Canadian Immigration Draws 2026

Canada holds immigration draws at multiple levels simultaneously. IRCC typically holds federal Express Entry draws every two weeks (alternating between category-based and CEC draws). Provincial draws vary: BC PNP draws are held bi-weekly, OINP draws roughly monthly, AAIP quarterly, MPNP bi-weekly, and SINP uses intake windows rather than scored draws.

Express Entry is a federal program managed by IRCC that uses a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. PNP (Provincial Nominee Program) draws are run by individual provinces using their own scoring systems - BC uses SIRS scores (0-120+), Ontario uses CRS or employer-based scores, Alberta uses EOI points (0-100), and Manitoba uses LAA points (0-1000). A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points — in recent draws, well above every published federal cutoff (IRCC sets the cutoff each round).

It depends on your profile. Provincial draws often have lower barriers to entry and target specific occupations or regional needs. Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta have had relatively accessible programs for skilled workers with job offers or provincial connections. French-speaking candidates benefit from dedicated federal draws with lower CRS requirements. A licensed RCIC can assess your profile across all programs to find your fastest pathway.

Requirements vary by province and stream. BC PNP Skills Immigration requires a valid BC job offer from an eligible employer. The Ontario Workforce Priority stream requires a full-time, permanent job offer for its Job Offer path (any NOC TEER 0-5) - the only exception is the Self-Employed Physicians path, which needs no job offer. Alberta Opportunity Stream requires an Alberta job offer. Manitoba Skilled Worker draws accept candidates with or without a job offer, though a Manitoba job offer improves your score. Saskatchewan priority sectors accept candidates without job offers in qualifying NOC codes.

CRS cutoffs vary significantly by draw category. General CEC draws typically require 500-535+, while category-based draws (French language, healthcare, STEM) often have lower cutoffs in the 370-500 range. If your CRS is below 470, focus on provincial programs or category-based draws aligned with your occupation. Use our free CRS calculator to see your exact score and which draws you qualify for.

Receiving a provincial nomination through a PNP-EE linked stream automatically adds 600 CRS points to your federal Express Entry profile. In recent draws, a score at that level has been well above every published cutoff — though IRCC sets the cutoff independently each round. This is the most powerful CRS boost available and is why PNP programs are so important for candidates with moderate CRS scores.