Ottawa, March 3, 2026, Canada’s immigration landscape is already witnessing significant activity in March 2026. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held the first Express Entry draw of the month on March 2. Data suggests that IRCC plans to maintain a strong pace of invitations throughout March, giving eligible candidates numerous opportunities to secure permanent residence.
In the first two months of 2026, IRCC has issued over 35,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs), indicating a robust start. By analyzing pool trends, draw history, and the 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan, this guide provides detailed predictions for the month, insights for candidates, and practical tips for maximizing chances of receiving an ITA.
IRCC has conducted 11 Express Entry draws from January 1 to March 2, 2026. These draws targeted multiple categories, including the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), healthcare occupations, and a new physician-specific pathway.
Summary of 2026 Express Entry Draws
| Date | Draw Type | ITAs Issued | CRS Cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 5 | Provincial Nominee Program | 574 | 711 |
| Jan 7 | Canadian Experience Class | 8,000 | 511 |
| Jan 20 | Provincial Nominee Program | 681 | 746 |
| Jan 21 | Canadian Experience Class | 6,000 | 509 |
| Feb 3 | Provincial Nominee Program | 423 | 749 |
| Feb 6 | French Language Proficiency | 8,500 | 400 |
| Feb 16 | Provincial Nominee Program | 279 | 789 |
| Feb 17 | Canadian Experience Class | 6,000 | 508 |
| Feb 19 | Physicians (New) | 391 | 169 |
| Feb 20 | Healthcare Occupations | 4,000 | 467 |
| Mar 2 | Provincial Nominee Program | 264 | 710 |
Total ITAs issued: 35,112
The March 2 PNP draw was notable for having the lowest CRS cut-off of the year at 710. This indicates a smaller pool of provincial nominees, likely due to provinces still processing their allocations for 2026.
The Express Entry pool currently contains 232,534 candidates, slightly lower than 235,695 in mid-February.
Candidate Distribution by CRS Scores
| CRS Score Range | Candidates Mar 1, 2026 | Candidates Feb 15, 2026 | Change since Feb 15 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 601-1200 | 258 | 280 | -22 |
| 501-600 | 14,031 | 16,559 | -2,528 |
| 491-500 | 13,321 | 13,504 | -183 |
| 481-490 | 12,678 | 13,248 | -570 |
| 471-480 | 15,415 | 16,531 | -1,116 |
| 461-470 | 15,099 | 15,426 | -327 |
| 451-460 | 15,167 | 14,900 | 267 |
| 401-450 | 65,868 | 64,305 | 1,563 |
| 351-400 | 53,727 | 53,650 | 77 |
| 301-350 | 18,694 | 19,009 | -315 |
| 0-300 | 8,276 | 8,283 | -7 |
| Total | 232,534 | 235,695 | -3,161 |
Key Insight: Candidates in the 501-600 CRS range, critical for CEC draws, are decreasing faster than the pool is replenished. This may push CEC cut-offs below 500 in upcoming draws. Candidates scoring 495-500 are now highly competitive.
CEC remains the most utilized pathway for temporary residents transitioning to permanent residence. IRCC aims to continue large draws for this category.
CEC Draw Forecast
| Metric | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Draws remaining | 2 |
| ITAs per draw | 5,000-7,000 |
| CRS cut-off range | 500-506 |
Candidates with a CRS of 500 or higher have a strong chance of receiving ITAs. With the shrinking pool in the 501-600 range, competitive candidates are expected to benefit from lower cut-offs.
The PNP pathway is vital for candidates seeking additional CRS points. The March 2 draw highlights the temporary scarcity of provincial nominees in the pool.
2026 PNP Draw History
| Date | ITAs | CRS Cut-off |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 5 | 574 | 711 |
| Jan 20 | 681 | 746 |
| Feb 3 | 423 | 749 |
| Feb 16 | 279 | 789 |
| Mar 2 | 264 | 710 |
PNP Draw Forecast for March
| Metric | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Draws remaining | 2 |
| ITAs per draw | 250-700 |
| CRS cut-off range | 690-720 |
The 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan increased PNP targets from 55,000 to 91,500. March is a strategic time for candidates to secure a nomination with reduced competition.
French-language draws are seeing record activity in 2026. Candidates with CLB/NCLC 7+ in all skills are particularly well-positioned.
