In 2026, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has focused largely on immigration candidates within the country. The latest Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw, held on March 31, 2026, saw the issuance of 2,250 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to eligible candidates.
To be considered in this draw, candidates were required to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 509. This draw is noteworthy as it marks the nineteenth Express Entry selection of the year and the sixth specifically for the CEC.
Candidates needed to create an Express Entry profile before 8:27 a.m. UTC on March 18, 2026, to be eligible for this draw. The IRCC has issued a total of 55,830 ITAs across various draw types in 2026, with 30,250 of those specifically for the Canadian Experience Class.
In addition to the CEC draws, the IRCC has also issued 18,000 ITAs for candidates with French-language proficiency, 4,000 for healthcare and social services, 2,939 for the Provincial Nominee Program, 391 for physicians with Canadian work experience, and 250 for senior managers with Canadian work experience.
The continued focus on issuing ITAs for candidates already in Canada reflects the government’s strategy to streamline immigration processes for those who have already established their lives in the country. Observers note that this trend may continue as the IRCC aims to meet its immigration targets for the year.
As the year progresses, further draws are expected, and candidates are encouraged to stay informed about their eligibility and the requirements for future selections. The IRCC’s commitment to facilitating immigration for those with Canadian experience suggests that more opportunities may arise for potential applicants.
