Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted the Fifteenth Express Entry Draw of 2026, issuing new Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to immigration candidates.
In this latest round, 362 candidates were invited under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
The Fifteenth Express Entry Draw highlights Canada’s continued focus on selecting candidates already connected to provincial labour markets.
Fifteenth Express Entry Draw Details
Here are the official details of the Fifteenth Express Entry Draw:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Draw Type | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) |
| ITAs Issued | 362 |
| CRS Cut-Off Score | 742 |
| Profile Deadline | October 5, 2025 (8:35 PM UTC) |
Candidates required a high CRS score of 742, which reflects the additional points awarded through provincial nominations.
Fifteenth Express Entry Draw: CRS Score Analysis
The Fifteenth Express Entry Draw had a significantly high CRS cut-off due to its PNP-specific nature.
Key insights:
- PNP candidates receive 600 additional CRS points
- This results in higher cut-off scores compared to other draws
- Only candidates with provincial nominations were selected
This explains why the CRS requirement reached 742 points in this draw.
Fifteenth Express Entry Draw in 2026: Complete Draw Summary
Below is a full breakdown of Express Entry draws conducted in 2026 so far:
| Date | Draw Type | CRS Score | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 16 | PNP | 742 | 362 |
| March 5 | Senior Managers | 429 | 250 |
| March 4 | French Language | 397 | 5,500 |
| March 3 | Canadian Experience Class | 508 | 4,000 |
| March 2 | PNP | 710 | 264 |
| Feb 20 | Healthcare | 467 | 4,000 |
| Feb 19 | Physicians | 169 | 391 |
| Feb 17 | Canadian Experience Class | 508 | 6,000 |
| Feb 16 | PNP | 789 | 279 |
| Feb 6 | French Language | 400 | 8,500 |
| Feb 3 | PNP | 749 | 423 |
| Jan 21 | Canadian Experience Class | 509 | 6,000 |
| Jan 20 | PNP | 746 | 681 |
| Jan 7 | Canadian Experience Class | 511 | 8,000 |
| Jan 5 | PNP | 711 | 574 |
The Fifteenth Express Entry Draw marks the 15th selection round of 2026 and the 6th PNP-specific draw this year.
Fifteenth Express Entry Draw: Draw Type Breakdown in 2026
IRCC has focused heavily on targeted draws in 2026.
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program | 6 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 4 |
| French-Language Proficiency | 2 |
| Healthcare & Social Services | 1 |
| Physicians | 1 |
| Senior Managers | 1 |
The Fifteenth Express Entry Draw reflects Canada’s strategy of prioritizing candidates already working or nominated within the country.
Fifteenth Express Entry Draw: Total ITAs Issued in 2026
So far in 2026, IRCC has issued 45,604 ITAs across different categories.
| Draw Type | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class | 24,000 |
| French-Language Proficiency | 14,000 |
| Healthcare & Social Services | 4,000 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 2,583 |
| Physicians | 391 |
| Senior Managers | 250 |
The Fifteenth Express Entry Draw contributes to the growing number of invitations issued under the PNP category.
What the Fifteenth Express Entry Draw Means for Candidates
The Fifteenth Express Entry Draw reinforces key immigration trends in Canada:
- Strong focus on Provincial Nominee Program candidates
- Preference for applicants with Canadian work experience
- Continued use of targeted category-based draws
Candidates without provincial nominations may find it more challenging to meet high CRS thresholds in PNP draws.
Conclusion
The Fifteenth Express Entry Draw of 2026 invited 362 candidates with a CRS score of 742 under the Provincial Nominee Program.
As Canada continues to prioritize targeted immigration streams, candidates should focus on improving their CRS scores or securing provincial nominations to increase their chances of receiving an ITA.
The evolving draw patterns suggest that inland candidates and skilled workers aligned with labour market needs will remain a priority throughout 2026.
FAQs
What is the Fifteenth Express Entry Draw?
It is the 15th Express Entry draw conducted by IRCC in 2026, inviting 362 Provincial Nominee Program candidates.
What was the CRS score in the latest draw?
The CRS cut-off score was 742.
Why is the CRS score so high in PNP draws?
PNP candidates receive 600 additional CRS points, leading to higher cut-off scores.
How many ITAs have been issued in 2026?
IRCC has issued 45,604 ITAs so far in 2026.
How can I improve my chances in Express Entry?
You can improve your chances by increasing your CRS score, gaining Canadian work experience, or securing a provincial nomination.
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