March 2026 has already started with strong momentum for Canada’s Express Entry system, and early signals suggest the pace of invitations could remain aggressive throughout the month.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held the first Express Entry draw of March on March 2, issuing invitations under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). While the number of invitations was relatively small, the draw revealed an important trend — CRS scores may continue declining as the candidate pool shifts.
In fact, IRCC has already issued nearly 35,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in the first two months of 2026, highlighting the government’s ongoing push to meet immigration targets under the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan.
For candidates currently in the Express Entry pool, the coming weeks could present significant opportunities.
Below is a detailed look at what has happened so far in 2026, the current state of the Express Entry pool, and what applicants can realistically expect for the rest of March.
Express Entry in 2026: What We’ve Seen So Far
So far this year, IRCC has conducted 11 Express Entry draws between January 1 and March 2, 2026. These draws have included several program categories, including Canadian Experience Class, French-language proficiency, healthcare occupations, and a newly introduced physicians category.
Some key highlights include:
- A large French-language draw on February 6 that issued 8,500 invitations
- Continued CEC draws of around 6,000 invitations
- The launch of a new physicians-specific category
- The March 2 PNP draw, which showed a lower CRS threshold than earlier in the year
Overall, the total number of invitations issued in 2026 so far has reached 35,112 ITAs.
This strong start indicates that IRCC remains committed to maintaining a high volume of invitations throughout the year.
Current State of the Express Entry Pool (March 2026)
As of March 1, 2026, the Express Entry pool contains approximately 232,534 candidates.
This represents a slight decrease compared with mid-February, suggesting that recent draws are gradually reducing the number of high-scoring profiles.
One of the most important trends is happening in the 501–600 CRS score range, which currently contains 14,031 candidates — significantly fewer than earlier in February.
Why does this matter?
Because this score range typically determines Canadian Experience Class (CEC) cut-offs. As the number of candidates above 500 declines, the CRS threshold for upcoming draws could continue to fall.
For example, about 13,000 candidates currently sit in the 491-500 range, just below recent CEC cut-offs.
If IRCC continues issuing large CEC draws of around 6,000 invitations, the CRS requirement could realistically move closer to the 500 mark.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Predictions for March 2026
The Canadian Experience Class remains one of the most important pathways to permanent residence for individuals already living and working in Canada.
Under the federal immigration plan, IRCC continues prioritizing the transition of temporary residents to permanent status.
Expected pattern for March
- Predicted draws: 2
- Estimated invitations per draw: 5,000 – 7,000
- Projected CRS range: 500 – 506
Recent CEC draws have shown a consistent downward trend:
- January 21: CRS 509
- February 17: CRS 508
If the candidate pool continues shrinking in the 501–600 range, March could potentially see the CRS threshold approaching 500 for the first time in several years.
Candidates with scores above 500 are currently in a strong position, while those between 495 and 500 may still remain competitive.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Outlook
The March 2 draw issued 264 invitations with a CRS cut-off of 710, the lowest PNP cut-off seen so far in 2026.
This suggests that fewer candidates with provincial nominations are currently active in the pool.
March PNP predictions
- Expected draws: 2
- Invitations per draw: 250 – 700
- Projected CRS range: 690 – 720
However, this situation may change later in the year. The 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan significantly increased PNP targets, meaning provinces will eventually ramp up nominations.
For now, candidates pursuing provincial nominations may benefit from reduced competition during early 2026.
French-Language Category Draws Could Remain Massive
One of the biggest trends in Express Entry this year has been the expansion of French-language category draws.
The February 6 draw issued 8,500 invitations with a CRS cut-off of just 400, the largest French-specific draw ever.
Canada has committed to increasing Francophone immigration outside Quebec, and IRCC has allocated roughly 17,000 admission spots for French-speaking applicants.
Expected French draws in March
- Number of draws: 1–2
- Invitations per draw: 5,000 – 8,500
- CRS range: 380 – 420
For candidates with French proficiency at CLB/NCLC 7 or higher, this category remains one of the easiest ways to receive an invitation.
Healthcare Occupations Remain a Priority
Canada continues to face major healthcare staffing shortages, with thousands of open roles across the country.
As a result, IRCC has been using category-based draws to attract healthcare professionals.
March healthcare draw expectations
- Possible draws: 0–1
- Estimated invitations: about 3,000
- CRS range: 450 – 470
Eligible professions include:
- Registered nurses
- Practical nurses
- Physiotherapists
- Dental assistants
- Pharmacists
- Medical laboratory technicians
- Social workers
A new rule introduced in 2026 now requires at least 12 months of relevant work experience to qualify for category-based draws.
New Physicians Category: The Wildcard
In February 2026, IRCC introduced a brand-new Express Entry category for physicians with Canadian work experience.
The first draw was remarkable.
- → 7 Essential Business Strategies Transforming Success in 2024
- → AI and Machine Learning in 2026: Transforming Business Through Intelligent Innovation
- → Canada Immigration Backlog Update 2026: What the Latest IRCC Data Really Means
- → Mass Flight Disruptions Across Asia: 2,186 Delays and 134 Cancellations Hit Major Airports in India, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, UAE, Singapore, and Qatar
- → $800 CRA Payment in March 2026: Which Canadian Families Qualify and When to Expect Their Direct Deposit
- → $533 GST/HST Credit for March 2026: Payment Dates, Eligibility, and Everything Canadians Need to Know
- → Canada Medical Expense Tax Claims 2026: Everything You Need to Know Before Filing
It issued 391 invitations with a CRS cut-off of only 169, the lowest score ever recorded in Express Entry history.
Because the pool of eligible doctors is relatively small, nearly all qualifying candidates are expected to receive invitations.
March expectations
- Possible draw: 0–1
- Invitations: around 300
- CRS range: 150 – 200
This pathway is specifically designed to help foreign-trained doctors already working in Canada obtain permanent residence faster.
Trades and STEM Occupation Draws
Other category-based draws could also appear in March, particularly for trades and STEM professionals.
Trades
- Invitations: 2,000 – 4,000
- CRS range: 380 – 430
Canada plans to admit thousands of construction workers in 2026, making trades a priority category.
STEM
- Invitations: 2,000 – 4,000
- CRS range: 470 – 500
These draws typically include engineers, software developers, and other technology professionals.
When Could the Next Express Entry Draw Happen?
Historically, Express Entry draws occur on Wednesdays or Thursdays, although the March 2 draw on Sunday shows IRCC may occasionally adjust its schedule.
Possible draw windows for March include:
- Early March
- Mid-March
- End of March
Overall, March could deliver around 20,000 total invitations.
What CRS Score Is Competitive in 2026?
Your chances depend heavily on which category you qualify for.
Here are realistic CRS targets:
| Candidate Type | Competitive CRS |
|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class | 500+ |
| French language category | 380+ |
| Healthcare workers | 450+ |
| Trades occupations | 380+ |
| Provincial nominees | Guaranteed ITA |
| Physicians in Canada | Any score |
For candidates stuck in the 450–500 CRS range, two strategies can dramatically improve chances:
- Learning French
- Obtaining a provincial nomination
Both options can significantly increase your chances of receiving an invitation.
Final Thoughts
March 2026 could become one of the most active months for Express Entry invitations this year.
With the candidate pool shrinking in the highest CRS ranges and IRCC continuing large category-based draws, many applicants may find themselves closer to receiving an ITA than they expected.
For candidates with scores above 500, invitations may arrive soon. Meanwhile, those with French proficiency, healthcare experience, or skilled trades backgrounds remain in particularly strong positions.
The key is preparation — ensure your documents, language tests, and profile details are ready before the next draw takes place.
