Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 2,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence through the latest Express Entry draw conducted under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
The draw was held on September 1, 2026, with candidates required to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 521 to receive an invitation.
Key Details of the Draw
| Draw Details | Information |
| Program | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) |
| Date | September 1, 2026 |
| Number of ITAs | 2,000 |
| Minimum CRS Score | 521 |
| Tie-breaking rule | August 18, 2026, at 3:24 a.m. UTC |
Under the tie-breaking rule, candidates who had a CRS score of 521 or higher and had created their Express Entry profile before 3:24 a.m. UTC on August 18, 2026, were considered for invitations where the available number of ITAs was reached.
What Is the Canadian Experience Class?
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is one of the three federal programs managed through Canada’s Express Entry system. It is designed for skilled workers who have gained eligible work experience in Canada and wish to transition to permanent residence.
To qualify under the CEC, candidates generally need eligible Canadian skilled work experience, meet the required language proficiency level, and satisfy the program’s other eligibility requirements.
Unlike some other Express Entry programs, the CEC does not require candidates to demonstrate settlement funds if they are applying under the class and are authorized to work in Canada.
CRS Cut-Off Rises to 521
The latest draw required a minimum CRS score of 521, making the score an important benchmark for candidates currently in the Express Entry pool.
The CRS score is calculated based on several factors, including age, education, language proficiency, Canadian and foreign work experience, and other additional factors. Candidates with higher scores are more likely to receive an ITA when IRCC conducts a draw.
What Happens After Receiving an ITA?
Candidates who receive an Invitation to Apply have 60 days to submit their complete permanent residence application to IRCC.
Applicants must provide the required supporting documents, which may include police certificates, medical examination results, proof of work experience, education documents and other evidence relevant to their application.
Receiving an ITA does not itself guarantee permanent residence. The applicant must still satisfy IRCC’s admissibility and program requirements before permanent residence can be approved.
What This Means for Express Entry Candidates
The latest CEC draw highlights the continued opportunity for skilled workers with Canadian work experience to pursue permanent residence through Express Entry.
Candidates who are already in the Express Entry pool should continue monitoring their CRS score and profile validity, while eligible workers considering Canadian permanent residence may benefit from assessing their Express Entry options and potential CRS score before creating or updating their profile.
