IRCC issues 2,250 CEC invitations in latest draw
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted a new Express Entry draw targeting candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
A total of 2,250 invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence were issued in the selection, which took place at the end of March 2026.
The draw continues a recent pattern of invitations focused on candidates with Canadian work experience, reflecting ongoing selection priorities within the Express Entry system.
- 2,250 ITAs issued in the latest Express Entry draw
- Draw targeted Canadian Experience Class candidates
- Minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score was 509
- Profiles submitted before March 18, 2026 were considered
- This marks the sixth CEC-specific draw of 2026
Details of the latest Express Entry draw
The most recent round of invitations required candidates to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 509. In addition, only those who had submitted their Express Entry profiles before 8:27 a.m. UTC on March 18, 2026, were eligible for consideration.
This draw represents the nineteenth Express Entry selection held so far in 2026 and adds to a growing number of invitations issued through targeted rounds.
CEC-specific draws continue to play a significant role in the overall composition of invitations issued this year.
Express Entry system overview
Express Entry is Canada’s primary system for managing applications for three federal economic immigration programs: the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Candidates are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System, which assigns scores based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language ability.
Periodic draws are conducted by IRCC to invite top-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residence.
Canadian Experience Class focus
The Canadian Experience Class is designed for individuals with qualifying work experience in Canada. Candidates in this category are often already residing in the country and have demonstrated familiarity with the labour market.
In 2026, a significant portion of Express Entry draws has targeted this group, alongside those selected through category-based draws and provincial nominations.
Recent Express Entry activity in 2026
IRCC has conducted multiple draws throughout the year, including selections aimed at specific categories such as French-language proficiency, healthcare occupations, and provincial nominees.
Recent draws in March included invitations for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates, French-speaking applicants, and additional CEC rounds.
CRS cut-off scores have varied widely depending on the type of draw, with higher thresholds typically seen in PNP-specific selections due to the additional points awarded for provincial nominations.
Distribution of draws by type
So far in 2026, Express Entry draws have included several categories. Provincial Nominee Program draws have been held most frequently, followed by Canadian Experience Class rounds and French-language proficiency selections.
Other targeted draws have focused on specific occupational groups, including healthcare and senior management roles, as well as physicians with Canadian work experience.
Provincial pathways, including streams aligned with Express Entry, continue to operate alongside federal selection processes. Programs such as Manitoba’s nominee streams remain part of this broader system, with eligibility often assessed through tools like the Manitoba PNP points calculator.
Total invitations issued in 2026
As of the end of March 2026, IRCC has issued 55,830 ITAs through Express Entry across all draw types.
The majority of invitations have been allocated to Canadian Experience Class candidates, accounting for 28,000 ITAs. French-language proficiency draws have followed with 18,000 invitations issued.
Additional invitations have been distributed among healthcare and social services occupations, provincial nominees, physicians, and candidates in senior management positions.
CRS score trends
CRS thresholds have shown variation throughout the year based on draw type and selection criteria. CEC draws have generally maintained scores around the 507–511 range.
By contrast, category-based draws such as those for French-language proficiency have seen lower CRS cut-offs, reflecting different selection criteria and targeted candidate pools.
Provincial Nominee Program draws consistently record higher CRS scores due to the 600-point bonus associated with a provincial nomination.
Ongoing selection patterns
The distribution of invitations indicates a continued emphasis on candidates with Canadian work experience and those already integrated into the labour market.
Category-based selection rounds also remain a key component of the system, allowing IRCC to target specific skills, language abilities, or occupational groups.
Express Entry remains a central pathway for economic immigration to Canada, with regular draws shaping the intake of permanent residents throughout the year.
Further updates on Express Entry draws and provincial nominee activity are expected as IRCC continues its 2026 selection schedule.