Canada just invited 2,000 more skilled workers to stay permanently — are you one of them?

By Imran Malik | World Affairs & Immigration Desk | MediaBites.com.pk | NJNewsline.com

Canada has invited 2000 skilled foreign workers to apply for permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class under Express Entry with a minimum CRS score of 519 required.

Canada has opened another door for skilled foreign workers — and this time 2,000 people are being invited to make it permanent.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada completed a new draw under the Express Entry system on Wednesday, issuing 2,000 invitations to apply for permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class, a programme designed specifically for skilled workers who already have Canadian work experience and want to settle permanently.

Who Qualified for This Draw

Candidates invited in Wednesday’s draw needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score of 519 and must have created their Express Entry profile before March 26, 2026 at 12:16 AM UTC.

The Canadian Experience Class targets workers who are already contributing to Canada’s economy, particularly in sectors facing labour shortages. IRCC spokesman Matthew Krupoch described the initiative’s intent clearly.

“This initiative will target individuals who are already contributing to Canada’s economy across various sectors and particularly those sectors that have a high demand for labour. These include rural areas and those sectors where there is a labour shortage. This initiative recognises the strong ties these individuals have with their communities and their contributions to Canada’s economy.”

Part of a Larger Plan

Wednesday’s draw is the latest development in the federal government’s plan to offer permanent residency to tens of thousands of temporary workers. Canada announced in March 2026 that it would provide up to 33,000 skilled temporary foreign workers the opportunity to obtain permanent residency in 2026 and 2027 through a limited-scale initiative.

So far in 2026, IRCC has issued 128,732 invitations across various Express Entry draws including draws for French-language proficiency, healthcare and social services workers, and provincial nominee programme candidates.

What Happens After Receiving an Invitation

Receiving an invitation to apply does not automatically make someone a Canadian permanent resident. It simply permits the candidate to submit a full permanent residency application.

Invited candidates have 60 days to complete their application online, submit required documents, pay the applicable fees, and in most cases provide biometrics including fingerprints and a photograph.

The current application fee is CAD 1,590 per primary applicant and CAD 270 per dependent child. IRCC will then review the application and determine whether the candidate meets permanent residency requirements.

The Bigger Immigration Picture

Wednesday’s draw arrives as the federal government works to reduce the number of temporary residents in Canada while keeping permanent immigration at what it considers a sustainable level.

The 2026 to 2028 Immigration Plan targets permanent resident arrivals below one percent of Canada’s population annually, while aiming to reduce temporary residents to below five percent of Canada’s total population by the end of 2027.

For Pakistani professionals in Canada and those aspiring to relocate, this draw represents one of the most accessible permanent residency pathways currently available — provided the CRS score and profile timeline requirements are met.

— Imran Malik | World Affairs and Immigration Desk | MediaBites.com.pk | NJNewsline.com
Source: IRCC, Daily Hive