assess their chances of being selected in a future draw. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the department has issued 92,612 invitations to apply across various draw types in 2026, including 6,450 invitations to candidates with a provincial nomination.
The latest draw will be of interest to candidates who have received a provincial nomination, as it provides an opportunity for them to apply for permanent residence in Canada. Candidates from various countries who have been nominated by a province or territory may be affected by this draw. For example, candidates who have been nominated through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program or the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program may have been eligible for this draw.
Candidates who are interested in applying for permanent residence through the Express Entry system should ensure that their profile is up-to-date and that they meet the eligibility criteria for future draws. They can check the official government website for the latest information on Express Entry draws and eligibility criteria. Additionally, candidates can use the "See how competitive your Express Entry profile is" tool to assess their chances of being selected in a future draw and make adjustments to their profile as needed.