Key Highlights: Express Entry Draw 399– March 2, 2026
- 264 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued
- Draw Type: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Minimum CRS Score: 710
- Fifth PNP draw of 2026
- Eleventh Express Entry draw overall this year
- First draw of March 2026
To be eligible for this round, candidates were also required to have submitted their Express Entry profiles before 6:02 p.m. (UTC) on August 7, 2025. This “tie-breaker” date ensures that candidates with the same CRS score are ranked and selected based on their profile submission date and time.
Express Entry Draws in 2026:
Below is a summary of all Express Entry draws conducted in 2026 to date:
| Draw Date | Draw Type | CRS Cut-Off | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 2 | Provincial Nominee Program | 710 | 264 |
| February 20 | Healthcare and social services | 467 | 4,000 |
| February 19 | Physicians with Canadian work experience | 169 | 391 |
| February 17 | Canadian Experience Class | 508 | 6,000 |
| February 16 | Provincial Nominee Program | 789 | 279 |
| February 6 | French-language proficiency | 400 | 8,500 |
| February 3 | Provincial Nominee Program | 749 | 423 |
| January 21 | Canadian Experience Class | 509 | 6,000 |
| January 20 | Provincial Nominee Program | 746 | 681 |
| January 7 | Canadian Experience Class | 511 | 8,000 |
| January 5 | Provincial Nominee Program | 711 | 574 |
PNP Draws Lead in Frequency
PNP draws have been the most common selection category so far this year:
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program | 5 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 3 |
| French-Language Proficiency | 1 |
| Physicians with Canadian Work Experience | 1 |
| Healthcare and Social Services | 1 |
The emphasis on PNP selections highlights Canada’s strategy of empowering provinces to select candidates who can meet regional labor market needs.
2026 Immigration Trend: Focus on In-Canada Candidates
Express Entry draws this year indicate that Canada is prioritizing:
- Candidates with provincial nominations
- Applicants with Canadian work experience
- Healthcare professionals and sector-specific occupations
- French-speaking candidates
This targeted approach reflects Canada’s efforts to strengthen its domestic workforce while addressing key labor shortages.
With five PNP draws already conducted in just two months, provincial nomination continues to be one of the strongest and most reliable pathways to Canadian permanent residence in 2026.