How Does Moving2Canada Predict The Next Express Entry Draw?

It’s not possible to know exactly when the next Express Entry draw will happen. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has complete discretion regarding Express Entry draws. They could, in theory, complete just one draw every year or complete tiny draws every day. However, IRCC tends to try to complete draws on a regular schedule. It does this to increase confidence in the Express Entry system, and to allow them to manage application volumes internally. So, generally speaking, there is a strain on internal resources any time that the draw schedule moves away from the bi-weekly schedule. As a result, IRCC will likely conduct a draw every two weeks. Since May, IRCC has returned to holding draws every 2 weeks. We hope this consistency continues.

What Draws Do We Expect for the first months of 2026?

Provincial Nominee Program Draws, Canadian Experience Class Draws and Category-Based Draws specially on Healthcare, Physicians with Canadian work experience, Trades and those with French language Proficiency.

Express Entry Next Draw Prediction for May 2026

Name: Express Entry Next Draw Prediction for May 2026
Brand: Moving2Canada
Rating: 3.5 (302 reviews)

By Rebecca Major

Updated 4 hours ago

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When can I expect the next Express Entry draw? See our 2026 draw predictions and learn what affects draw timing and minimum CRS scores. Updated April 29, 2026.

Express Entry Next Draw Prediction

Date of the next Express Entry draw

Predicted Next Draw date: May 11, 2026
Type of Next Draw: PNP draw
CRS Prediction: 760+
Learn more about the latest Express Entry draw here

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Next Express Entry Draw Predictions

When will the next Express Entry draw be?

With recent volatility in Express Entry draws, predicting the exact schedule for 2026 isn’t easy. Based on recent patterns and available data, here’s when we expect the next few draws to take place.

May 11, 2026: PNP draw
May 12, 2026: CEC draw
May 13, 2026: Category-based draw
May 25, 2026: PNP draw
May 26, 2026: CEC draw
May 27, 2026: Category-based draw

Express Entry Categories for 2026

These are the selected categories for this year. Click on each category to get more information:

French-language proficiency: For applicants with a minimum score of 7 in all 4 language abilities on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens
Healthcare and social services occupations: For physicians, nurses, dentists, psychologists and other practitioners, as well as veterinarians and social workers.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) occupations
Trade occupations: For carpenters, plumbers, contractors, and others
Education occupations: For teachers, early childhood educators, special needs instructors, and others
Transport occupations: For truck mechanics, aircraft mechanics, railway traffic controllers, and others
Physicians with Canadian work experience: General practitioners, family physicians and some specialists who are already working in Canada.
Senior managers with Canadian work experience: For senior executives working in key leadership roles in Canada who have gained at least one year of Canadian work experience within the last three years.
Researchers with Canadian work experience: Academic professionals already working in Canada, including post-secondary teaching and research assistants, university professors, and lecturers.
Skilled military recruits: For individuals with military training and experience who can contribute to Canada’s defence sector.

Note that we may not see STEM occupations draws in 2026. It is listed as a priority occupation for the year, but it was also listed as a category in 2025 and did not see any draws. We suspect this is because enough candidates are being invited through other rounds (ie. PNP and CEC) to satisfy the demand for this category.

Get Ready for the Next EE Draw: Prepare for Your ITA

While waiting in the pool, make sure you are prepared for receiving your Invitation to Apply (ITA). Check these two articles:

What to expect and how long you could wait in the pool
How to be prepared in case you receive an ITA, which includes a full list of necessary documents.

Don’t wait to receive an ITA to start preparing your documents; these steps could take a lot of time, and you may run out of time!

How Does Moving2Canada Predict the Next EE Draw

Predicting Express Entry draws is never exact, but at Moving2Canada, we use the best available data to make informed, reliable estimates. Our team monitors the system closely so newcomers can better understand what may be coming next.

How we do it:

Track historical CRS scores, candidate pool changes, and all IRCC announcements in real time.
Analyze historical draw patterns to understand IRCC’s usual scheduling habits.
Review newly released immigration data and policy updates to spot emerging trends.
Use category-based draw plans disclosed through an ATIP request
Combine all data sources to anticipate likely draw types—especially PNP, CEC, and French-proficiency draws based on IRCC’s stated priorities.

We offer the most accurate Express Entry insights possible. Do you want to receive the latest EE Draw info and predictions in your email? Subscribe here!.

What Factors Influence The Next Express Entry Draw Date for 2026?

The schedule of Express Entry draws is influenced by a range of factors. Understanding these can help you guess when the next draw might happen.

Government Policies and Immigration Targets

The Canadian government’s immigration policies and annual targets play a significant role in determining the frequency, size, and type of Express Entry draws.

Economic Needs and Labor Market Demands

Canada’s economic needs and labor market demands are also critical factors. The government may adjust the draw schedule based on the current economic climate and the demand for specific skills in the labor market.

Historical Trends and Administrative Considerations

Looking at historical trends can provide insights into the timing of draws. Typically, draws are held approximately every two weeks. However, this can vary due to administrative considerations, such as processing backlogs or policy changes. Monitoring the patterns over the past months or years can help predict future draws, though these are always subject to change.

Want to keep updated on the Express Entry Next Draw Prediction?

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Express Entry Resources

Moving2Canada partners with trusted organizations to help you succeed with Express Entry—whether it's improving language skills, finding a job, or getting your application reviewed by a trusted professional.

About the author

Rebecca Major

She/Her

Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant

Rebecca Major is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (R511564) with over 15 years of Canadian Immigration experience, gained after graduating with a Bachelor of Laws in the UK. She specializes in Canadian immigration at Moving2Canada.

Express Entry Next Draw Prediction: Insights & What to Expect

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