Smallest-Ever Express Entry Draw Held for Skilled Military Recruits Category

Key Takeaways

• Type of draw: Category-based selection — Skilled military recruits

• Invitations issued: 4

• Minimum CRS score: 368

• Tie-breaking rule: June 02, 2026 at 20:11:26 UTC

• Prediction for next draw: Provincial Nominee Program on August 3, 2026. Check our dedicated page for more information on when we’re expecting the next Express Entry draw.

Our Analysis of this Express Entry Draw

This is the first Express Entry round ever held for the skilled military recruits category. IRCC issued only 4 invitations to apply under this category-based draw, making it the smallest-ever Express Entry round of invitations. The minimum CRS score required to get an ITA was 368.

IRCC added this category to its list of targeted occupations for 2026 back in February, so it took several months for the government to run its first round.

Since every candidate in this category needs an existing job offer from the Canadian Forces Recruiting Group, the number of eligible candidates in the pool was expected to be small — and the 4 ITAs issued as well as the low CRS cut-off reflects that.

Who Qualifies for the Skilled Military Recruits Category

To be considered under this category, a candidate needs to be a foreign skilled military applicant. That means being a foreign national currently serving in a recognized military outside Canada, with at least ten years of continuous service.

Candidates also need work experience and training that matches one of these National Occupational Classification, or NOC, codes:

• 40042, Commissioned officers of the Canadian Armed Forces
• 42102, Specialized members of the Canadian Armed Forces
• 43204, Operations members of the Canadian Armed Forces

Beyond that military background, candidates must also have:

• A job offer from the Canadian Forces Recruiting Group for full-time work in Canada lasting at least three years, listed under one of the three NOC codes above
• At least a two-year post-secondary credential. If the credential was earned outside Canada, you will need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
• All other requirements set out in the ministerial instructions for that specific round

What to Watch for Next in Skilled Military Recruits Draws

This category is one of several targeted groups IRCC introduced for 2026, and this first draw shows the government is ready to start inviting candidates through it. Still, one round is not enough to predict how often future draws will happen or where the cutoff will land next time.

If your NOC code meets the eligibility criteria and you have a job offer from the Canadian Armed Forces, but you have not yet entered the Express Entry pool, submitting a profile is the logical next step. Given how small and specific this pool likely is, you may expect an invitation to apply if there is another draw for this category. However, there may not necessarily be another draw for skilled military recruits this year.

What This Means for You

Given how uncertain dedicated draws for skilled military recruits are, it might be a good idea to look beyond the category. You may want to calculate your CRS score to see how you rank in the pool, especially if you have one or more years of Canadian experience and qualify for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

It might also be worth it to explore Provincial Nominee Programs, either through or outside the Express Entry system. Other ways to make your profile more competitive include:

• Improving your English and French language scores
• Gaining more skilled work experience
• Qualifying under another category-based draw, such as French-language or a different priority occupation
• Completing additional education programs

Further Resources for Express Entry Candidates

• Learn more about the latest Express Entry draws
• Learn more about the current state of the Express Entry pool