CBSA investigation leads to charges against an individual who facilitated illegal entries into Canada

The CBSA launches investigations into the alleged dumping and subsidizing of paperboard cups and containers from China

Express Entry round: CRS score 382 · Invitations 5,000 Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued more invitations to apply (ITA) through the Express Entry system. The immigration department issued 5,000 ITAs in a draw for candidates with French-language abilities. To be considered in this draw, candidates needed to have: A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 382; and Created an Express Entry candidate profile before 6:34 p.m., Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on March 1, 2026. See how competitive your Express Entry profile is Summary of Express Entry draws Date Draw Type CRS cut-off score ITAs issued August 19 French-Language proficiency 382 5,000 August 18 Canadian Experience Class 523 1,000 August 17 Provincial Nominee Program 760 442 August 7 Transport 470 300 August 6 French-Language proficiency 391 5,000 August 5 Canadian Experience Class 516 3,000 August 4 Provincial Nominee Program 768 507 July 23 Skilled Military Recruits 368 4 July 22 French-Language proficiency 399 5,000 July 21 Canadian Experience Class 516 2,000 July 20 Provincial Nominee Program 744 511 July 10 Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 392 500 July 9 French-Language proficiency 420 5,000 July 7 Canadian Experience Class 517 2,000 July 6 Provincial Nominee Program 708 534 June 25 Healthcare and social services 475 4,000 June 24 Physicians with Canadian Work Experience 223 271 June 23 Canadian Experience Class 516 4,000 June 22 Provincial Nominee Program 730 955 May 28 French-Language proficiency 409 4,500 May 27 Canadian Experience Class 518 3,000 May 25 Provincial Nominee Program 805 334 May 11 Provincial Nominee Program 798 380 April 29 French-Language proficiency 400 4,000 April 28 Canadian Experience Class 514 2,000 April 27 Provincial Nominee Program 795 473 April 15 French-Language proficiency 419 4,000 April 14 Canadian Experience Class 515 2,000 April 13 Provincial Nominee Program 786 324 April 2 Trades 477 3,000 March 31 Canadian Experience Class 509 2,250 March 30 Provincial Nominee Program 802 356 March 18 French-Language proficiency 393 4,000 March 17 Canadian Experience Class 507 4,000 March 16 Provincial Nominee Program 742 362 March 5 Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 429 250 March 4 French-Language proficiency 397 5,500 March 3 Canadian Experience Class 508 4,000 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 The latest draw had a cutoff nine points below the previous French-language round, which was held on August 6. It also recorded the lowest cutoff for this category since March 2025. This latest draw is the 49th Express Entry round held by IRCC since the beginning of the year. Express Entry selections in 2026 have generally favoured candidates with an established connection to Canada, such as provincial nominees and those with Canadian work experience . Draw Type Number of Draws Provincial Nominee Program 16 Canadian Experience Class 14 French-Language proficiency 10 Physicians with Canadian work experience 2 Healthcare and social services 2 Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 2 Trades 1 Transport 1 Skilled Military Recruits 1 Over the course of 2026, IRCC has issued 119,865 ITAs through the following Express Entry draw types: Draw type ITAs Issued Canadian Experience Class 49,250 French-Language proficiency 50,500 Provincial Nominee Program 7,399 Healthcare and social services 8,000 Trades 3,000 Transport 300 Physicians with Canadian work experience 662 Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 750 Skilled Military Recruits 4 See how competitive your Express Entry profile is

CBSA charges New Brunswick man for smuggling firearms

Express Entry round: CRS score 523 · Invitations 1,000 Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued more invitations to apply (ITA) through the Express Entry system. The immigration department issued 1,000 ITAs in a draw for Canadian Experience Class candidates. To be considered in this draw, candidates needed to have: A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 523; and Created an Express Entry candidate profile before 10:13 a.m., Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on August 17, 2026. See how competitive your Express Entry profile is Summary of Express Entry draws Date Draw Type CRS cut-off score ITAs issued August 19 French-Language proficiency 382 5,000 August 18 Canadian Experience Class 523 1,000 August 17 Provincial Nominee Program 760 442 August 7 Transport 470 300 August 6 French-Language proficiency 391 5,000 August 5 Canadian Experience Class 516 3,000 August 4 Provincial Nominee Program 768 507 July 23 Skilled Military Recruits 368 4 July 22 French-Language proficiency 399 5,000 July 21 Canadian Experience Class 516 2,000 July 20 Provincial Nominee Program 744 511 July 10 Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 392 500 July 9 French-Language proficiency 420 5,000 July 7 Canadian Experience Class 517 2,000 July 6 Provincial Nominee Program 708 534 June 25 Healthcare and social services 475 4,000 June 24 Physicians with Canadian Work Experience 223 271 June 23 Canadian Experience Class 516 4,000 June 22 Provincial Nominee Program 730 955 May 28 French-Language proficiency 409 4,500 May 27 Canadian Experience Class 518 3,000 May 25 Provincial Nominee Program 805 334 May 11 Provincial Nominee Program 798 380 April 29 French-Language proficiency 400 4,000 April 28 Canadian Experience Class 514 2,000 April 27 Provincial Nominee Program 795 473 April 15 French-Language proficiency 419 4,000 April 14 Canadian Experience Class 515 2,000 April 13 Provincial Nominee Program 786 324 April 2 Trades 477 3,000 March 31 Canadian Experience Class 509 2,250 March 30 Provincial Nominee Program 802 356 March 18 French-Language proficiency 393 4,000 March 17 Canadian Experience Class 507 4,000 March 16 Provincial Nominee Program 742 362 March 5 Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 429 250 March 4 French-Language proficiency 397 5,500 March 3 Canadian Experience Class 508 4,000 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 The most recent Express Entry draw brings IRCC’ s year-to-date total to 48 selection rounds. This latest draw features the lowest number of invitations in a single CEC draw seen in 2026, as well as the highest cutoff score—by a solid five points. Canada has largely focused its 2026 Express Entry invitations on candidates already established in the country, including provincial nominees and individuals with Canadian work experience . Draw Type Number of Draws Provincial Nominee Program 16 Canadian Experience Class 14 French-Language proficiency 10 Physicians with Canadian work experience 2 Healthcare and social services 2 Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 2 Trades 1 Transport 1 Skilled Military Recruits 1 Over the course of 2026, IRCC has issued 114,865 ITAs through the following Express Entry draw types: Draw type ITAs Issued Canadian Experience Class 49,250 French-Language proficiency 50,500 Provincial Nominee Program 7,399 Healthcare and social services 8,000 Trades 3,000 Transport 300 Physicians with Canadian work experience 662 Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 750 Skilled Military Recruits 4 See how competitive your Express Entry profile is

