Canadian Experience Class candidates invited at lowest CRS cut-off score since 2024

author avatar
Asheesh Moosapeta
Updated: Feb, 17, 2026
  • Published: February 17, 2026

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued more invitations to apply (ITA) through the Express Entry system, in a surprise statutory holiday draw.

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 508; and
  • Created an Express Entry candidate profile before 9:35 a.m., Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on March 16, 2025.

See how competitive your Express Entry profile is

Summary of Express Entry draws in 2026

Draw dateDraw TypeCRS cut-off scoreITAs issued
March 5Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience429250
March 4French-Language proficiency3975,500
March 3Canadian Experience Class5084,000
March 2Provincial Nominee Program710264
February 20Healthcare and social services4674,000
February 19Physicians with Canadian work experience169391
February 17Canadian Experience Class5086,000
February 16Provincial Nominee Program789279
February 6French-Language proficiency4008,500
February 3Provincial Nominee Program749423
January 21Canadian Experience Class5096,000
January 20Provincial Nominee Program746 681
January 7Canadian Experience Class5118,000
January 5Provincial Nominee Program711574

Today's draw marks the eighth Express Entry selection of the year, and the third draw selecting CEC candidates in 2026.

Express Entry draws in 2026 have seen Canada's immigration department focus largely on immigration candidates within the country, particularly those with provincial nominations and Canadian work experience.

Draw TypeNumber of Draws
Provincial Nominee Program5
Canadian Experience Class4
French-Language proficiency2
Physicians with Canadian work experience1
Healthcare and social services 1
Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience1

In 2026 thus far, IRCC has issued 30,457 ITAs across the following draw types:

Draw typeITAs Issued
Canadian Experience Class24,000
French-Language proficiency14,000
Healthcare and social services 4,000
Provincial Nominee Program1,798
Physicians with Canadian work experience391
Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience250

See how competitive your Express Entry profile is

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Related articles
Canada halts removal orders for Israeli and Lebanese nationals
A CBSA patroller with an open street in the background.
The top 5 mistakes Express Entry candidates make
Dejected woman sitting at a table, holding her hands in her head.
New Brunswick invites over 600 PNP and AIP candidates in latest immigration draws
A view of a tranquil street in Moncton New Brunswick
The many different methods to build work experience for an easier ITA
An elementary school teacher in class at the end of the school day
Top Stories
Canada halts removal orders for Israeli and Lebanese nationals
LMIA processing times are on the rise
The top 5 mistakes Express Entry candidates make
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Express Entry
The top 5 mistakes Express Entry candidates make
Dejected woman sitting at a table, holding her hands in her head.
The many different methods to build work experience for an easier ITA
An elementary school teacher in class at the end of the school day
Express Entry competition continues to ease
A group of people crossing a street in Toronto
Canada holds first Express Entry draw under new category
A view of Mount Waterton in Alberta.
Link copied to clipboard