IRCC issues 2,000 CEC invitations in latest Express Entry draw
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted a new Express Entry draw targeting Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates.
The department issued 2,000 invitations to apply (ITAs), with the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off rising to 515, marking a notable increase in 2026.
The draw continues a pattern of selections focused on candidates with Canadian work experience, reflecting recent immigration selection trends.
- 2,000 ITAs issued in the latest CEC-specific draw
- Minimum CRS score requirement reached 515
- Profiles had to be submitted before June 10, 2025
- This was the seventh CEC draw of 2026
- CRS cut-off increased by six points from the previous CEC round
- CEC candidates remain the largest group invited this year
Overview of the latest Express Entry draw
The April 14 draw represents the 22nd Express Entry round conducted in 2026 and specifically targeted candidates under the Canadian Experience Class.
To qualify, candidates were required to have a CRS score of at least 515 and to have created their Express Entry profile before 2:46 a.m. UTC on June 10, 2025.
This selection round issued fewer invitations than the previous CEC draw on March 31, which invited 2,250 candidates.
Rising CRS cut-off in 2026
The CRS threshold increased by six points compared to the prior CEC draw, representing the largest jump observed between draws this year.
CRS scores for CEC applicants have steadily trended upward, with recent rounds consistently requiring scores above 500.
Earlier in March, CEC cut-offs ranged from 507 to 509, indicating a gradual upward movement culminating in the latest score of 515.
Breakdown of Express Entry draws in 2026
Express Entry draws this year have included a mix of program-specific and category-based selections.
CEC and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws have accounted for the majority of rounds, alongside targeted invitations for specific occupations and language groups.
As of mid-April, IRCC has conducted multiple draw types, including those for French-language proficiency, healthcare occupations, trades, and senior managerial roles.
Distribution of invitations by program
A total of 61,154 ITAs have been issued through Express Entry in 2026 to date.
CEC candidates have received the largest share, with 32,250 invitations issued across several rounds.
French-language proficiency draws account for 18,000 invitations, followed by healthcare and social services at 4,000 and PNP candidates at 3,263.
Additional invitations have been issued to candidates in trades occupations, physicians with Canadian work experience, and senior managers.
Focus on candidates within Canada
Recent draw patterns indicate a consistent focus on candidates with existing ties to the Canadian labour market.
CEC draws prioritize individuals with skilled work experience in Canada, while PNP selections target candidates nominated by provinces and territories.
Provincial immigration pathways, including streams aligned with Express Entry, continue to play a supporting role in overall admissions. More details on provincial selection factors can be found through tools such as the Manitoba PNP points calculator.
Frequency of draw types
In 2026, IRCC has held eight PNP draws and seven CEC draws, making them the most frequent selection categories.
Other category-based draws have been conducted less frequently, including three rounds for French-speaking candidates and single draws for specific occupational groups.
Recent developments in Express Entry selection
Earlier in April, IRCC conducted a Provincial Nominee Program draw on April 13, inviting 324 candidates with a CRS cut-off of 786.
On April 2, a category-based draw for trades occupations issued 3,000 invitations, with a significantly lower CRS threshold of 477.
These variations highlight differences in selection criteria depending on the program or category targeted in each round.
Context within annual immigration levels
Express Entry remains a central system for managing applications for permanent residence under federal economic programs.
The system ranks candidates based on factors such as age, education, language proficiency, and work experience, assigning scores through the CRS.
Draws are conducted regularly, with invitations issued to top-ranking candidates who meet the criteria for each round.
Public relevance
The continued issuance of invitations through Express Entry reflects Canada’s ongoing intake of skilled immigrants through economic pathways.
Patterns observed in CRS thresholds, draw frequency, and program focus provide insight into how candidates are being selected in 2026.
Updates on Express Entry draws remain a key source of information for understanding current immigration system activity.
Further developments in Express Entry and provincial immigration programs are expected as additional draws are conducted throughout the year.