Last Updated On 31 July 2026, 10:00 AM EDT (Toronto Time)
IRCC closed July 2026 with 8 Express Entry draws across 5 categories, issuing 15,549 invitations to apply for permanent residence in a single month.
That total brings the 2026 year-to-date count to 104,616 invitations across 42 draws, putting this year well ahead of the 98,903 invitations issued across all of 2024.
The pace, however, is showing clear signs of deceleration as IRCC moves through the second half of the year.
August 2026 is expected to bring at least two draw clusters, with the first round of invitations projected for the week starting August 3.
This article breaks down what happened in July, identifies the patterns that shape August predictions, and projects CRS cutoffs and invitation volumes for each draw type across two expected draw windows.
Every projection in this article is based on verified 2026 draw data, pool snapshots, and IRCC’s stated Express Entry policy priorities.
IRCC is not obligated to follow the same draw pattern from month to month, and these predictions should be treated as informed estimates rather than guarantees.
Table of Contents
July 2026 Express Entry Draws’ Recap
IRCC ran two complete draw clusters in July 2026, each following the same sequence of PNP, CEC, and French-language draws within a compressed window.
The first cluster ran from July 6 through July 10 and delivered 8,034 invitations across 4 categories.
The second cluster ran from July 20 through July 23 and delivered 7,515 invitations through the same four-draw structure of PNP, CEC, French-language proficiency, and one smaller occupational category.
Together, the two clusters account for all 15,549 invitations issued in July, with no draws conducted outside those two windows.
July 2026 Express Entry Draws at a Glance
| Date | Draw Type | ITAs | CRS Cutoff |
| Jul 6 | Provincial Nominee Program | 534 | 708 |
| Jul 7 | Canadian Experience Class | 2,000 | 517 |
| Jul 9 | French-Language Proficiency | 5,000 | 420 |
| Jul 10 | Senior Managers | 500 | 392 |
| Jul 20 | Provincial Nominee Program | 511 | 744 |
| Jul 21 | Canadian Experience Class | 2,000 | 516 |
| Jul 22 | French-Language Proficiency | 5,000 | 399 |
| Jul 23 | Skilled Military Recruits | 4 | 368 |
The CEC draws in July held steady at 2,000 invitations each, confirming the reduced volume trend that began in late March 2026.
CRS cutoffs for CEC remained virtually flat at 517 and 516, consistent with the 514 to 518 band that has defined CEC draws since April.
The French-language draw on July 22 dropped its cutoff to 399, a 21-point decline from the July 9 round despite maintaining the same 5,000-invitation volume.
That decline indicates that the second five-thousand-invitation round reached substantially deeper into the French-language candidate pool after the earlier July draw removed many higher-scoring profiles.
2026 Express Entry Invitations by Category
IRCC has issued 104,616 invitations to apply across 42 Express Entry draws in 2026 as of July 23, compared to 113,988 across all of 2025 and 98,903 across all of 2024.
The table below shows how those invitations break down by draw category.
| Category | Draws | Total ITAs | Share |
| Canadian Experience Class | 12 | 45,250 | 43.3% |
| French-Language Proficiency | 8 | 40,500 | 38.7% |
| Healthcare and Social Services | 2 | 8,000 | 7.6% |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 14 | 6,450 | 6.2% |
| Trades Occupations | 1 | 3,000 | 2.9% |
| Senior Managers | 2 | 750 | 0.7% |
| Physicians | 2 | 662 | 0.6% |
| Skilled Military Recruits | 1 | 4 | < 0.1% |
| Total | 42 | 104,616 | 100% |
CEC and French-language draws together account for 82% of all invitations issued in 2026, making them the two dominant pathways under the current Express Entry category framework.
CEC invitations at 45,250 have already exceeded the total CEC invitations issued across all of 2025, when IRCC issued 35,850 CEC invitations for the entire year.