The Express Entry pool decreased by over 2,200 candidates between August 3–August 16, driven largely by declines in the 351–400 and 501–600 score bands, according to the latest figures published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Despite the contraction in the pool’s overall size, the number of top-scoring profiles increased from 19,096 to 20,205 during this period. See how competitive your Express Entry profile is The table below compares the composition of the Express Entry pool on August 16 with the previous update from August 3 : CRS score range August 16 August 3 Difference 0–300 7,709 7,683 +26 301–350 17,269 17,101 +168 351–400 48,600 50,107 −1,507 401–410 10,688 10,775 −87 411–420 11,269 11,326 −57 421–430 11,890 11,942 −52 431–440 13,229 13,267 −38 441–450 13,555 13,595 −40 451–460 14,814 14,845 −31 461–470 16,133 16,057 +76 471–480 16,626 16,368 +258 481–490 13,066 12,890 +176 491–500 12,915 12,939 −24 501–600 18,657 19,705 −1,048 601–1,200 439 500 −61 Total 226,859 229,100 −2,241 The graph below offers a clearer look at the changes between the two distributions: How competitive is the Express Entry pool as of the latest data? The following table shows the share of candidates in each Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score range, along with the percentile ranges at the lower and upper ends of each range, offering a clearer picture of competitiveness within the Express Entry pool. The calculations reflect the Express Entry pool as of August 16. CRS score range Number of candidates Cumulative Percentile range Percentage 0–300 7,709 7,709 0.00%–3.40% 3.40% 301–350 17,269 24,978 3.40%–11.01% 7.61% 351–400 48,600 73,578 11.01%–32.43% 21.42% 401–410 10,688 84,266 32.43%–37.14% 4.71% 411–420 11,269 95,535 37.14%–42.11% 4.97% 421–430 11,890 107,425 42.11%–47.35% 5.24% 431–440 13,229 120,654 47.35%–53.18% 5.83% 441–450 13,555 134,209 53.18%–59.16% 5.98% 451–460 14,814 149,023 59.16%–65.69% 6.53% 461–470 16,133 165,156 65.69%–72.80% 7.11% 471–480 16,626 181,782 72.80%–80.13% 7.33% 481–490 13,066 194,848 80.13%–85.89% 5.76% 491–500 12,915 207,763 85.89%–91.58% 5.69% 501–600 18,657 226,420 91.58%–99.81% 8.22% 601–1,200 439 226,859 99.81%–100.00% 0.19% The percentiles measure the share of candidates in the pool whose CRS scores fall at or below the upper end of each score range. They are provided as ranges to capture the variation in percentile ranking among candidates within each CRS bracket. Which draws have not been accounted for in the August 16 distribution? The August 16 distribution does not factor in the draw conducted by IRCC on August 17 , which saw a total of 442 provincial nominees invited to apply for permanent residence . The CRS score of the lowest-ranked candidate invited in this draw was 760. As of this draw, IRCC has issued a total of 113,865 invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence through the Express Entry system—the majority of which (42.4%) have gone to Canadian Experience Class candidates. What accounted for the changes in Express Entry profiles between August 3 and August 16? Between August 3–August 16, Canada’s immigration department conducted a total of four Express Entry rounds, leading to the combined issuance of 8,807 ITAs for permanent residence. During this time, IRCC issued its first set of invitations under its revamped Transport category after the refreshed category was reintroduced in February 2026 with a different list of eligible occupations. Date of draw Round type Invitations issued CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate August 4 Provincial Nominee Program 507 768 August 5 Canadian Experience Class 3,000 516 August 6 French-Language proficiency 5,000 391 August 7 Transport Occupations 300 470 Permanent residence through Express Entry Express Entry is the federal government’s flagship application management system for skilled workers seeking permanent residence in Canada outside Quebec. To enter the Express Entry candidate pool, a foreign national must qualify for at least one of three economic immigration programs: The Canadian Experience Class (CEC); The Federal Skilled Worker Program ; or The Federal Skilled Trades Program . Candidate profiles are ranked according to their CRS score, which is made up of points awarded for factors such as age, education, official-language ability, and work experience. IRCC then conducts invitation rounds and selects candidates from the pool to apply for permanent residence. The department also uses category-based selection (CBS) to target candidates whose qualifications align with particular economic or labour-market needs. CBS draws tend to have significantly lower cutoff scores than other draw types. As of the time of this writing, there are 10 Express Entry categories, including French-language proficiency and occupation-based categories such as healthcare and social services, trades, education, and transport. This year’s healthcare and social services draw cutoffs adequately illustrates the difference—this category has been cutoffs ranging from 467–475, while CEC cutoffs have ranged from 507–518. Those who are selected from the pool are invited to apply to the federal government for permanent residence and have a 60-day deadline to do so. Express Entry applications have historically been processed in around six months. Base PNP applications, in comparison, have taken roughly 12–20 months over the past year or so. Approved applicants receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), after which they can complete the landing process and obtain permanent resident status. See how competitive your Express Entry profile is

