As Canada enters 2026, the Express Entry system is no longer a single-track competition based purely on CRS scores. Instead, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continues to operate a targeted, category-based selection model, using multiple draw types to manage admissions, labour shortages, and regional priorities.
Based on 2025 draw patterns, government targets, and pool behaviour, 2026 Express Entry draws are expected to remain highly strategic, with some categories offering stronger opportunities than others.
This blog breaks down Express Entry draw predictions for 2026, expected CRS score ranges, and how applicants can position themselves for success.
Which Express Entry Draws Will Be Prioritized in 2026?
IRCC’s current category-based Express Entry draws include:
-
French-language proficiency
-
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
-
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
-
Healthcare and social services
-
STEM occupations
-
Trades
-
Education
-
Agriculture and agri-food
-
Physicians with Canadian work experience
Among these, three categories carry the strongest policy weight for 2026 Express Entry invitations:
1. French-Language Proficiency
Canada has a federal target to admit 9% French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec in 2026, increasing to 10.5% in 2027. This makes French-language Express Entry draws the most consistent and high-volume pathway, often with lower CRS cutoffs than general draws.
2. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
CEC remains IRCC’s primary tool for converting temporary residents already in Canada into permanent residents. Expect frequent but tactical CEC draws, especially when the pool becomes overcrowded.
3. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
With the PNP admissions target rising to 91,500 in 2026, nomination-backed profiles will continue to be cleared through regular PNP Express Entry draws, albeit with high CRS scores due to the 600-point nomination boost.
What 2025 Express Entry Trends Tell Us About 2026
In 2025, IRCC issued nearly 114,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) across 58 draws. Key takeaways:
-
French-language draws dominated volume, including one major draw with a CRS cutoff as low as 379
-
CEC cutoffs stayed above 500, dropping only after multiple large draws
-
PNP CRS scores remained high, reflecting nomination points—not increased competition
-
Category-based draws (healthcare, education, trades) offered better CRS-to-ITA value than general rounds
These trends strongly suggest continuity rather than disruption in 2026.
First Express Entry Draw Predictions for January 2026
IRCC typically resumes draws shortly after the holiday break. Based on recent sequencing, the first week of January 2026 is likely to include:
-
PNP draw (~700 ITAs, CRS 720–755)
-
CEC draw (~5,000 ITAs, CRS 512–524)
-
French-language draw (~6,000 ITAs, CRS 390–415)
This early-year momentum helps IRCC build processing inventory for the year ahead.
Expected CRS Cutoff Score Ranges in 2026
While exact scores cannot be guaranteed, forecasted CRS ranges for 2026 are:
-
French-language proficiency: 395–430
-
Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 495–530
-
PNP Express Entry: 705–780
-
Healthcare occupations: 450–490
-
Education occupations: 450–475
-
Trades: 495–515
-
STEM: 480–505
-
Agriculture & agri-food: 410–445
Sustained drops in CRS typically require multiple large draws close together, not a single high-volume round.
What About the New Physicians Category?
The “physicians with Canadian work experience” Express Entry category is expected to launch gradually in 2026. Early rounds will likely be:
-
Smaller in size
-
Carefully calibrated
-
Competitive, but still more accessible than general CEC rounds
The first physician draw will act as a benchmark for future invitations.
How ICC Immigration Can Help You Secure Your Future in Canada
Navigating Express Entry in 2026 requires more than just monitoring CRS scores. Strategy, timing, and category eligibility now matter more than ever.
ICC Immigration is committed to helping you choose a stable, legal, and results-driven pathway to Permanent Residency in Canada—without relying on uncertainty.
Our Services Include:
-
Permanent Residency Applications
Support for Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and other PR streams to ensure accuracy and efficiency. -
Work Permits and Study Permits
Temporary pathways that strengthen your long-term PR eligibility. -
Family Sponsorships
Helping families reunite through compliant and well-documented applications. -
Expert Legal Advice
Professional guidance aligned with current IRCC regulations, helping you avoid costly refusals and delays.
Instead of gambling on unpredictable options, take control of your future with a clear, compliant immigration strategy. Whether you are inside Canada or planning from abroad, ICC Immigration is here to guide you every step of the way.