That frontloading is a direct consequence of IRCC’s early-2026 strategy of issuing 8,000, 6,000, and 6,000 CEC invitations in the first three rounds to accelerate the conversion of temporary residents to permanent residents.
Invitation Volumes Are Not Equal To Immigration Targets
The 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan sets an annual permanent resident admission target of 380,000, with economic immigration accounting for approximately 63% of all admissions.
Candidates sometimes assume that the number of Express Entry invitations in a year should match these targets, but the two figures measure fundamentally different things.
An invitation to apply is not an approval, and the gap between receiving an ITA and landing as a permanent resident involves several stages where numbers drop.
A portion of ITA recipients never submit their permanent residence applications within the 60-day window, either because their circumstances change or because they cannot assemble the required documents in time.
Among those who do apply, refusal rates vary by program and draw type, and not every application results in a positive decision.
Processing timelines add another layer of separation between ITAs and landings.
The Canadian Experience Class currently carries an average processing time of approximately six to seven months, meaning that many candidates who receive invitations in August 2026 will not receive their permanent residency approval until early to mid-2027.
IRCC must therefore issue more invitations than the number of permanent residents it intends to land in any given year to account for attrition at every stage of the process.
The 104,616 invitations issued so far in 2026 should not be interpreted as meaning that 104,616 people will become permanent residents this year under Express Entry.
Canadian Experience Class Predictions for August 2026
CEC draws have followed a clear downward trajectory in 2026, dropping from 8,000 invitations per round in January to 2,000 per round in the most recent draws.
The table below tracks every CEC draw this year and illustrates both the shrinking invitation volumes and the corresponding CRS movement.
| Date | ITAs | CRS Cutoff |
| Jan 7 | 8,000 | 511 |
| Jan 21 | 6,000 | 509 |
| Feb 17 | 6,000 | 508 |
| Mar 3 | 4,000 | 508 |
| Mar 17 | 4,000 | 507 |
| Mar 31 | 2,250 | 509 |
| Apr 14 | 2,000 | 515 |
| Apr 28 | 2,000 | 514 |
| May 27 | 3,000 | 518 |
| Jun 23 | 4,000 | 516 |
| Jul 7 | 2,000 | 517 |
| Jul 21 | 2,000 | 516 |
The data shows that CRS cutoffs have stabilized in a narrow 514 to 518 band since April, regardless of whether IRCC issued 2,000 or 4,000 invitations.
This stability reflects a consistent inflow of new high-scoring profiles entering the pool at roughly the same rate that invitations remove them, as explained in our analysis of sticky CRS scores in 2026.
For August 2026, expect CEC draws to continue at 2,000 invitations per round, with CRS cutoffs holding between 515 and 518.
A temporary bump to 3,000 invitations is possible but unlikely given IRCC’s evident intent to moderate the pace in the second half of 2026.
CEC cutoffs dropping below 500 remains unlikely in August because the pool continues to replenish with high-scoring candidates faster than draws can clear them at these reduced volumes.
Provincial Nominee Program Predictions for August 2026
PNP draws in 2026 have shown the widest variation of any draw type, with invitation counts ranging from 264 to 955 and CRS cutoffs swinging between 708 and 805.
The June 22 draw was a clear outlier, issuing 955 invitations at a CRS of 730 after a large batch of provincial nominations entered the pool as documented in our mid-2026 PNP review.
July PNP draws settled back to 534 and 511 invitations, with cutoffs of 708 and 744, reflecting the typical pace after provinces process their backlog of nomination decisions.
For August, expect PNP draws in the range of 400 to 600 invitations per round with CRS cutoffs between 720 and 760.
The CRS cutoff in any given PNP round depends almost entirely on how many fresh nominations provinces have released into the Express Entry pool since the previous draw.
Every provincial nominee receives an automatic 600-point CRS boost, which is why PNP draw cutoffs consistently appear in the 700-plus range.
Candidates considering the PNP pathway should explore Alberta and British Columbia draws and the recently launched Ontario Workforce Priority stream, as all three provinces have remaining allocation for 2026.
