IRCC issues 2,000 Express Entry ITAs in CEC draw
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted a new Express Entry draw, issuing 2,000 invitations to apply for permanent residence.
The round targeted candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), continuing a pattern of selecting applicants with Canadian work experience in 2026.
The draw reflects ongoing selection activity within the Express Entry system, which remains a central pathway for economic immigration to Canada.
- 2,000 invitations issued in latest Express Entry draw
- Draw focused on Canadian Experience Class candidates
- Minimum CRS score set at 514
- Profiles submitted before September 24, 2025 were eligible
- This marks the ninth CEC-specific draw of 2026
- Total Express Entry draws in 2026 have reached 24
Overview of the latest Express Entry draw
The most recent selection round invited 2,000 candidates from the Express Entry pool under the Canadian Experience Class category. Candidates were required to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 514.
In addition to the score requirement, only profiles created before 2:18 p.m. UTC on September 24, 2025, were considered in this round. This cut-off reflects the tie-breaking rule applied when multiple candidates have the same CRS score.
The draw continues IRCC’s use of targeted invitations based on specific eligibility categories within the Express Entry system.
Express Entry system and selection process
Express Entry manages applications for three federal economic immigration programs, including 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 points based on factors such as age, education, language ability, and work experience. Additional points may be awarded for provincial nominations or other qualifying factors.
Regular invitation rounds are conducted to select candidates with the highest rankings or those meeting specific category criteria set by IRCC.
Focus on Canadian Experience Class candidates
The Canadian Experience Class is designed for individuals with recent work experience in Canada. It has been a frequent focus of Express Entry draws in 2026.
Draws targeting CEC candidates typically reflect a policy emphasis on applicants already integrated into the Canadian labour market. This includes temporary residents with skilled work experience gained in Canada.
In 2026, CEC-specific draws have consistently issued thousands of invitations per round, with CRS thresholds generally above 500.
Recent Express Entry draw trends in 2026
IRCC has conducted multiple types of Express Entry draws throughout 2026, including those focused on provincial nominees, French-language proficiency, and occupational categories.
Recent activity in April includes a Provincial Nominee Program draw on April 27, which invited 473 candidates with a significantly higher CRS cut-off, reflecting the additional points awarded through nominations.
Earlier in the month, draws also targeted French-speaking candidates and skilled trades workers, demonstrating a varied selection approach across categories.
Overall, Express Entry draws this year have frequently prioritized candidates with Canadian work experience or those nominated by provinces and territories.
Invitation volumes and CRS score patterns
As of late April 2026, IRCC has issued 67,627 invitations to apply through Express Entry. The largest share has gone to Canadian Experience Class candidates, accounting for more than 34,000 invitations.
French-language proficiency draws have also contributed significantly, with 22,000 invitations issued across several rounds. Other targeted categories, including healthcare occupations and trades, have seen smaller but consistent invitation numbers.
CRS cut-off scores vary depending on the draw type, with provincial nominee draws typically recording the highest thresholds due to the additional 600 points awarded for nominations.
Role of provincial nominee programs
Provincial nominee programs (PNPs) continue to play a key role in Canada’s immigration system by allowing provinces to select candidates based on regional labour market needs.
Applicants who receive a provincial nomination through streams aligned with Express Entry gain a substantial increase in CRS score, often resulting in an invitation in subsequent draws.
Provinces such as Manitoba operate their own nomination streams under this system. More information on eligibility scoring can be found through tools such as the Manitoba PNP points calculator.
Ongoing selection activity
The latest draw represents the ninth Canadian Experience Class round held in 2026 and the twenty-fourth Express Entry draw overall this year.
Selection patterns indicate continued use of category-based draws alongside program-specific invitations. These approaches allow IRCC to address labour market priorities while managing application intake levels.
Express Entry remains a core pathway for skilled immigration, with regular draws expected to continue as part of Canada’s broader immigration strategy.
Context for applicants and public interest
Express Entry draws are closely followed due to their role in issuing invitations for permanent residence. Each round provides updated information on CRS thresholds and invitation volumes.
The latest results contribute to a broader understanding of how Canada is selecting economic immigrants in 2026. Patterns observed across draws highlight a sustained emphasis on candidates with domestic experience or provincial endorsements.
Further updates on Express Entry and provincial nomination activity are expected as IRCC continues scheduled invitation rounds.
Additional coverage on immigration programs and selection trends is available through ongoing reporting.