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Canada Express Entry: IRCC Invites 4,000 CEC Candidates in March 17 Draw
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted another major Express Entry draw on March 17, 2026, issuing 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
To be eligible for this round, candidates were required to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 507. Additionally, applicants needed to have submitted their Express Entry profile before May 11, 2025, at 6:57 p.m. (UTC).
Express Entry Draws in 2026
| Date | Draw Type | Minimum CRS | 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 |
This draw marks the 16th Express Entry round held in 2026 and the fifth draw specifically targeting Canadian Experience Class candidates this year.
Lowest CRS Cut-Off in 18 Months
The latest draw recorded the lowest CRS cut-off score for CEC candidates in the past 18 months, offering a significant opportunity for individuals already working in Canada to secure permanent residence.
Focus on In-Canada Candidates Continues
In 2026, IRCC has maintained a strong focus on candidates with Canadian work experience and those already residing in the country. This approach reflects Canada’s strategy to select applicants who can integrate quickly into the labour market and contribute to the economy.
Alongside CEC draws, the immigration system has also targeted candidates through Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and category-based selections, ensuring that labour market needs across provinces are addressed.
What This Means for Applicants
The latest CEC draw highlights Canada’s continued preference for candidates who are already contributing to the local workforce. With CRS scores showing a downward trend in CEC rounds, this presents a strong opportunity for eligible candidates to improve their chances of receiving an ITA.
For those planning to apply for permanent residence, now is an ideal time to strengthen profiles, enhance CRS scores, and stay updated with ongoing Express Entry trends.