French-Language Proficiency Draw Predictions for August 2026
French-language draws have been the highest-volume category-based Express Entry pathway in 2026, accounting for 40,500 invitations across eight draws.
IRCC’s francophone immigration target of 9% of admissions outside Quebec, supported through its category-based selection framework, provides strong policy support for continued French draws through the rest of 2026.
However, the sheer volume of French invitations already issued this year introduces a realistic constraint.
With 104,616 total invitations already on the books, IRCC may moderate the pace of future French draws to avoid overshooting operational targets for the second half of the year.
For August, expect French-language draws in the range of 3,500 to 4,500 invitations per round, a modest reduction from the 5,000 per round seen in July.
CRS cutoffs for French draws should fall between 395 and 415, consistent with the eight-draw average of approximately 405 recorded across all French rounds in 2026.
Candidates who hold TEF or TCF results at NCLC 7 or higher in all four skills remain eligible for French-language draws regardless of their occupation.
Other Category-Based Draws to Watch in August
Beyond the core PNP, CEC, and French draw types, IRCC has conducted category-based draws in healthcare, trades, physicians, senior managers, and military recruits in 2026.
Healthcare draws have appeared twice in 2026 at roughly four-month intervals, with the most recent round on June 25 issuing 4,000 invitations at CRS 475.
If IRCC maintains that cadence, the next healthcare draw would fall in October, making an August healthcare round less likely but not impossible.
The trades category has appeared only once this year, on April 2, when IRCC issued 3,000 invitations at CRS 477.
A second trade draw is overdue and could appear in any draw cluster between now and October.
The senior managers category has appeared twice in 2026 at roughly four-month intervals, making the next round likely in November rather than August.
The physicians’ category also follows a quarterly pattern, with its most recent round on June 24 making an August or September round plausible.
Week-by-Week Predictions for August 2026
Based on IRCC’s July 2026 draw cluster pattern, August is expected to feature two draw windows following the same PNP, CEC, and French sequence seen in recent months.
IRCC is not obligated to follow the same round structure, and draw dates, categories, and volumes can change without notice.
The projections below reflect the most likely outcome based on 2026 data, not a guaranteed schedule.
Projected Draw Cluster: Week of August 3
| Expected Day | Draw Type | Projected ITAs | Projected CRS |
| Mon, Aug 3 | Provincial Nominee Program | 450 – 550 | 720 – 755 |
| Tue, Aug 4 | Canadian Experience Class | 2,000 | 515 – 518 |
| Wed/Thu, Aug 5-6 | French-Language Proficiency | 3,500 – 4,500 | 395 – 415 |
A fourth draw targeting a smaller category such as trades or physicians is possible but not expected in every cluster.
The PNP draw will likely open the cluster, as IRCC has consistently placed PNP rounds at the start of each draw window throughout 2026.
CEC is expected to follow the next day with 2,000 invitations, maintaining the 2,000-invitation volume used in the two July CEC rounds.
The French-language draw will most likely close the cluster, following the precedent set in both July draw clusters.
Projected Draw Cluster: Week of August 17
| Expected Day | Draw Type | Projected ITAs | Projected CRS |
| Mon, Aug 17 | Provincial Nominee Program | 400 – 550 | 725 – 760 |
| Tue, Aug 18 | Canadian Experience Class | 2,000 | 515 – 518 |
| Wed/Thu, Aug 19-20 | French-Language Proficiency | 3,500 – 4,500 | 395 – 415 |
If IRCC follows the same pattern, the second cluster should mirror the first with similar volumes and CRS ranges.
The PNP CRS cutoff in the second cluster may shift depending on whether provinces release a large batch of new nominations between draw windows, as happened between the two July PNP rounds.
A category-based draw targeting healthcare, trades, or physicians could appear in either cluster, but French-language proficiency remains the most probable category-based selection for both windows.
