Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently set a new low for the Express Entry cut-off score, significantly impacting potential immigrants. The agency issued 6,000 invitations to apply (ITA) specifically for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates. This draw required participants to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 509 and to create their Express Entry profiles before 4:35 a.m. UTC on October 29, 2025.
Express Entry Draw Summary for 2026
As part of its ongoing procedures, the IRCC has published a summary of recent draws in 2026:
| Draw Date | Draw Type | CRS Cut-Off Score | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 21 | Canadian Experience Class | 509 | 6,000 |
| January 20 | Provincial Nominee Program | 681 | 746 |
| January 7 | Canadian Experience Class | 511 | 8,000 |
| January 5 | Provincial Nominee Program | 711 | 574 |
Prioritization of Canadian Experience
This year, IRCC reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing candidates who have Canadian work experience and those nominated by provinces. The current distribution of ITAs demonstrates a significant emphasis on candidates within Canada:
- Canadian Experience Class: 14,000 ITAs
- Provincial Nominee Program: 1,255 ITAs
In total, 15,255 ITAs have been issued across two draw types so far in 2026. This trend reflects IRCC’s strategy to strengthen the Canadian labor market by selecting candidates familiar with it.
