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CRS Cut-Off Nears Two-Year Low in Latest Canadian Experience Class Draw
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has conducted another round of invitations through the Express Entry system, issuing 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the Canadian Experience Class.
The draw took place on March 3, 2026, with candidates needing a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 508 to receive an invitation. Applicants were also required to have created their Express Entry profile before 10:35 a.m. (UTC) on June 24, 2025.
Express Entry Draws in 2026
| Date | Draw Type | Minimum CRS | ITAs Issued |
| 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 latest round marks the fourth Canadian Experience Class draw and the twelfth Express Entry draw conducted in 2026.
CRS Score Continues to Decline
CEC draws held in 2026 have featured large invitation numbers, allowing more candidates with Canadian work experience to receive invitations to apply. As a result, the CRS cut-off score has gradually declined, dropping from 511 earlier in the year to 508 in the most recent draw, approaching a two-year low.
Focus on Candidates Already in Canada
Throughout 2026, IRCC has largely prioritized candidates who are already living and working in Canada, particularly those with Canadian work experience or provincial nominations. This strategy aims to support Canada’s labour market while helping temporary residents transition to permanent residence.
Express Entry Draws in 2026 (So Far)
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 5 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 4 |
| French-language Proficiency | 1 |
| Physicians with Canadian Work Experience | 1 |
| Healthcare and Social Services | 1 |
Despite only four draws being held under the Canadian Experience Class category so far this year, candidates in this program have received the largest number of invitations compared to other groups.
ITAs Issued in 2026 by Category
| Draw Type | ITAs Issued |
| Canadian Experience Class | 24,000 |
| French-language Proficiency | 14,000 |
| Healthcare and Social Services | 4,000 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 1,798 |
| Physicians with Canadian Work Experience | 391 |
Overall, 39,112 Invitations to Apply have been issued through Express Entry in 2026 across multiple targeted and program-specific draws.