French Language Draw History
| Year | ITAs Issued | Average CRS |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ~23,000 | 450+ |
| 2025 | ~48,000 | 400-430 |
| 2026 | 8,500 | 400 |
March 2026 Projection
| Metric | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Draws remaining | 1-2 |
| ITAs per draw | 5,000-12,000 |
| CRS cut-off range | 380-420 |
Candidates with French language ability but lower CRS scores now have access to ITAs. Booking TEF or TCF exams promptly is recommended.
Healthcare remains a high priority category due to workforce shortages in Canada.
Healthcare Draw History
| Date | ITAs | CRS Cut-off |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 20, 2026 | 4,000 | 467 |
| Dec 17, 2025 | 3,000 | 476 |
| Nov 2025 | 3,500 | 481 |
March 2026 Projection
| Metric | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Draws remaining | 0-1 |
| ITAs per draw | 3,000 |
| CRS cut-off range | 450-470 |
Eligible roles include nurses, physiotherapists, social workers, pharmacists, and over 25 other healthcare occupations. Minimum work experience for eligibility is 12 months.
This new category offers a targeted pathway for foreign-trained doctors. The initial draw had the lowest CRS cut-off in Express Entry history.
| Metric | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Draws remaining | 0-1 |
| ITAs per draw | 300 |
| CRS cut-off range | 150-200 |
Eligible occupations include general practitioners, family physicians, and specialists. Candidates meeting criteria are highly likely to receive ITAs.
Trades draws target skilled workers in high-demand trades.
| Metric | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Draws remaining | 0-1 |
| ITAs per draw | 2,000-4,000 |
| CRS cut-off range | 380-430 |
Eligible occupations include electricians, plumbers, welders, carpenters, and construction workers.
STEM draws focus on tech, engineering, and science professionals to support innovation in Canada.
| Metric | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Draws remaining | 0-1 |
| ITAs per draw | 2,000-4,000 |
| CRS cut-off range | 470-500 |
STEM draws tend to have higher CRS cut-offs due to high-skilled candidate profiles.
Education draws target teachers, early childhood educators, and education counsellors.
| Metric | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Draws remaining | 0-1 |
| ITAs per draw | 1,000-2,000 |
| CRS cut-off range | 440-470 |
IRCC generally conducts draws on Wednesdays and Thursdays, though occasional Sunday draws occur.
| Week | Likely Draw Days | Expected Draw Types |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 (Mar 3-7) | Wed/Thu | CEC, French, Healthcare |
| Week 3 (Mar 16-20) | Wed/Thu | PNP, CEC, French |
| Week 5 (Mar 30-31) | Mon | PNP, CEC, French |
IRCC publishes results within hours after each draw.
| Situation | Minimum Competitive CRS | Pathway |
|---|---|---|
| CEC-eligible, no special category | 500+ | Wait for CEC draw |
| French CLB 7+ in all skills | 380+ | French category draw |
| Healthcare occupation (12+ months) | 450+ | Healthcare category draw |
| Physician in Canada (12+ months) | Any score | Physicians category draw |
| Trades occupation (12+ months) | 380+ | Trades category draw |
| Provincial nomination in hand | 90-120 | PNP draw (guaranteed) |
Candidates with CRS between 450-500 can improve chances by pursuing a provincial nomination or learning French.
If you are already in the pool:
If you are not yet in the pool:
If you received an ITA:
March 2026 presents a strong opportunity for CEC, French language, healthcare, trades, and PNP candidates due to aggressive draws and lower CRS cut-offs.
When is the next Express Entry draw in March 2026?
The next draw is likely during the week of March 3-7, focusing on CEC, French, or Healthcare candidates.
What CRS score is required for a CEC draw in March 2026?
Projected cut-offs are 500-506. Large draws could push CRS requirements near 500.
I have French skills but a CRS of 410. Do I have a chance?
Yes, French language draws are expected with cut-offs between 380 and 410.
Why was the March 2 PNP cut-off low at 710?
The low cut-off reflects fewer provincial nominees in the pool early in the 2026 nomination cycle.
How many ITAs will IRCC issue in March 2026?
Approximately 20,000 across all draws based on January-February trends.
March 2026 is shaping up as a strong month for Express Entry candidates. The contracting pool, aggressive draw schedules, and category-based opportunities make it an ideal time to maximize your chances for Canadian permanent residence. Candidates in CEC, French language, healthcare, trades, STEM, and education fields should take strategic steps to prepare and submit accurate profiles. Provincial nomination seekers can benefit from lower competition in early March.
By monitoring CRS trends, preparing documents in advance, and staying informed about IRCC announcements, candidates can increase the likelihood of securing an ITA this month.
