Canada’s federal and provincial immigration systems issued over 28,000 permanent residence invitations in April 2026 alone, highlighting one of the most active months of the year.
A skilled trades worker in Alberta, a French-speaking tech professional in the Express Entry pool, a nurse with a job offer in Ontario, and a PhD graduate in Quebec all shared a common milestone last month: they received invitations to move forward in their journey toward Canadian permanent residence.
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The final adjusted total for April stands at 28,125 invitations, issued through seven Express Entry draws, multiple provincial nominee rounds, Quebec’s Arrima selections, and Atlantic immigration programs.
This article breaks down who received these invitations, which programs issued them, and what the numbers reveal about Canada’s current immigration priorities.
April 2026 PR Invitations Overview
In April, invitations were distributed across federal and provincial systems as follows:
- Express Entry: 15,797 invitations across 7 draws
- Ontario (OINP): 7,628 invitations through multiple targeted streams
- Quebec (Arrima): 2,555 invitations under skilled worker selection
- Alberta (AAIP): 866+ invitations across 9 draws
- British Columbia (BC PNP): 484 invitations in a high-impact draw
- Manitoba (MPNP): 340 Letters of Advice to Apply
- Atlantic Canada: 455 invitations across three provinces
These figures include different types of invitations such as ITAs, provincial nominations, Quebec selection invitations, and Manitoba LAAs. While each represents a major step toward permanent residence, none guarantee final approval.
It’s also important to note that many invitations went to candidates already living in Canada, including temporary workers, international graduates, and individuals with Canadian work experience.
Express Entry Leads with 15,797 Invitations
April was one of the busiest months for Express Entry in 2026, with 15,797 invitations issued across seven draws.
Key trends included:
- French-language candidates: 8,000 invitations with CRS cutoffs as low as 400
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 4,000 invitations with cutoffs around 514–515
- Trades occupations: 3,000 invitations at CRS 477
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): 797 invitations with high CRS scores due to the 600-point bonus
The strong focus on French speakers reflects Canada’s goal of increasing francophone immigration outside Quebec.
Ontario Dominates Provincial Invitations
Ontario issued 7,628 invitations, making it the most active province in April.
Major highlights:
- Employer Job Offer streams accounted for the majority of invitations
- Healthcare, early childhood education, and mining sectors were heavily targeted
- Regional draws covered multiple parts of the province
- Masters and PhD graduate streams reopened after a year-long pause
With a higher nomination allocation for 2026, Ontario is moving quickly to meet its targets.
Quebec Prioritizes French-Speaking Candidates
Quebec issued 2,555 invitations through its Arrima system, all requiring French proficiency.
The largest share went to regulated professions, including healthcare workers, engineers, and teachers.
Selected candidates must first obtain a Certificat de sélection du Québec before applying for permanent residence at the federal level.
Alberta Focuses on Key Sectors
Alberta issued 866+ invitations across nine draws, targeting:
- Healthcare professionals
- Tech workers through the Accelerated Tech Pathway
- Trades and construction workers
- Tourism and hospitality roles
- Rural community candidates
The Alberta Opportunity Stream remained the largest pathway, mainly serving temporary workers already in the province.
Other Provincial Activity
- British Columbia: 484 invitations focused on high-wage and high-impact candidates
- Manitoba: 340 LAAs targeting skilled workers and strategic recruitment groups
- Atlantic Canada: 455 invitations across Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island
These programs continue to emphasize regional needs and employer-driven immigration.
What Counts as a PR Invitation?
The total of 28,125 includes multiple invitation types:
- Express Entry Invitations to Apply (ITAs)
- Provincial nominee invitations
- Manitoba Letters of Advice to Apply
- Quebec selection invitations
Each represents a formal step toward permanent residence, but candidates must still complete the full application process, including medical and security checks.
Key Immigration Trends in 2026
April’s data highlights a clear pattern: Canada is selecting candidates based on targeted priorities rather than broad eligibility.
Top trends include:
- Lower CRS scores for French-speaking candidates
- Continued demand for candidates with Canadian work experience
- Strong focus on trades, healthcare, and education sectors
- Increased regional draws to support smaller communities
- Growing importance of provincial nominee programs
With higher immigration targets for 2026, invitation volumes are expected to remain strong throughout the year.
Final Takeaway
More than 28,000 invitations in a single month show that Canada’s immigration system is operating at full capacity.
Express Entry led the way, while provinces like Ontario and Quebec played a major role in shaping selection trends.
The message is clear: candidates who align with Canada’s economic, linguistic, and regional priorities are the most likely to receive invitations in 2026.
