Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted a new Express Entry draw under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) on April 28, 2026, issuing 2,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence.
Key Highlights:
- Program: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Invitations Issued: 2,000
- CRS Cut-off Score: 514
- Tie-breaking Rule: September 24, 2025
This latest draw reflects a marginal decrease of 1 point compared to the previous CEC draw, where the cut-off stood at 515. Despite this slight drop, CRS scores continue to remain consistently above 510, indicating sustained competition within the Express Entry pool.
Analysis:
The relatively smaller draw size has played a key role in keeping CRS scores elevated. With a large number of skilled candidates in the pool, the threshold remains high, particularly for those applying under the CEC stream.
What Applicants Should Know:
Candidates with CRS scores below 510 may face challenges receiving an invitation in upcoming draws. Exploring options such as Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) or improving CRS scores through language proficiency, work experience, or education could enhance selection chances.
