By admin
Express Entry CEC draw sees cut-off score hit new low as thousands receive ITAs
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted another Express Entry draw, issuing invitations to apply (ITAs) to candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
In the latest round, IRCC issued 6,000 ITAs to CEC candidates. To be eligible, candidates were required to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 509 and must have created their Express Entry profile before 4:35 a.m. (UTC) on October 29, 2025.
Express Entry Draws List of 2026
| Date | Draw Type | Minimum CRS | Number of ITAs |
| 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 |
This draw marks the third Express Entry draw of 2026 and the second large Canadian Experience Class draw held so far this year.
During the first month of 2026, IRCC has already issued 14,000 ITAs to Canadian Experience Class candidates through two Express Entry draws. These large-scale selections have led to noticeable shifts in the overall composition of the Express Entry candidate pool.
CEC-focused draws in 2026 have also recorded some of the lowest CRS cut-off scores in recent years. Both the current draw and the previous CEC draw featured the lowest CRS thresholds seen since September 2024.
Express Entry draws conducted in 2026 have largely focused on candidates already residing in Canada, particularly those with Canadian work experience or provincial nominations.
Number of Express Entry Draws in 2026
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
| Canadian Experience Class | 2 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 2 |
| Total | 4 |
ITAs Issued in 2026 So Far
| Draw Type | ITAs Issued |
| Canadian Experience Class | 14,000 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 1,255 |
| Total | 15,255 |
So far in 2026, IRCC has issued a total of 15,255 ITAs through the Express Entry system across two draw categories.