The latest draw from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) revealed a record high cut-off score for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates. On April 14, 2026, the department issued 2,000 invitations to apply (ITA), underscoring the competitive nature of this immigration pathway.
Record High Cut-Off Score for CEC Candidates
In this draw, applicants were required to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 515. Candidates needed to create their Express Entry profiles by 2:46 a.m., Universal Coordinated Time (UTC), on June 10, 2025, to be eligible.
Summary of Recent Express Entry Draws
This draw marked the seventh under the CEC program in 2026 and the twenty-second overall for the year. Notably, the CRS cut-off for CEC candidates increased by six points, the most significant jump between draws this year.
Recent Draw Highlights
- April 14: CEC, CRS cut-off 515, 2,000 ITAs issued
- March 31: CEC, CRS cut-off 509, 2,250 ITAs issued
- April 13: Provincial Nominee Program, CRS cut-off 786, 324 ITAs issued
ITAs Issued in 2026
So far this year, IRCC has issued a total of 61,154 ITAs across several draw types:
| Draw Type | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class | 32,250 |
| French-Language Proficiency | 18,000 |
| Healthcare and Social Services | 4,000 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 3,263 |
| Trades | 3,000 |
| Physicians with Canadian Work Experience | 391 |
| Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience | 250 |
This year has seen a pronounced focus by IRCC on candidates already within Canada, especially those linked to provincial nominations and those with Canadian work experience. The current immigration landscape reflects the ongoing demand for skilled workers to fill gaps in various sectors across the nation.
