Canada’s immigration system has delivered another significant update, as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a fresh Express Entry draw targeting candidates with Canadian work experience. The latest round saw a notable dip in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) requirement, marking the lowest threshold for this category in over a year and a half.
Read more 4,000 Invited in Latest CEC Draw
Key Highlights of the Latest Draw
In the most recent selection round, IRCC issued 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) stream.
To qualify for this draw, candidates needed to meet the following criteria:
- Minimum CRS score: 507
- Express Entry profile submission before: May 11, 2025, at 6:57 p.m. (UTC)
This draw stands out as the lowest CRS cut-off for CEC candidates in approximately 18 months, indicating a potentially more accessible pathway for applicants already working in Canada.
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Express Entry Activity in 2026 So Far
Canada has maintained an active immigration schedule in 2026, with multiple targeted draws across different categories. Below is a complete breakdown of all draws conducted this year:
Summary of Express Entry Draws in 2026
| Draw date | Draw Type | CRS cut-off score | ITAs issued |
| March 17 | Canadian Experience Class | 507 | 4,000 |
| March 16 | Provincial Nominee Program | 742 | 362 |
| March 5 | Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience | 429 | 250 |
| March 4 | French-Language proficiency | 397 | 5,500 |
| March 3 | Canadian Experience Class | 508 | 4,000 |
| March 2 | Provincial Nominee Program | 710 | 264 |
| February 20 | Healthcare and social services | 467 | 4,000 |
| February 19 | Physicians with Canadian work experience | 169 | 391 |
| February 17 | Canadian Experience Class | 508 | 6,000 |
| February 16 | Provincial Nominee Program | 789 | 279 |
| February 6 | French-Language proficiency | 400 | 8,500 |
| February 3 | Provincial Nominee Program | 749 | 423 |
| January 21 | Canadian Experience Class | 509 | 6,000 |
| January 20 | Provincial Nominee Program | 746 | 681 |
| January 7 | Canadian Experience Class | 511 | 8,000 |
| January 5 | Provincial Nominee Program | 711 | 574 |
CEC Candidates Leading the Way in 2026
So far this year, CEC draws have emerged as one of the most dominant selection categories. With five rounds already conducted, this stream has issued the highest number of invitations compared to any other category.
Notably:
- Total CEC draws in 2026: 5
- Total ITAs issued under CEC: 28,000
This trend highlights Canada’s continued focus on retaining skilled workers who already have local work experience and are well-integrated into the labor market.
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Draw Frequency by Category
The distribution of draw types this year further reflects IRCC’s targeted approach toward immigration selection.
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 6 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 5 |
| French-Language proficiency | 2 |
| Physicians with Canadian work experience | 1 |
| Healthcare and social services | 1 |
| Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience | 1 |
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws remain the most frequent, closely followed by CEC selections.
Total Invitations Issued in 2026
Canada has already invited a total of 49,224 candidates through Express Entry in 2026, with a clear preference for those with Canadian experience and language proficiency.
| Draw type | ITAs Issued |
| Canadian Experience Class | 28,000 |
| French-Language proficiency | 14,000 |
| Healthcare and social services | 4,000 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 2,583 |
| Physicians with Canadian work experience | 391 |
| Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience | 250 |
What This Means for Immigration Candidates
The latest draw signals a continued shift in Canada’s immigration strategy:
- Greater emphasis on inland candidates with Canadian work experience
- Increasing importance of category-based selections
- More opportunities for candidates already contributing to the Canadian workforce
The drop in CRS score for CEC candidates may encourage more temporary workers and international graduates in Canada to actively pursue permanent residence through Express Entry.
Outlook for Upcoming Draws
Given current trends, candidates can expect:
- Continued focus on CEC and PNP draws
- More category-based invitations (healthcare, French speakers, specialized roles)
- Potential fluctuations in CRS scores depending on draw size and frequency
For aspiring immigrants, this evolving landscape underscores the importance of maintaining a strong profile and staying updated with Express Entry trends.
