Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted a new Express Entry draw targeting Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates.
Key Highlights of the Draw:
• 3,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued
• Minimum CRS score required: 518
• Profile submission cut-off: Candidates must have created their Express Entry profile before 3:16 PM UTC on April 30, 2026
This marks the first CEC-specific draw in the last four weeks, indicating that Canada continues to prioritise candidates with Canadian work experience despite ongoing adjustments in immigration selection trends.
For many temporary workers and international graduates already in Canada, this draw provides renewed optimism toward securing permanent residency through the Express Entry pathway.
With CRS scores remaining competitive, applicants are increasingly focusing on:
Improving language scores
Gaining additional skilled work experience
Exploring Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) options
Strengthening overall profile competitiveness
As Canada continues balancing labour market needs and immigration targets, CEC candidates remain an important part of the country’s long-term workforce strategy.
