The context began when the CAQ government abolished the Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ) as part of an effort to control immigration volumes. This decision left many potential immigrants in limbo and has sparked criticism from various quarters.

In her bid for leadership, Fréchette vowed to bring back the PEQ, which was designed as a merit-based pathway for French-speaking graduates and workers in Quebec. Critics argue that without swift action, many will be forced to consider relocating to other provinces like Halifax or Calgary—options they would rather avoid.

Recent developments include the In-Canada Workers Initiative, aiming to fast-track permanent residency for up to 33,000 temporary foreign workers by 2026 and 2027. By February 28, 2026, approximately 3,600 workers had already secured permanent residency through this initiative.

This initiative specifically targets workers within certain streams, including the Provincial Nominee Program and the Atlantic Immigration Program. However, it does not create new pathways but rather accelerates existing applications—a fact that has drawn skepticism from critics.

The federal government also aims to reduce the temporary resident population below 5% of Canada’s total population by 2027. Many are left wondering how these overarching goals align with provincial needs.

The urgency is palpable. As Jessica Prats noted, “We must not forget that there are elections in October.” With time ticking away, families like those of Tiffany Corti express their frustrations: “I don’t want promises; I want action.”

The timeline for reopening the PEQ remains unclear. Officials have yet to disclose how they will communicate the fast-tracking process to applicants. This uncertainty weighs heavily on those hoping for a smoother transition into Quebec’s workforce.

Nadir Belaid assures concerned families: “I want to make sure people know that we’re not giving up — we will see this through to the end.” But with so many factors at play, will this resolve before the upcoming elections?

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The Canadian immigration landscape has seen a notable shift in 2026, with the IRCC focusing largely on candidates already within the country. This year, the IRCC has conducted a total of 19 Express Entry selections, with the latest draw specifically targeting the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

On March 31, 2026, the IRCC issued 2,250 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a CEC draw, marking it as the sixth CEC draw of the year. Candidates aiming for these ITAs were required to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 509, a threshold that reflects the competitive nature of the current immigration process.

To be eligible for this draw, candidates needed to create an Express Entry profile before 8:27 a.m. UTC on March 18, 2026. This requirement emphasizes the importance of timely applications in the immigration process, as the window for consideration is often limited.

In total, the IRCC has issued 55,830 ITAs across various draw types in 2026, with 30,250 of those specifically for the Canadian Experience Class. This substantial number indicates a strong emphasis on retaining skilled workers who have already gained experience within Canada.

Additionally, the IRCC has issued 18,000 ITAs for candidates demonstrating French-language proficiency, alongside 4,000 for those in healthcare and social services, and 2,939 for the Provincial Nominee Program. These figures highlight the diverse pathways available for immigration to Canada, catering to various sectors and skill sets.

As the year progresses, observers are keenly watching how these draws will evolve. The IRCC’s strategy appears to be geared towards enhancing the workforce with individuals who have already adapted to Canadian society, thereby facilitating smoother integration.

With the ongoing focus on domestic candidates, it remains to be seen how future draws will shape the immigration landscape. Officials suggest that the trend of prioritizing candidates with Canadian experience is likely to continue, reflecting the government’s commitment to fostering a skilled workforce.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential changes to the CRS score thresholds or the number of ITAs issued in upcoming draws, but the current trajectory indicates a sustained emphasis on the Canadian Experience Class.

The post Cec draw: Significant Changes in the : 2,250 ITAs Issued appeared first on News Canada.

The recent Express Entry draw held on March 30, 2026, has sent shockwaves through the immigration community as the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required reached an unprecedented 802 points. This significant increase in the cutoff score, which rose by 60 points from the previous Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw on March 16, has left many candidates reeling and questioning their prospects in the immigration process.

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued a total of 356 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) during this latest draw, specifically targeting individuals with provincial nominations. This draw marks the eighteenth Express Entry selection of the year and the third PNP draw conducted in March alone. The IRCC has issued a total of 53,580 ITAs across various draw types in 2026, highlighting a robust immigration strategy focused on attracting skilled workers.

As of March 29, 2026, the Express Entry pool contained a staggering 230,186 candidates, with 73,445 of them falling within the 451-500 CRS range. The tie-breaking rule for this draw was set at February 12, 2026, at 03:54:03 UTC, further complicating the situation for many hopeful applicants. The high CRS score of 802 may seem extremely daunting at first glance, especially when considering that successful candidates likely had base CRS scores of approximately 202 points before their provincial nomination bonus was applied.

The implications of such a high cutoff score are profound. For many candidates still in the pool, this latest PNP draw serves as a stark reminder of the importance of improving their profiles or securing a provincial nomination, which can provide an automatic 600 additional CRS points. The previous PNP draws in March had cutoffs of 710 and 742, making the leap to 802 particularly alarming for those who have been diligently preparing their applications.

In 2026, the IRCC has strategically focused on immigration candidates already within Canada, particularly those with provincial nominations and Canadian work experience. This shift in focus has resulted in a more competitive environment, as candidates vie for limited ITAs. The March 30 draw illustrates a clear trend toward higher CRS scores, which could signal a tightening of the immigration process as the IRCC aims to attract the most qualified individuals.

Looking ahead, the next Express Entry draw is anticipated to take place on March 31 or April 1, 2026. However, the uncertainty surrounding the CRS scores and the number of ITAs issued in future draws remains a topic of concern. Candidates are left wondering whether this trend of increasing cutoff scores will continue, and how it will affect their chances of receiving an ITA.

As the immigration landscape evolves, candidates must remain vigilant and proactive in enhancing their profiles. The March 30 draw has undoubtedly set a new benchmark for CRS scores, prompting many to reevaluate their strategies in the hopes of securing a brighter future in Canada. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the long-term implications of these changes, but one thing is clear: the stakes have never been higher for aspiring immigrants.

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