CEC Cut-Off Scores Drop, Expanding Eligibility in 2026

CEC Cut-Off Scores Drop, Expanding Eligibility in 2026

Cut-off scores for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry have declined sharply after several months of stagnation, opening the door for more candidates to receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence.

Between August and November 2025, minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores for CEC draws hovered near 533–534. By January 2026, the threshold had fallen to 509, marking the steepest drop in months and significantly broadening the pool of eligible candidates.

The lower benchmarks have allowed applicants with reduced language proficiency, limited foreign work experience, or lower educational attainment to qualify for ITAs in recent rounds.

• CEC cut-off scores dropped from 534 in November 2025 to 509 by January 2026.
• Thousands of additional candidates were invited under recent Express Entry draws.
• Lower language or education scores no longer excluded many eligible profiles.
• Draws issued between 1,000 and 8,000 invitations each.
• Falling scores align with broader efforts to sustain permanent resident intake levels in 2026.

Recent CEC Draw Results

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data show a consistent decline in CEC cut-off points over five consecutive draws. Between November 2025 and January 2026, the minimum CRS score fell by more than 20 points.

Program Overview

The Canadian Experience Class is one of three federal economic streams managed through the Express Entry system. It is designed for individuals with prior Canadian work experience who wish to obtain permanent residence. Eligibility is determined through the CRS, which assigns points for factors including age, education, language ability, and work history.

While provinces such as Manitoba also nominate candidates through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program, CEC draws are conducted nationally by IRCC and target those with experience in Canada’s labour market.

Historical Context

Throughout much of 2025, CRS thresholds for CEC invitations remained high, often exceeding 530. The recent decrease represents a notable shift in selection trends, reflecting a period of expanded intake at the beginning of 2026. This adjustment follows a series of category-based draws across other Express Entry programs in late 2025, which targeted occupations in health, technology, and trades.

Profiles Newly Within Range

Several applicant profiles that previously fell short of the required CRS score would now qualify following the score reduction. The examples below illustrate how varying combinations of education, work experience, and language ability can meet current CEC thresholds.

Candidate 1: Lower Language Proficiency

A 27-year-old applicant from Czechia with a Canadian master’s degree and four years of domestic work experience tested at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in English. Despite the moderate score, their overall CRS stood at 515—high enough to receive an ITA in recent draws.

Candidate 2: No Foreign Work Experience

A 29-year-old graduate from Scotland with a Canadian bachelor’s degree and four years of Canadian work experience achieved CLB 8 in English and NCLC 5 in French. With a total CRS of 511, the candidate became eligible after cut-offs dipped below previous levels.

Candidate 3: Limited Canadian Work Experience

A 32-year-old professional from India with a PhD and three years of overseas work experience recently completed one year of Canadian employment. Their combined score of 524 surpassed current cut-offs, demonstrating that one year of Canadian experience can now be sufficient under the reduced thresholds.

Candidate 4: One-Year College Certificate

A 30-year-old applicant from the Philippines with a one-year Canadian credential and three years of Canadian work experience, accompanied by a spouse, reached a CRS score of 510. The profile met the new minimum despite limited education and spousal deductions.

Public Relevance

The lowering of CEC cut-off scores is significant for temporary residents and international graduates seeking to transition to permanent status. The adjustment broadens access to immigration pathways for skilled workers already contributing to the Canadian economy.

As 2026 progresses, the CEC’s evolving thresholds will continue to be tracked closely by policymakers and applicants alike, reflecting broader federal efforts to balance labour market needs and immigration targets.

Further Reading

For continued updates on Express Entry trends, provincial nominee draws, and immigration policy developments, explore the latest coverage across Canada’s economic immigration programs.