The first-ever Express Entry permanent residence selection for skilled military recruits has been conducted in Canada. Through the draw held on July 23, 2026, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued four Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence to candidates under the newly introduced Skilled Military Recruits category. Candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 368 and who submitted their Express Entry profile before 8:11 p.m. UTC on June 2, 2026 were considered for the draw.
The Skilled Military Recruits category was introduced earlier in 2026 to address workforce needs in the defense sector while strengthening national security through targeted immigration. Candidates with specialized military training and experience meeting the Express Entry and the category-based requirements can use the pathway for permanent residence in Canada.
Even though the draw had the lowest number of invitations ever issued in an Express Entry draw, it shows how Canada is using immigration to fill specialized roles beyond traditional occupations to meet the economic and national priorities.
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