Express Entry: Canadian Experience Class Draw Hits Lowest CRS Since 2024

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) surprised many applicants this week when it held an Express Entry draw on a statutory holiday and issued 6,000 invitations to apply for permanent residence.

The draw focused on candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), a program designed for individuals who have already gained skilled work experience in Canada.

Cut-Off Score and Eligibility

To qualify in this round, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 508. They also had to create their Express Entry profile before 9:35 a.m. Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on March 16, 2025.

The CRS score ranks candidates based on factors such as age, education, language ability, and work experience. A higher score increases the chances of receiving an invitation.

Eighth Draw of the Year

This latest round marks the eighth Express Entry draw so far in 2026. It also stands as the third draw this year that specifically targeted Canadian Experience Class candidates.

Earlier this year, IRCC held several draws across different categories. On February 17, the department invited 6,000 CEC candidates with a CRS cut-off of 508. On January 21, it issued another 6,000 invitations under the same category, with a slightly higher cut-off score of 509. On January 7, it invited 8,000 CEC candidates with a cut-off score of 511.

Focus on In-Canada Candidates

So far in 2026, IRCC has mainly focused on candidates already living and working in Canada. Many invitations have gone to individuals with Canadian work experience or those nominated by a province.

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) has seen four draws this year. CRS cut-off scores in those rounds ranged from 711 to 789. Although the number of invitations issued under PNP remains lower compared to CEC draws, provincial nominations continue to offer a strong pathway to permanent residence.

IRCC also conducted one French-language proficiency draw this year. On February 6, the department issued 8,500 invitations to candidates with strong French skills, with a CRS cut-off score of 400.

Invitations Issued in 2026

In total, IRCC has issued 30,457 invitations to apply for permanent residence so far this year.

Of those:

• 20,000 invitations went to Canadian Experience Class candidates.
  
• 8,500 invitations went to French-language proficiency candidates.
  
• 1,534 invitations went to Provincial Nominee Program candidates.

These numbers show a clear trend. The department continues to prioritize individuals who already contribute to the Canadian workforce and communities.

What This Means for Applicants

The latest draw gives hope to thousands of candidates waiting in the Express Entry pool. A CRS score of 508 remains competitive but slightly lower than some earlier rounds this year.

Applicants with Canadian work experience should continue to monitor upcoming draws closely. With IRCC maintaining a steady pace, more opportunities may arise in the coming weeks.