CRS Trend Summary by Draw Type
The table below shows the CRS range for each draw type across all of 2026, along with the projected August range.
| Draw Type | 2026 CRS Low | 2026 CRS High | August Projection |
| Canadian Experience Class | 507 | 518 | 515 – 518 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 708 | 805 | 720 – 760 |
| French-Language Proficiency | 393 | 420 | 395 – 415 |
| Healthcare | 467 | 475 | 465 – 480* |
| Trades | 477 | 477 | 470 – 490* |
| Physicians | 169 | 223 | 180 – 230* |
What Candidates Can Do Before August Draws
Candidates with CRS scores in the 400 to 475 range should evaluate whether they qualify for category-based draws targeting healthcare, trades, or French-language proficiency, as these categories consistently deliver cutoffs below the CEC threshold.
Booking a TEF or TCF French test is the highest-impact move for candidates in this range, because French draws at CRS 395 to 415 sit roughly 100 points below CEC cutoffs as shown on the official CRS calculation grid.
Provincial nominations remain the most powerful CRS multiplier in the Express Entry system, adding 600 points to a candidate’s base score and effectively guaranteeing an invitation in the next PNP round.
Candidates should explore the Ontario Workforce Priority stream and western Canadian PNP programs, as several provinces still have nomination allocations remaining for 2026.
The 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan allocates approximately 63% of the 2026 permanent resident target to economic immigration, with the share rising to approximately 64% in 2027 and 2028.
August 2026 Express Entry draws are expected to follow the same cluster model that has defined the system since March, with PNP, CEC, and French rounds appearing in compressed windows.
CRS cutoffs are unlikely to shift dramatically in either direction unless IRCC makes a significant change to invitation volumes.
Candidates should monitor the official IRCC rounds of invitations page for confirmed draw results as they are published.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can IRCC hold a general all-program Express Entry draw in August 2026?
IRCC conducted nine general invitation rounds in 2024 but has since shifted its recent draw strategy toward program-specific and category-based selections. Recent draw patterns provide no clear indication that IRCC intends to resume general rounds in August 2026. Candidates should plan around CEC, PNP, and category-based draws rather than expecting a general round.
Does receiving a provincial nomination guarantee an Express Entry invitation?
A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points to a candidate’s Express Entry profile, which in practice places them well above the PNP draw cutoff. However, the invitation is issued through an Express Entry PNP draw, and the timing depends on when IRCC schedules the next PNP round. Candidates with an accepted provincial nomination are normally positioned well above PNP cutoffs.
Will Express Entry draws pause for system maintenance in August 2026?
IRCC has not announced any system maintenance pauses for August 2026. However, IRCC paused draws for 21 consecutive days in June 2026 without advance notice, so an unannounced gap remains possible at any time. Candidates should keep their profiles current and documents ready to ensure they do not miss a draw during unexpected windows.
How long after receiving an ITA do candidates have to submit their PR application?
Candidates who receive an invitation to apply have exactly 60 calendar days to submit a complete permanent residence application through their Express Entry account. If the 60-day window passes without an application or the candidate formally declining the invitation, the invitation expires and the profile is removed from the pool. The candidate must submit a new Express Entry profile and remain eligible to be considered in future rounds. Preparing documents in advance, including police certificates, medical exams, and credential assessments, is critical because many of these items have their own processing timelines.
Can candidates be invited through both a CEC draw and a category-based draw at the same time?
A candidate can be eligible for multiple draw types simultaneously, but IRCC issues only one invitation to any given profile. If a candidate meets the criteria for both a CEC draw and a French-language draw, they will be invited through whichever draw reaches their score first. Once an invitation is issued, the candidate’s profile is removed from the pool and they cannot receive a second invitation unless the first one expires or is declined.
Fact-Checked: All figures in this article have been verified against the official IRCC rounds of invitations data as of July 31, 2026. Predictions are analytical projections based on 2026 draw patterns and are not confirmed by IRCC.
Disclaimer: This article is published by Immigration News Canada for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant or licensed immigration lawyer for guidance specific to your situation.
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