Express Entry round: CRS score 760 · Invitations 442 Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued more invitations to apply (ITA) through the Express Entry system. The immigration department issued 442 ITAs in a draw for candidates who hold a provincial nomination. To be considered in this draw, candidates needed to have: A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 760; and Created an Express Entry candidate profile before 6:01 p.m., Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on August 7, 2026. See how competitive your Express Entry profile is Summary of Express Entry draws Date Draw Type CRS cut-off score ITAs issued August 19 French-Language proficiency 382 5,000 August 18 Canadian Experience Class 523 1,000 August 17 Provincial Nominee Program 760 442 August 7 Transport 470 300 August 6 French-Language proficiency 391 5,000 August 5 Canadian Experience Class 516 3,000 August 4 Provincial Nominee Program 768 507 July 23 Skilled Military Recruits 368 4 July 22 French-Language proficiency 399 5,000 July 21 Canadian Experience Class 516 2,000 July 20 Provincial Nominee Program 744 511 July 10 Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 392 500 July 9 French-Language proficiency 420 5,000 July 7 Canadian Experience Class 517 2,000 July 6 Provincial Nominee Program 708 534 June 25 Healthcare and social services 475 4,000 June 24 Physicians with Canadian Work Experience 223 271 June 23 Canadian Experience Class 516 4,000 June 22 Provincial Nominee Program 730 955 May 28 French-Language proficiency 409 4,500 May 27 Canadian Experience Class 518 3,000 May 25 Provincial Nominee Program 805 334 May 11 Provincial Nominee Program 798 380 April 29 French-Language proficiency 400 4,000 April 28 Canadian Experience Class 514 2,000 April 27 Provincial Nominee Program 795 473 April 15 French-Language proficiency 419 4,000 April 14 Canadian Experience Class 515 2,000 April 13 Provincial Nominee Program 786 324 April 2 Trades 477 3,000 March 31 Canadian Experience Class 509 2,250 March 30 Provincial Nominee Program 802 356 March 18 French-Language proficiency 393 4,000 March 17 Canadian Experience Class 507 4,000 March 16 Provincial Nominee Program 742 362 March 5 Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 429 250 March 4 French-Language proficiency 397 5,500 March 3 Canadian Experience Class 508 4,000 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 This latest draw brings the total number of Express Entry selection rounds held by IRCC in 2026 to 47. Canada’s Express Entry selection rounds in 2026 have largely prioritized candidates with Canadian ties, notably provincial nominees and those who have already gained work experience in the country. Draw Type Number of Draws Provincial Nominee Program 16 Canadian Experience Class 14 French-Language proficiency 10 Physicians with Canadian work experience 2 Healthcare and social services 2 Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 2 Trades 1 Transport 1 Skilled Military Recruits 1 Over the course of 2026, IRCC has issued 113,865 ITAs through the following Express Entry draw types: Draw type ITAs Issued Canadian Experience Class 49,250 French-Language proficiency 50,500 Provincial Nominee Program 7,399 Healthcare and social services 8,000 Trades 3,000 Transport 300 Physicians with Canadian work experience 662 Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 750 Skilled Military Recruits 4 See how competitive your Express Entry profile is

