Canada PNP Updates 2026

Welcome to episode 92 of the Canada Immigration News Podcast. In this episode we break down Express Entry Draw 376 that issued 6,000 ITAs to French-language skilled workers, review the recent Canadian Experience Class Draw 375 and Provincial Nominee Program Draw 374, and explain IRCC’s mandatory upfront medical exam requirement for new Express Entry applications. These developments show how IRCC is balancing category-based selection with document completeness to speed decisions and meet labour needs.

Express Entry Draw 376 Issues 6,000 Invitations for French-Language Skilled Workers

On October 29, 2025, IRCC ran Express Entry Draw 376, issuing 6,000 Invitations to Apply to candidates demonstrating French-language proficiency. The cut-off was 416 and applicants needed CLB 7 or higher in all four skills. Draw 376 underlines Canada’s strategic push to grow Francophone communities outside Quebec and to plug labour gaps where bilingual services matter most. For many candidates with CRS scores in the 400–470 range, strong French results now represent a clear pathway to an earlier invitation.

Canadian Experience Class Draw 375 Continues CEC Stability with CRS 533

The day before, Express Entry Draw 375 targeted the Canadian Experience Class, issuing 1,000 ITAs with a CRS cut-off of 533. CEC draws remain IRCC’s dependable channel for candidates already building careers in Canada. Draw 375 reinforces a pattern of steady CEC thresholds that give temporary workers and international graduates a predictable route to permanent residency when they maintain employment and updated profiles.

Provincial Nominee Draw 374 Shows PNP Demand with CRS 761

Express Entry Draw 374 on October 27 focused on Provincial Nominee Program candidates, issuing 302 ITAs with a CRS cut-off of 761. PNP draws continue to prioritize regional labour needs and reward provincial nominations with a 600-point boost, often guaranteeing an ITA for nominated candidates. Draw 374’s score shows that while PNPs are powerful, competition remains intense, getting a provincial nomination is still a game changer for many applicants.

IRCC Tightens Rules with Mandatory Upfront Medical Exams for Express Entry

IRCC has ended the facilitation period that allowed some Express Entry files to be submitted without medicals. As of October 21, 2025, new Express Entry applications must include a completed Immigration Medical Examination (IME) at submission. This completeness check aims to reduce in-process delays, lower back-and-forth on medical admissibility, and speed final decisions. Applicants should book IRCC-approved panel physicians early, gather IME receipts/UME numbers, and ensure exams remain valid through processing.

How These Changes Affect Candidates Now:
Category-based draws like 376 (French) and 375 (CEC) show opportunity for candidates who align skills with IRCC priorities: bilingual candidates, those with Canadian work experience, and provincially nominated applicants. The new medical rule means preparedness matters more than ever. Submitting a complete PR application with IME proof reduces the risk of rejection and shortens wait times. Candidates should update profiles, confirm language test validity, secure panel physician bookings, and consider provincial pathways that match their occupation.

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