By Onyekachi Victoria Philip
Canada has taken another step in reshaping its immigration system by holding the first-ever Express Entry draw for skilled foreign military recruits, issuing only four Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency in what has become the smallest selection round in the programme’s history.
The draw, conducted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on July 23, states the official rollout of the Skilled Military Recruits category, a new immigration stream introduced in February 2026 to attract experienced military personnel whose skills are considered valuable to Canada’s workforce and national priorities.
To qualify for the invitation, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 368 and must have submitted their Express Entry profile before 8:11 p.m. UTC on June 2, 2026.
Although only four candidates were invited, the move reveals the government’s commitment to expanding immigration opportunities for specialised professionals, including those with military expertise.
The military recruitment draw followed three larger invitation rounds earlier in the week. On July 22, IRCC invited 5,000 French-speaking candidates with a CRS cut-off score of 399. Earlier, on July 21, 2,000 candidates under the Canadian Experience Class received invitations with a minimum CRS score of 516, while 511 Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates were invited on July 20 with a CRS score of 744.
So far in 2026, IRCC has conducted 42 Express Entry draws, reflecting its continued focus on candidates with Canadian work experience, provincial nominations and strong French-language skills.
Provincial Nominee Program candidates remain the most frequently selected group, featuring in 14 draws this year. They are followed by 12 Canadian Experience Class draws and eight French-language proficiency rounds.
The department has also conducted targeted rounds for physicians with Canadian work experience, healthcare and social services professionals, senior managers, skilled trades workers and, now, skilled military recruits.
Overall, Canada has issued 104,616 Invitations to Apply for permanent residence through the Express Entry system in 2026.
The Canadian Experience Class accounts for the highest number of invitations, with 45,250 ITAs issued, while French-language proficiency candidates have received 40,500 invitations.
Healthcare and social services professionals have received 8,000 invitations, Provincial Nominee Program candidates 6,450, skilled trades workers 3,000, physicians with Canadian work experience 662, and senior managers 750. The newly introduced Skilled Military Recruits category currently accounts for four invitations.