The federal government has taken the first step in advancing a four-pronged approach to changing which skilled workers get prioritized for Canadian permanent residence (PR) in 2027. As part of public consultations, the government has published a survey—set to run from August 4–September 1, 2026—which highlights the following four focus areas: United States H-1B visa holders. Researchers. Foreign nationals dovetailing with the immigration department’s International Talent Attraction Strategy (ITAS). Foreign nationals dovetailing with the Global Talent Stream (GTS) of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). See your eligibility for all Express Entry streams and categories The government identified these four focus areas as informing its in-progress overhaul of category-based selection (CBS), the framework used to prioritize top-pick types of skilled workers, such as those working in healthcare or the skilled trades. Foreign nationals who qualify for a category under CBS have a higher chance of being invited to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry , Canada’s flagship application management system for skilled workers intending to settle outside Quebec. According to IRCC’s 2026 Express Entry consultations webpage , changes to CBS categories informed by this four-pronged approach are expected to take effect as early as the year 2027, in which Canada plans to admit 122,000 permanent residents through the Express Entry system. H-1B visa holders Holders of United States H-1B visas are mentioned as a focus area informing changes under consideration to CBS. The H-1B visa is a work visa issued by the U.S. government to high-skilled workers. Although the H-1B includes high-skilled workers across a variety of roles, it is commonly associated with workers in technology and STEM. In its survey, IRCC asks respondents to weigh in on the degree to which H-1B visa holders should be prioritized under CBS, clarifying that these individuals would be “primarily in STEM occupations.” While addressing reporters following the 2025 Global Progress Summit in September 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney made comments about Canada’s plans to target tech talent affected by the United States’ H-1B visa fee hike. By November, the federal government announced its upcoming plans for an accelerated pathway targeting H-1B visa holders in Budget 2025 , as a strategy to “attract top talent in healthcare, research, advanced industries, and other key sectors.” Researchers In the 2027 CBS survey, IRCC introduces researchers as a focus area under consideration to inform potential changes to CBS. No clear definition is provided for researchers, beyond the immigration department noting intended alignment with the Canada Global Impact+ Research Talent Initiative—a suite of programs announced in December 2025 via news release . According to the news release, the following priority areas may be targeted under the above initiative: Advanced digital technologies (AI, quantum, cybersecurity); Health, including biotechnology; Clean technology and resource value chains; Environment, climate resilience, and the Arctic; Food and water security; Democratic and community resilience; Manufacturing and advanced materials; and Defence and dual-use technologies. The survey on 2027 CBS priorities asks respondents the degree to which it matters that researchers have Canadian work experience or not. Express Entry currently has an existing category for Researchers with Canadian work experience, who have one year of experience in the following NOCS: Post-secondary teaching and research assistants (41201); and University professors and lecturers (41200). See how competitive your Express Entry profile is International Talent Attraction Strategy IRCC has identified its ITAS as a focus area informing the changes under consideration to CBS. According to a February 2026 backgrounder , the ITAS appears to refer to page 99 of Budget 2025 wherein the government references a “targeted, one-time initiative to recruit over a thousand highly qualified researchers to Canada.” Three types of researchers are mentioned in this document: Research chairs (established professors); Doctoral students and post-doctoral fellows (early career researchers); and International assistant professors (generally early career researchers). According to the 2027 Express Entry categories consultation webpage, changes to CBS informed by ITAS focus area may relate to emerging technologies, healthcare, and/or skilled trades. As it stands, Express Entry CBS already has in place categories defined for healthcare workers, trades workers, STEM workers, and doctors with Canadian work experience. Global Talent Stream of the TFWP The survey identified the Global Talent Stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) as a focus area informing changes under consideration to CBS. The GTS is a fast-track stream for TFWP work permits, exempting employers from usual advertising requirements and allowing for processing in as little as 10 days. As it stands, a foreign national who qualifies for the GTS must meet the following characteristics: Their employer has a positive or neutral Labour Market Impact Assessment; and They meet the eligibility requirements for either category A or B of the stream. Category A: works in a “unique and specialized position” making at least $80,000/year at a company focusing on innovation and possesses advanced knowledge of the industry and five years of specialized experience. Category B: works in one of the 22 occupations eligible under the stream , the majority of which are in STEM—heavily weighted toward computer science and IT. The public consultations webpage and survey associate the GTS with highly skilled AI professionals. As it stands, there is an existing category in place for STEM occupations, which overlaps with category B of the GTS to the tune of four occupations. In a June 2026 press release , the federal government signalled intentions to establish an expedited work permit pathway under the GTS for AI professionals as part of its National AI Strategy, noting the pathway would be accompanied by additional measures to support transition to PR. Schedule a Free Work Permit Consultation Changes under consideration The survey for public consultations asks participants to rank the importance of foreign nationals in relation to each of the identified focus areas, from “Great need” to “Don’t know/not sure.” Respondents can then explain their selection and identify specific occupations, sectors, or types of talent that they believe should be prioritized. For each focus area, the survey also requests respondents to indicate whether selections should focus more heavily on foreign nationals within or outside Canada, or both equally. Participants can also select “Don’t know/not sure.” As of the time of writing, the government has not provided an anticipated release date for the results of the consultation. About category-based selection Periodically, the federal government invites the highest-ranking Express Entry candidates eligible under a specific category to apply for permanent residence. To date in 2026, IRCC has conducted 18 category-based Express Entry rounds, through which it has invited a combined total of 58,216 candidates. Category-based rounds are intended to supplement other round types to meet annual economic priorities. The government notes on the consultations webpage that “in some cases, targets can be reached without category-based invitation rounds being held.” See how competitive your Express Entry profile is What else IRCC is considering In the survey, IRCC indicated that it is currently considering “narrowing the number or eligibility” of categories in place under CBS for 2027. According to the government, this course of action would facilitate a more strategic focus for economic immigrant selection and better address evolving labour shortages. In the survey, respondents are asked to choose between two approaches to addressing labour shortages through CBS: continuing to select skilled workers across all occupations facing shortages, or narrowing the focus to a smaller, more targeted set of occupations. Of the 10 existing Express Entry categories, all but two have seen draws in 2026: STEM, which hasn’t been used since 2024, and Researchers with Canadian work experience—introduced in February of 2026. Certain categories have seen fewer draws than others. For example, the Trades, Transport, and Skilled Military Recruits categories have all been drawn once in 2026. The survey allows the public to weigh in on whether existing categories should continue in 2027 and rank them in order of importance. Broader Express Entry reforms Beyond adjustments to category-based selection, IRCC also proposed sweeping changes to the broader Express Entry system in April of this year. These changes would see the three current Express Entry programs eliminated and replaced with a single streamlined program and bring a significant change in how points are awarded under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)—with higher-earning workers to be prioritized. In the form currently proposed, the new system intends to award three tiers of bonus points to occupations paying at least 2x, 1.5x, and 1.3x the national median wage. Consultations for Express Entry reforms concluded in May 2026, and input is currently being analyzed. Although IRCC has set a 12- to 18-month window for the complete rollout of the reforms, officials say some of the most significant changes—including the high-wage occupation factor and updates to the CRS—could be introduced much earlier. See your eligibility for all Express Entry streams and categories

