Express Entry Update: CEC Draw Records Lowest CRS Cut-Off in 18 Months

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued more invitations to apply (ITA) through the Express Entry system. The immigration department issued 4,000 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 507; and
• Created an Express Entry candidate profile before 6:57 p.m., Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on May 11, 2025.

Today's draw is the sixteenth Express Entry selection of 2026, and the fifth CEC draw this year.

Express Entry Draw Result – 17th March 2026

Click here to see the complete list of Express Entry draws until date

CEC draws have been the second most frequent draw type thus far in 2026, and have issued by far the largest number of ITAs—28,000 as of today.

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.

In 2026 thus far, IRCC has issued 49,224 ITAs across the following draw types, with CEC candidates being favoured for invitations:

The distribution clearly shows that the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) remains the dominant pathway this year, accounting for the majority of invitations issued. French-language proficiency draws have also seen strong numbers, reflecting Canada’s continued push to attract bilingual talent. In comparison, categories like healthcare, PNP, and specialized roles such as physicians and senior managers have received more targeted but limited invitations, indicating a focused and need-based selection approach by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada 

Get Expert Help for Your Canada PR Application

If you’re planning to apply for Canada PR and want clarity on your eligibility under Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams, getting the right guidance can simplify things.

At Visas Avenue, experienced consultants review your profile and help you identify the most suitable pathway based on your qualifications and work experience. A proper assessment can also highlight areas where you can improve your chances of receiving an ITA.

To get started, you can connect with their team for a detailed evaluation. Call Toll-Free: 78-18-000-777 or email info@visasavenue.com. Starting with the right direction can make your Canada PR journey much more confident and clearer.

- Rajneesh Kumar