Canada Immigration News Podcast
Canada Immigration News Podcast #87: Express Entry Draws, Alberta Early Childhood Educator Bursary, and New 2026 Express Entry Categories
Canada Immigration News Podcast #87 brings you the latest updates shaping Canada’s immigration landscape. In this episode, we cover Express Entry Draw 360 that targeted French-speaking candidates, the latest draw for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates with a CRS of 800, upcoming 2026 Express Entry categories, and Alberta’s investment in an Early Childhood Educator Bursary. Each of these developments highlights how Canada continues to refine its immigration pathways while responding to workforce needs and community priorities.
Canada Targets French-Speaking Candidates in Express Entry Draw 360
On August 8, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its third draw of the week, Express Entry Draw 360, focusing on French-speaking candidates. A total of 2,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 481. This strategy underscores Canada’s commitment to building Francophone communities outside Quebec and strengthening bilingual workforces. French speakers gain not only lower CRS cut-offs but also additional points for bilingualism, giving them a significant advantage compared to other categories.
Provincial Nominee Program Candidates Receive ITAs with CRS 800
The week also saw Canada issue invitations to 192 PNP candidates on August 18, 2025. With a CRS cut-off of 800, this draw highlighted the continued importance of provincial nominations in Express Entry. Candidates nominated through provincial programs benefit from an automatic 600-point boost, making their profiles highly competitive. As Canada balances program-specific and category-based draws, PNP candidates remain central to meeting regional labour market demands and filling skill shortages across the provinces.
New 2026 Express Entry Categories Announced
Looking ahead, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has revealed that new categories will be added to Express Entry in 2026. In addition to the current six categories, which include healthcare, STEM, trades, agriculture, education, and French-language proficiency, three more will be introduced: Leadership and Senior Management, Researchers and Scientists, and Highly Skilled Military Recruits. These updates demonstrate Canada’s forward-thinking approach to aligning immigration intake with future economic needs. Skilled professionals in these new categories will have greater opportunities to secure permanent residency through a more targeted selection process.
Alberta Expands Early Childhood Educator Bursary
Immigration and education are closely connected, and Alberta is addressing a critical workforce need by investing $3.3 million into its Early Childhood Educator Bursary program. This initiative provides $10,000 in tuition support for 300 students over the next three years, helping them complete certificate programs and enter licensed child-care centres. Alberta continues to face staffing shortages in early learning, and this bursary aims to remove financial barriers while encouraging more people to pursue careers in child care. For international students and newcomers considering careers in early childhood education, this investment highlights new pathways into meaningful employment in Canada.
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