**UPDATE: Permits extended until November 30, 2026** CBSA to enhance border integrity and expand telephone reporting in remote border areas

Express Entry round: CRS score 470 · Invitations 300 Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued more invitations to apply (ITA) through the Express Entry system. The immigration department issued 300 ITAs in a draw for candidates eligible under IRCC’s new Transport category. To be considered in this draw, candidates needed to have: A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 470; and Created an Express Entry candidate profile before 2:55 p.m., Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on October 11, 2025. See how competitive your Express Entry profile is Summary of Express Entry draws Date Draw Type CRS cut-off score ITAs issued August 19 French-Language proficiency 382 5,000 August 18 Canadian Experience Class 523 1,000 August 17 Provincial Nominee Program 760 442 August 7 Transport 470 300 August 6 French-Language proficiency 391 5,000 August 5 Canadian Experience Class 516 3,000 August 4 Provincial Nominee Program 768 507 July 23 Skilled Military Recruits 368 4 July 22 French-Language proficiency 399 5,000 July 21 Canadian Experience Class 516 2,000 July 20 Provincial Nominee Program 744 511 July 10 Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 392 500 July 9 French-Language proficiency 420 5,000 July 7 Canadian Experience Class 517 2,000 July 6 Provincial Nominee Program 708 534 June 25 Healthcare and social services 475 4,000 June 24 Physicians with Canadian Work Experience 223 271 June 23 Canadian Experience Class 516 4,000 June 22 Provincial Nominee Program 730 955 May 28 French-Language proficiency 409 4,500 May 27 Canadian Experience Class 518 3,000 May 25 Provincial Nominee Program 805 334 May 11 Provincial Nominee Program 798 380 April 29 French-Language proficiency 400 4,000 April 28 Canadian Experience Class 514 2,000 April 27 Provincial Nominee Program 795 473 April 15 French-Language proficiency 419 4,000 April 14 Canadian Experience Class 515 2,000 April 13 Provincial Nominee Program 786 324 April 2 Trades 477 3,000 March 31 Canadian Experience Class 509 2,250 March 30 Provincial Nominee Program 802 356 March 18 French-Language proficiency 393 4,000 March 17 Canadian Experience Class 507 4,000 March 16 Provincial Nominee Program 742 362 March 5 Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 429 250 March 4 French-Language proficiency 397 5,500 March 3 Canadian Experience Class 508 4,000 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 This draw marks the first use of IRCC’s renewed Transport category. The category was pulled from category-based selection in February 2025 and reintroduced in February 2026 with a completely different list of eligible occupations. With the latest draw, IRCC has now conducted 46 Express Entry selections in 2026. Canada’s Express Entry draws in 2026 have largely favoured candidates already in Canada, namely provincial nominees and individuals with Canadian work experience . Draw Type Number of Draws Provincial Nominee Program 16 Canadian Experience Class 14 French-Language proficiency 10 Physicians with Canadian work experience 2 Healthcare and social services 2 Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 2 Trades 1 Transport 1 Skilled Military Recruits 1 Over the course of 2026, IRCC has issued 113,423 ITAs through the following Express Entry draw types: Draw type ITAs Issued Canadian Experience Class 49,250 French-Language proficiency 50,500 Provincial Nominee Program 7,399 Healthcare and social services 8,000 Trades 3,000 Transport 300 Physicians with Canadian work experience 662 Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 750 Skilled Military Recruits 4 See how competitive your Express Entry profile is

