CEC draw: Express Entry cut-off score drops to a new low as thousands of candidates receive invitations
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued more invitations to apply (ITA) through the Express Entry system.
The immigration department issued 6,000 ITAs in a draw for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates.
To be considered in this draw, candidates needed to have
- A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 509; and
- Created an Express Entry candidate profile before 4:35 a.m., Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on October 29, 2025.
See how competitive your Express Entry profile is
Summary of Express Entry draws in 2026
Draw dateDraw TypeCRS cut-off scoreITAs issued
January 21Canadian Experience Class5096,000
January 20Provincial Nominee Program681746
January 7Canadian Experience Class5118,000
January 5Provincial Nominee Program711574
IRCC has started the year by continuing to prioritize candidates in Canada, and those who have experience with the Canadian labour market, or who have been nominated by a province:
Draw TypeNumber of Draws
Canadian Experience Class2
Provincial Nominee Program2
In 2026 thus far, IRCC has issued 15,255 ITAs across two draw types:
Draw typeITAs Issued
Canadian Experience Class14,000
Provincial Nominee Program1,255
See how competitive your Express Entry profile is
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