Life in The Abroad

Express Entry in 2026: Year-to-Date Numbers, New Categories & Immigration Targets

Admin — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 00:36:15 +0000

Canada conducted its first Express Entry draw of the year today, the first since November 23. Candidates were selected from the pool of Express Entry candidates: those who are invited to apply for permanent residence under one or more immigration programs. Programs that considered eligible candidates included the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, and Federal Skilled Trades Program—all three such categories operate within Express Entry.

This draws significant most significant all-program Express Entry draw since they resumed last July, and mars an increase in the number of ITAs issued. The November 23 draw added 750 to the 4,750 candidates invited from the September 28 draw. The CRS scores (which measure visa demand) at this latest round are higher than they’ve been since September 28.

Express Entry Draw in 2022

Last year, 46,538 Express Entry candidates were issued Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in the 23 draws. This number includes draws from January to July for candidates in Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). There were no Express Entry draws between December 2020 and June 2022 due to increased applications resulting from changes in visa processing procedures.

From September 1 to December 31, 2019, IRCC will not issue any new ITAs for the CEC. From January 1 through August 31, 2020, and from October 1 through December 31, 2020, only candidates who have received an invitation in a draw conducted between November 19, 2018, and July 12, 2019, may apply (homebuyers whose FRA expires on June 30, 2021, are excluded).

For just the all-program draws that have taken place this year, 35,750 invitations to apply for permanent residence were distributed. The last Express Entry draw saw the lowest minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score at 491—the highest was 637 and more than doubled from 399 in January.

New 2023-2025 Immigration Targets

Immigration has become critical in addressing severe labour market shortages, as the need has left many employers struggling to find qualified employees. The 2023-2025 plan acknowledges immigration as a means of helping businesses find workers and attracting the skills required to fill critical sectors, such as health care, skilled trades, manufacturing and technology. This will allow Canada to manage the social and economic challenges it will face in the coming decades.

Over the next three years, Canada’s Immigration plan calls for more immigrants than have traditionally been accepted. Canada plans to welcome 465,000 new immigrants in 2023 and 485,000 the following year. Canada will also receive an estimated 500,000 new immigrants in 2025. Express Entry will be crucial to help reach these targets and ensure a wide distribution of newcomers across the country.

The new plan will also increase regional programs to address targeted local labour market needs by expanding the Provincial Nominee Program, the Atlantic Immigration Program and the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot. In 2022, Express Entry held 23 draws and issued 46,538 ITAs. This includes the first half of the year, during which only PNP all-program draws were closed; however, general (non-PNP) programs also started accepting applications later in this period.

The 2023 Express Entry is your chance to live in Canada.

Canada is a great country to live in. Immigrants are welcome in Canada, and we have a diverse population of cultures, languages and religions. We are safe for everyone to travel worldwide, regardless of background or origin. Our economy has grown tremendously over the years thanks to our strong manufacturing base plus a sound education system that allows Canadians from all walks of life access to higher education opportunities which helps them earn more money later down the road when they start working full-time jobs outside their families also has an excellent healthcare system available for everyone who needs it regardless if they’re retired or disabled due to illness or injury sustained during the childhood development period which often happens during the infancy stage before birth occurs (I’m talking about those babies born prematurely).

What is Express Entry, and How Can I Apply?

Express Entry is a system the Canadian government uses to manage applications for Canadian permanent residency. Express Entry uses a point-based system, the CRS, to rank candidates’ profiles. The system works three main programs:

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW);
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST); and
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Applying to Express Entry is a two-step procedure. The first step is to submit your profile with the required documents. Required documents usually include language test results, educational credentials and passport or travel documentation.

After you submit a profile and receive an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence, you can submit your complete application for the IRCC to review. Your complete application should include supporting documents such as reference letters, additional identity documents, police clearance certificates, and medical examination results.

Conclusion

If you have been waiting to apply, now is your chance. Canada wants you, and they are making it easy to get here by increasing the number of visas available every year. Along with this increase in permits, there will be more options for people from all over the world who want a new life in Canada.

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International Experience Canada (IEC) 2026: Eligibility, Fees & How to Apply

Admin — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 00:29:34 +0000

The International Experience Canada program is an excellent way for international students to stay in Canada and work after graduation. If you are a student who has completed at least two years of full-time study at a designated post-secondary institution, you can apply for the IEC program through your school’s point of entry office. Please note that this information applies only to non-degree studies at participating institutions.

Who can Apply

To be eligible to apply, you must meet the following criteria:

Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or hold a valid work permit.
Be at least 18 years old.

How do I make an application?

The process for applying is simple. You can start your application by logging into your account on IRCC Canada’s website () or by downloading their application forms from there as well. Once you have completed your application form, it will be sent directly to our Canadian immigration office in Victoria, BC. It will be reviewed and determined if you are eligible under our partnership program with International Experience Canada (IEC). If so, they will send back their electronic acceptance letter, which we will attach as proof of eligibility before sending off any official paperwork required when applying for PR status with IRCC.