Express Entry round: CRS score 391 · Invitations 5,000 Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued more invitations to apply (ITA) through the Express Entry system. The immigration department issued 5,000 ITAs in a draw for candidates with French-language abilities. To be considered in this draw, candidates needed to have: A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 391; and Created an Express Entry candidate profile before 11:32 p.m., Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on March 18, 2026. See how competitive your Express Entry profile is Summary of Express Entry draws Date Draw Type CRS cut-off score ITAs issued August 19 French-Language proficiency 382 5,000 August 18 Canadian Experience Class 523 1,000 August 17 Provincial Nominee Program 760 442 August 7 Transport 470 300 August 6 French-Language proficiency 391 5,000 August 5 Canadian Experience Class 516 3,000 August 4 Provincial Nominee Program 768 507 July 23 Skilled Military Recruits 368 4 July 22 French-Language proficiency 399 5,000 July 21 Canadian Experience Class 516 2,000 July 20 Provincial Nominee Program 744 511 July 10 Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 392 500 July 9 French-Language proficiency 420 5,000 July 7 Canadian Experience Class 517 2,000 July 6 Provincial Nominee Program 708 534 June 25 Healthcare and social services 475 4,000 June 24 Physicians with Canadian Work Experience 223 271 June 23 Canadian Experience Class 516 4,000 June 22 Provincial Nominee Program 730 955 May 28 French-Language proficiency 409 4,500 May 27 Canadian Experience Class 518 3,000 May 25 Provincial Nominee Program 805 334 May 11 Provincial Nominee Program 798 380 April 29 French-Language proficiency 400 4,000 April 28 Canadian Experience Class 514 2,000 April 27 Provincial Nominee Program 795 473 April 15 French-Language proficiency 419 4,000 April 14 Canadian Experience Class 515 2,000 April 13 Provincial Nominee Program 786 324 April 2 Trades 477 3,000 March 31 Canadian Experience Class 509 2,250 March 30 Provincial Nominee Program 802 356 March 18 French-Language proficiency 393 4,000 March 17 Canadian Experience Class 507 4,000 March 16 Provincial Nominee Program 742 362 March 5 Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 429 250 March 4 French-Language proficiency 397 5,500 March 3 Canadian Experience Class 508 4,000 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 IRCC’s August 6 French-language draw features the lowest cutoff score seen for this draw type since March 2025, and reflects IRCC’s continued prioritization of increasing francophone immigration outside Quebec. With this draw, IRCC has now conducted 45 Express Entry selection rounds in 2026. Canada’s Express Entry draws in 2026 have largely favoured candidates already in Canada, namely provincial nominees and individuals with Canadian work experience. Draw Type Number of Draws Provincial Nominee Program 16 Canadian Experience Class 14 French-Language proficiency 10 Physicians with Canadian work experience 2 Healthcare and social services 2 Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 2 Trades 1 Transport 1 Skilled Military Recruits 1 Over the course of 2026, IRCC has issued 113,123 ITAs through the following Express Entry draw types: Draw type ITAs Issued Canadian Experience Class 49,250 French-Language proficiency 50,500 Provincial Nominee Program 7,399 Healthcare and social services 8,000 Trades 3,000 Transport 300 Physicians with Canadian work experience 662 Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 750 Skilled Military Recruits 4 See how competitive your Express Entry profile is

