Weekly Immigration Update: Three Express Entry Draws in One Week

Three Express Entry rounds of invitations were held this past week:

• Round #450 (October 16, 2026) — French-language proficiency category: 5,000 invitations to apply issued; CRS cut-off 435.
• Round #449 (October 15, 2026) — Canadian Experience Class: 2,500 invitations; CRS cut-off 519.
• Round #448 (October 13, 2026) — Provincial Nominee Program: 752 invitations; CRS cut-off 772.

(Source: IRCC’s official Rounds of invitations page, Canada.ca)

Big news this week: IRCC announced changes to the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) taking effect November 3, 2026. Candidates will be able to earn additional CRS points for eligible Canadian work experience or a qualifying job offer in a high-wage occupation (such as engineers or electricians), and an LMIA will no longer be required for a qualifying job offer to receive the new points or to meet job-offer requirements under the Federal Skilled Worker Program and Federal Skilled Trades Program. IRCC advises candidates to review and update their Express Entry profiles before November 3. A temporary public policy will also exempt candidates invited to apply on or after November 3 from certain job-offer requirements.

The Parents and Grandparents Program remains paused (since July 15, 2026) — the Super Visa remains the active alternative for visiting parents and grandparents.

Thinking about your options? Contact us for more info — Toronto +1 (647) 303-2812 (Mon–Sun 9am–5pm ET) or Vancouver +1 (236) 522-2996 (Mon–Sun 9am–5pm PT), or visit jtwimmigration.com.