How to get started — International Experience Canada

Selection Factor

Selection factors are used to determine if you are eligible for the program. They include your academic profile, language skills, work experience and employment goals.

For example, to apply for the International Co-op (Internship) program, you need at least one year of suitably relevant work experience in Canada or abroad within the past five years before applying. If this applies to you, please contact us directly via email or phone, so we can help answer any questions regarding selection factors as they relate specifically to your situation as an applicant.

Age eligibility

The age limit for most work permits is 18-35. If you are under 18 and want to work in Canada, you can apply for a Young Professionals work permit if you have received an offer of full-time employment from an employer in Canada. You must be 18 years old to apply for this work permit. To get a Working Holiday work permit, applicants must be between the ages of 18-30; however, there are exceptions depending on the country that issued your passport and which country or province you intend to visit in Canada (see Work Permit Requirements by Country).

Step 1: Choose a destination

Learn about the countries and territories where you can travel as part of your seasonal work program. See which ones might be a good fit for you by researching information such as:

available jobs
cost of living
travel ideas

Step 2: Find out if you're eligible to apply in the partner country or territory you choose

Once you choose a destination, ensure you’re eligible to apply for a work permit there. Each country or region may have different requirements, including:

residency (where you lived when you used)
financial requirements
how long can you stay
work restrictions

Step 3: Choose a work permit that's right for you

Working Holiday (IEC Work Permit)

To qualify, you must be between 18 and 30 and have at least one year of full-time work experience. You must also meet the language proficiency requirements (see below).

What are the language requirements for working holiday visa applications?

You must meet our English or French language proficiency requirement to qualify for a Working Holiday (IEC) Work Permit. This can be demonstrated by:

1) providing proof of completion of secondary school education in Canada.

2) having completed at least two years of full-time studies at an accredited Canadian post-secondary institution.

3) completing level 4 or above in any province’s official language test.

4) being able to demonstrate proficiency through other means.

Young Professionals (IEC Work Permit)

The Young Professionals (IEC) Work Permit allows young professionals to work in Canada for up to two years. This program is designed for people between 18 and 35 who are completing post-secondary education or professional training at a Canadian institution.

You can apply for this program if the following:

You have completed at least one year of post-secondary education in Canada or elsewhere before using AND;
Your employer has hired you as a full-time employee (permanent or temporary)

To apply for this program, you must have one of these valid work permits.

International Co-Op (Internship) (IEC Work Permit)

International Co-op (Internship) is a program designed to allow international students to gain practical work experience in Canada. Students who apply for this program must have a valid study permit and be enrolled at a post-secondary institution in Canada.

Students must be able to demonstrate that they have the following:

A clear understanding of the job duties, responsibilities and requirements that will be expected of them during their stay in Canada; and
The ability to effectively communicate in English or French

Step 4: Get all the documents you need

a passport
Proof of funds to:
- cover your expenses when you arrive
- cover your costs while you find work (if you don’t already have a job offer)
- pay for your return ticket
proof of medical insurance for the duration of your stay
a copy of your pre-arranged contract of employment (job offer) or internship (if you are applying for an employer-specific work permit)

You may also be asked for the following:

a birth certificate
a criminal record check or police certificate
a medical exam
photos

Step 5: Complete your application

The application process for each country and territory is different. Before you apply, read the application instructions on the country or territory website carefully.

In general, to complete your application, you must:

fill out the application form(s)
pay any necessary fees
submit your application and required documents

Depending on your destination, you must submit your application and pay your fees online, by mail, or in person.

For some countries and territories, you must complete your application’s last steps in person. This is done either at the embassy or consulate or in the country or territory after you arrive.

This may include:

providing more documents
paying fees
giving biometrics (usually fingerprints and photos)

The application process can be completed on the individual country or territory website.

Tip: Check your junk or spam folder to avoid missing important emails.

Step 6: Start making your travel plans!

You’ll usually be notified by mail or email if your application is approved.

You can then start planning your trip:

find a place to live
book a plane ticket
get travel insurance

You can use our travel checklist for more ideas and resources on things you’ll need before you go, such as:

information on living abroad
safety and security concerns
tax information for Canadians outside Canada

Get started now by choosing your destination.

The IEC program is a good way for international students to stay in Canada and work.

The IEC program is a good way for international students to stay in Canada and work. It also provides valuable work experience, greatly aiding students’ future careers. The IEC program allows you to gain practical Canadian language skills and learn about our culture and values, which will be vital if you want to live here permanently after graduation.

Conclusion

The IEC Work Permit is an excellent way for international students to gain work experience in Canada. It’s also a good way for young professionals and co-op students to stay in the country after graduation to get their foot in the door before applying for permanent residency or citizenship.

Contacts

Contacts for media only:

Baz Dara Aziz
Press Secretary
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
bahoz.daraaziz@cic.gc.ca

Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
media@cic.gc.ca

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