The Express Entry pool contracted by more than 2,400 profiles between July 19–August 3, despite an increase of over 1,500 candidates in the 501–600 CRS score range, according to the latest data provided by Canada’s immigration department. Declines occurred across all ranges up to 470, while growth was recorded in almost every range above that level, except for the uppermost band. See how competitive your Express Entry profile is The following table provides a comparison of the Express Entry pool’s composition as of August 3 against the prior update from July 19 : CRS score range August 3 July 19 Difference 0–300 7,683 7,836 −153 301–350 17,101 17,490 −389 351–400 50,107 51,107 −1,000 401–410 10,775 12,339 −1,564 411–420 11,326 12,460 −1,134 421–430 11,942 11,961 −19 431–440 13,267 13,437 −170 441–450 13,595 13,680 −85 451–460 14,845 14,879 −34 461–470 16,057 16,086 −29 471–480 16,368 16,119 +249 481–490 12,890 12,615 +275 491–500 12,939 12,880 +59 501–600 19,705 18,133 +1,572 601–1,200 500 511 −11 Total 229,100 231,533 −2,433 This information is also provided in graph form below: How competitive is the Express Entry pool as of the latest data? The following table shows the proportion of candidates within each Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score range and the percentile ranges associated with the lower and upper limits of each range, providing insight into the competitiveness of the Express Entry pool. The calculations are based on the Express Entry pool as of August 3. CRS score range Number of candidates Cumulative Percentile range Percentage 0–300 7,683 7,683 0.00%–3.35% 3.35% 301–350 17,101 24,784 3.35%–10.82% 7.46% 351–400 50,107 74,891 10.82%–32.69% 21.87% 401–410 10,775 85,666 32.69%–37.39% 4.70% 411–420 11,326 96,992 37.39%–42.34% 4.94% 421–430 11,942 108,934 42.34%–47.55% 5.21% 431–440 13,267 122,201 47.55%–53.34% 5.79% 441–450 13,595 135,796 53.34%–59.27% 5.93% 451–460 14,845 150,641 59.27%–65.75% 6.48% 461–470 16,057 166,698 65.75%–72.76% 7.01% 471–480 16,368 183,066 72.76%–79.91% 7.14% 481–490 12,890 195,956 79.91%–85.53% 5.63% 491–500 12,939 208,895 85.53%–91.18% 5.65% 501–600 19,705 228,600 91.18%–99.78% 8.60% 601–1,200 500 229,100 99.78%–100.00% 0.22% The percentiles show what proportion of candidates in the pool have CRS scores equal to or below the upper limit of each score band. They are shown as ranges to reflect that candidates within each CRS score range may fall between the two stated values. Which draws have not been accounted for in the August 3 distribution? The August 3 snapshot does not account for two later selection rounds held on August 4 and 5, which collectively produced 3,507 invitations: Date of draw Round type Invitations issued CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate August 4 Provincial Nominee Program 507 768 August 5 Canadian Experience Class 3,000 516 As of these draws (the latest held by the immigration department), there have been a total of 108,123 invitations to apply for permanent residence issued through the Express Entry system. What accounted for the changes in Express Entry profiles between July 19 and August 3? Between July 19 and August 3, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) carried out four Express Entry selection rounds, collectively issuing 7,515 invitations. The selection activity included a landmark draw on July 23: IRCC’s first-ever round targeting Skilled Military Recruits since introducing the category in February of this year . Date of draw Round type Invitations issued CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited July 20 Provincial Nominee Program 511 744 July 21 Canadian Experience Class 2,000 516 July 22 French-Language proficiency 5,000 399 July 23 Skilled Military Recruits 4 368 During this period, the total number of candidate profiles in the Express Entry pool fell by 2,433. Pursuing permanent residence through Express Entry Express Entry is the federal government’s principal application management system for economic immigration candidates seeking permanent residence and intending to settle outside Quebec. Candidates must first meet the eligibility requirements of at least one of the following federal programs to enter the Express Entry pool: The Canadian Experience Class (CEC); The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP); or The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Each profile is assigned a CRS score, influenced by factors such as age, education, official language proficiency, and work experience. IRCC periodically holds invitation rounds, selecting the highest-scoring candidates to apply for permanent residence. IRCC also uses category-based selection to invite candidates with specific attributes tied to economic priorities; these draws typically carry much lower CRS cutoffs than other draw types. Ten such categories exist today, including French-language proficiency and occupational categories such as healthcare and social services, trades, STEM, education, and transport. To illustrate, healthcare and social services draws held this year have recorded CRS cutoffs of 462–476, compared with 507–518 for CEC draws. Some categories, such as Physicians with Canadian Work Experience and Skilled Military Recruits, serve a very specific niche—and typically see fewer invitations issued (e.g., the most recent Physicians draw invited just 271 people, compared to thousands for healthcare and social services or CEC draws). Selection from the Express Entry pool triggers a 60-day deadline for submitting a permanent residence application. Express Entry applications have historically taken about six months to process. Meanwhile, applications submitted through the base PNP have taken between 12–20 months to process over the past year or so. Successful applicants receive a confirmation of permanent residence (COPR) from the federal government and may then complete the landing process in Canada to receive permanent residence. See how competitive your Express Entry profile is

On July 6, 2026, The Honourable Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, signed the Manitoba Workforce Transition Bridge Temporary Public Policy (the New Public Policy). The New Public Policy allows the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) to extend the nomination deadline from December 31, 2026, to December 31, 2027, for individuals who already […] The post Manitoba Workforce Transition Bridge Temporary Public Policy appeared first on Manitoba Immigration.

392 stolen vehicles recovered in Project NoCargo pilot, valued at $28 million

Express Entry round: CRS score 516 · Invitations 3,000 Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued more invitations to apply (ITA) through the Express Entry system. The immigration department issued 3,000 ITAs in a draw for Canadian Experience Class candidates. To be considered in this draw, candidates needed to have: A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 516; and Created an Express Entry candidate profile before 9:35 p.m., Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on July 3, 2026. See how competitive your Express Entry profile is Summary of Express Entry draws Date Draw Type CRS cut-off score ITAs issued August 19 French-Language proficiency 382 5,000 August 18 Canadian Experience Class 523 1,000 August 17 Provincial Nominee Program 760 442 August 7 Transport 470 300 August 6 French-Language proficiency 391 5,000 August 5 Canadian Experience Class 516 3,000 August 4 Provincial Nominee Program 768 507 July 23 Skilled Military Recruits 368 4 July 22 French-Language proficiency 399 5,000 July 21 Canadian Experience Class 516 2,000 July 20 Provincial Nominee Program 744 511 July 10 Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 392 500 July 9 French-Language proficiency 420 5,000 July 7 Canadian Experience Class 517 2,000 July 6 Provincial Nominee Program 708 534 June 25 Healthcare and social services 475 4,000 June 24 Physicians with Canadian Work Experience 223 271 June 23 Canadian Experience Class 516 4,000 June 22 Provincial Nominee Program 730 955 May 28 French-Language proficiency 409 4,500 May 27 Canadian Experience Class 518 3,000 May 25 Provincial Nominee Program 805 334 May 11 Provincial Nominee Program 798 380 April 29 French-Language proficiency 400 4,000 April 28 Canadian Experience Class 514 2,000 April 27 Provincial Nominee Program 795 473 April 15 French-Language proficiency 419 4,000 April 14 Canadian Experience Class 515 2,000 April 13 Provincial Nominee Program 786 324 April 2 Trades 477 3,000 March 31 Canadian Experience Class 509 2,250 March 30 Provincial Nominee Program 802 356 March 18 French-Language proficiency 393 4,000 March 17 Canadian Experience Class 507 4,000 March 16 Provincial Nominee Program 742 362 March 5 Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 429 250 March 4 French-Language proficiency 397 5,500 March 3 Canadian Experience Class 508 4,000 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 The latest draw marks IRCC’s 44th Express Entry selection round of 2026. So far this year, the department has maintained a strong focus on candidates with Canadian work experience and those holding provincial nominations . Draw Type Number of Draws Provincial Nominee Program 16 Canadian Experience Class 14 French-Language proficiency 10 Physicians with Canadian work experience 2 Healthcare and social services 2 Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 2 Trades 1 Transport 1 Skilled Military Recruits 1 Over the course of 2026, IRCC has issued 108,123 ITAs through the following Express Entry draw types: Draw type ITAs Issued Canadian Experience Class 49,250 French-Language proficiency 50,500 Provincial Nominee Program 7,399 Healthcare and social services 8,000 Trades 3,000 Transport 300 Physicians with Canadian work experience 662 Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 750 Skilled Military Recruits 4 See how competitive your Express Entry profile is

