After a 12-day pause following Canada's historic four-draw cluster in the week of June 22–25, IRCC has opened the July 2026 draw season with back-to-back PNP and CEC invitations.  

In the first week of July, Canada conducted consecutive draws under the Express Entry program, inviting a total 2,534 applicants under PNP and CEC categories, to work, live, and stay in the country as permanent residents of Canada. 

Latest Express Entry Draws 

Under the latest round of Express Entry draws, Canada issued more than 2,500 invitations under PNP and CEC categories, marking them as the first round of invitations of July 2026. Both the invitation rounds reflect IRCC’s continuous efforts on addressing labour market needs while strengthening its immigration targets through category based and program specific selections. 

The first draw, held under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) issued a total of 534 ITAs with a CRS score of 708, marking it to be the lowest PNP cut off score in the year 2026. This was followed by the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw, issuing 2,000 ITAs with a CRS score of 517. 

Key Highlights for the Canada Express Entry Draws 

Here is a clear representation of the latest Express Entry draws held in the first week of July: 

Latest PNP Draw

ITAs Issued: 534

CRS Score: 708

Draw Type: Provincial Nominee Program

Created Profile: created an Express Entry profile before 2:49 p.m., Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on June 4, 2026. 

Latest CEC Draw

ITAs Issued: 2,000

CRS Score: 517

Draw Type: Canadian Experience Class 

Created Profile: created an Express Entry profile before 5:49 p.m., Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on December 29, 2025. 

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Express Entry Draws: Detailed Analysis 

During the course of 2026, till July 7, 2026, IRCC has conducted a total of 36 Express Entry rounds of selections, indicating the country's aim of addressing labour shortage in various sectors of the economy. The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw on July 6, with 534 invitations has, recorded a CRS score of 708, the comparatively lowest for a PNP specific invitation in the year 2026. As per the latest invitation trends in 2026, CRS scores under PNP category has been ranging between 710 to 805, being the second most lowest was recorded on March 2, 2026 with a CRS score of 710 while 710 is recorded as the lowest CRS score under PNP program. Since candidates nominated under the Provincial Nominee Program also receive an additional 600 CRS points, applicants with the lower scores were also able to receive invitations through the latest PNP draw. 

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw followed immediately, inviting 2,000 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 517. Compared with recent CEC rounds, the cut-off score remained relatively stable, reflecting continued competition among candidates with Canadian work experience. The higher number of invitations compared to the PNP draw also highlights IRCC's ongoing emphasis on selecting candidates who have already established themselves in the Canadian labour market. 

Together these two rounds of invitations, inviting a total of 2,534 ITAs in the first week of July, suggest Canada’s focus on prioritizing    candidates, namely those with Canadian work experience or provincial nominations, as they actively contribute in strengthening the Canadian economy.   

Over the course of 2026, till July 7, 2026 IRCC has issued a total of 91,601 ITAs through different categories such as PNP, CEC, French language proficiency, trade, and healthcare and social services. With 235,127 candidates in the Express Entry pool as of July 5, 2026, these two draws cleared 2,534 of the highest-ranking profiles — approximately 1.1% of the total pool. Below is a clear representation of the number of draws against each category with a total of invitations issued thus far in 2026. 

As witnessed from the above representation, it has been witnessed that Canada has its focus entirely on selecting candidates with Canadian work experience as it has a total of 43,250 invitations. Second on the list is French language proficiency category with 30,500 ITAs while PNP invitations with mere 5,939 ITAs, lies later in the rankings. Though, PNP invitations are quite less in number but ranks ahead amongst the highest number of draws in 2026. 

What to Expect in the Upcoming Express Entry Draws 

With IRCC resuming regular invitations, additional Express Entry draws are expected in the coming weeks. As the cut-off scores and number of invitations is completely dependent on Canadian immigration policies and composition of the candidate pool, applicants are encouraged to keep their Express Entry profiles updated and monitor upcoming draw announcements. Based on IRCC's 2026 monthly draw cluster pattern, a French language proficiency draw and potentially a healthcare or trades category draw are anticipated later this week. Prospective immigrants can consider these certain key takeaways so as to increase their chances of receiving positive response against their Canada PR application which are as follows:  

●    earn additional foreign work experience

●    learn secondary language either English or French for additional points

●    pursue higher education

●    secure prior job offer (if applicable)

●    include spouse (if applicable) as it provides additional points 

The following tips can help prospective immigrants enhance their Express Entry profiles and improve their chances of building a secure and stable future in Canada. Eligible professionals from India already working in Canada, the CEC draw at CRS 517 remains the most accessible route, particularly for PGWP holders with 12+ months of skilled work experience. Indian candidates with a CRS score below 517 should explore PNP pathways, which added 600 CRS points upon nomination 

Get Immigration Insights with Province Immigration

Well, if you are an Indian professional, international student or PGWP holder, planning to immigrate to Canada, then get a free professional assessment from Province Immigration. Now you can also get all the immigration insights on the latest Canada Express Entry draws, visa policies and immigration news. For more information regarding the latest Canada Express Entry draws, call us at: +919896196762.