Canada continues to actively recruit skilled immigrants through its Express Entry system, having issued a total of 108,123 invitations to apply for permanent residence in 44 selection rounds so far in 2026.

August 2026 Express Entry Draws

During the first week of August, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted four targeted draws, inviting candidates from specific professional categories:

  • Provincial Nominee Program (4 August): 507 invitations issued with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score of 768.
  • Canadian Experience Class (5 August): 3,000 invitations at a CRS cut-off of 516.
  • French-Language Proficiency Draw (6 August): The largest draw that week, issuing 5,000 invitations at a notably low CRS cut-off of 391, reflecting Canada's commitment to growing francophone communities outside Quebec.
  • Transport Occupations Draw (7 August): 300 invitations issued at a CRS cut-off of 470, targeting skilled transport professionals such as pilots and aircraft mechanics.

Ontario Launches Workforce Priority Stream

On 4 August, Ontario introduced a new Workforce Priority Stream under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). This initiative opens three pathways for foreign workers:

  • Higher-skilled workers with qualifying job offers from approved employers.
  • Lower-skilled workers with similar job offers.
  • Self-employed physicians registered to practise in Ontario.

Interested candidates can submit an Expression of Interest via Ontario's e-Filing Portal. Invitations to apply require submission of a complete application within 17 calendar days. Selected higher-skilled workers and physicians may benefit from expedited permanent residence processing linked directly to the federal Express Entry system.

Key Policy Updates for 2026

The IRCC has aligned its category-based draws with Canada's economic priorities, introducing new targeted groups including physicians, researchers, senior managers with Canadian work experience, transport professionals, and skilled military recruits with Canadian Armed Forces job offers.

Priority categories such as French-language proficiency, healthcare, STEM, skilled trades, and education remain active. Notably, the minimum required work experience for eligibility in category-based draws has increased from six to 12 months within the past three years.

Applicants must qualify under one of three federal programs managed through Express Entry: the Federal Skilled Worker Programme, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Trades Programme.