Latest Express Entry Draw- 2,250 CEC Candidates Invited in Final March Draw

This draw once again highlights Canada’s continued focus on candidates who already have work experience within the country, making CEC one of the most active pathways in 2026.

Key Eligibility Criteria for This Draw

To receive an invitation in this round, candidates had to meet certain requirements. A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 509 was needed, which is comparatively moderate when compared to PNP-specific draws.

In addition, candidates must have created their Express Entry profile before 8:27 a.m. UTC on March 18, 2026. The tie-breaking rule played a crucial role in determining who received an ITA.

Express Entry Draw Result – 31st March 2026

Date	EE Draw Category	No. of ITAs	Minimum CRS Score Requirement	Tie-breaking rule
31 March 2026	Canadian Experience Class (CEC)	2,250	509	March 18, 2026 at 08:27:11 UTC

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

2026 Draw Trends So Far

This was the 19th Express Entry draw of 2026 and notably the sixth CEC-specific draw this year. The trend clearly shows a strong preference toward candidates already present in Canada.

Draw Type	Number of Draws
Provincial Nominee Program	7
Canadian Experience Class	6
French-Language proficiency	3
Physicians with Canadian work experience	1
Healthcare and social services	1
Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience	1

From this pattern, it’s evident that both CEC and PNP draws are dominating the selection process in 2026.

Total ITAs Issued in 2026

Canada has already issued a large number of ITAs this year, showing that immigration targets remain strong and active.

Draw Type	ITAs Issued
Canadian Experience Class	30,250
French-Language proficiency	18,000
Healthcare and social services	4,000
Provincial Nominee Program	2,939
Physicians with Canadian work experience	391
Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience	250

These figures make it clear that candidates with Canadian work experience continue to have a significant advantage in the current immigration landscape. 

What This Means for Applicants

If you are planning to apply for Canada PR, this trend gives you a clear direction. Having Canadian work experience or qualifying under CEC can greatly improve your chances of receiving an ITA.

At the same time, relying only on a basic Express Entry profile may not be enough anymore. You need a focused plan—whether that means gaining relevant experience, improving your CRS score, or exploring other targeted categories.

Plan Your Canada PR Journey with the Right Guidance

With Express Entry becoming more targeted in 2026, understanding the right pathway is more important than ever. Choosing between CEC, PNP, or category-based draws can directly impact your chances of success.

Visas Avenue can help you evaluate your profile and guide you with a practical step-by-step approach, so you can move forward confidently toward your Canada PR goal. To begin your process with better clarity, you can connect with their team for an evaluation. Call Toll-Free at 78-18-000-777 or email info@visasavenue.com.

- Rajneesh Kumar