Express Entry round: CRS score 768 · Invitations 507 Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued more invitations to apply (ITA) through the Express Entry system. The immigration department issued 507 ITAs in a draw for Express Entry candidates with a provincial nomination. To be considered in this draw, candidates needed to have: A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 768; and Created an Express Entry candidate profile before 3:58 p.m . , Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on May 15, 2026. See how competitive your Express Entry profile is Summary of Express Entry draws Date Draw Type CRS cut-off score ITAs issued August 19 French-Language proficiency 382 5,000 August 18 Canadian Experience Class 523 1,000 August 17 Provincial Nominee Program 760 442 August 7 Transport 470 300 August 6 French-Language proficiency 391 5,000 August 5 Canadian Experience Class 516 3,000 August 4 Provincial Nominee Program 768 507 July 23 Skilled Military Recruits 368 4 July 22 French-Language proficiency 399 5,000 July 21 Canadian Experience Class 516 2,000 July 20 Provincial Nominee Program 744 511 July 10 Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 392 500 July 9 French-Language proficiency 420 5,000 July 7 Canadian Experience Class 517 2,000 July 6 Provincial Nominee Program 708 534 June 25 Healthcare and social services 475 4,000 June 24 Physicians with Canadian Work Experience 223 271 June 23 Canadian Experience Class 516 4,000 June 22 Provincial Nominee Program 730 955 May 28 French-Language proficiency 409 4,500 May 27 Canadian Experience Class 518 3,000 May 25 Provincial Nominee Program 805 334 May 11 Provincial Nominee Program 798 380 April 29 French-Language proficiency 400 4,000 April 28 Canadian Experience Class 514 2,000 April 27 Provincial Nominee Program 795 473 April 15 French-Language proficiency 419 4,000 April 14 Canadian Experience Class 515 2,000 April 13 Provincial Nominee Program 786 324 April 2 Trades 477 3,000 March 31 Canadian Experience Class 509 2,250 March 30 Provincial Nominee Program 802 356 March 18 French-Language proficiency 393 4,000 March 17 Canadian Experience Class 507 4,000 March 16 Provincial Nominee Program 742 362 March 5 Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 429 250 March 4 French-Language proficiency 397 5,500 March 3 Canadian Experience Class 508 4,000 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 The latest selection round brings IRCC’s 2026 Express Entry draw count to 43. Selections throughout the year have remained strongly oriented toward candidates with Canadian work experience and provincial nominations . Draw Type Number of Draws Provincial Nominee Program 16 Canadian Experience Class 14 French-Language proficiency 10 Physicians with Canadian work experience 2 Healthcare and social services 2 Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 2 Trades 1 Transport 1 Skilled Military Recruits 1 Over the course of 2026, IRCC has issued 105,123 ITAs through the following Express Entry draw types: Draw type ITAs Issued Canadian Experience Class 49,250 French-Language proficiency 50,500 Provincial Nominee Program 7,399 Healthcare and social services 8,000 Trades 3,000 Transport 300 Physicians with Canadian work experience 662 Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 750 Skilled Military Recruits 4 See how competitive your Express Entry profile is

CBSA to end Commercial Driver Registration Program due to low uptake

The Government of Canada is committed to making life simpler and more convenient for Canadians. This includes a modern passport program that delivers secure user‑friendly digital services that save time, reduce in‑person visits and make passport renewal easier.

CBSA officers at the Coutts, AB port of entry seized 380 kg of methamphetamine and cocaine hidden in a commercial truck.

The Government of Canada is committed to making life simpler and more convenient for Canadians. This includes a modern passport program that delivers secure, user‑friendly digital services that save time, reduce in‑person visits and make passport renewal easier.