Express Entry: Canada Issues 2,000 ITAs in New CEC Draw

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has issued 2,000 new invitations to apply for permanent residence through the Express Entry system.

The latest draw took place on July 7 and focused on Canadian Experience Class candidates. To receive an invitation, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score of 517.

They also needed to have created their Express Entry profile before 5:49 p.m. UTC on December 29, 2025.

The Canadian Experience Class is mainly for skilled workers who already have eligible work experience in Canada. These candidates are often already living in the country, working, studying, or building a long-term pathway to permanent residence.

Second Draw in Two Days

The July 7 round came just one day after IRCC held a Provincial Nominee Program draw.

On July 6, the department invited 534 PNP candidates. The lowest-ranked candidate invited in that round had a CRS score of 708.

Together, the July 6 and July 7 draws show that IRCC is continuing to invite candidates from both provincial nomination streams and Canadian work experience pathways.

CEC Candidates Remain a Key Focus

So far in 2026, IRCC has held 36 Express Entry rounds. Many of these draws have focused on candidates who are already connected to Canada, especially those with Canadian work experience or provincial nominations.

The Canadian Experience Class has seen 11 draws this year, with 43,250 invitations issued. This makes it the largest category by number of invitations in 2026.

Provincial Nominee Program candidates have been invited through 13 draws, though the number of invitations is much lower at 5,939. These candidates usually receive higher CRS scores because a provincial nomination adds significant points to their profile.

Invitations Across 2026

IRCC has issued 91,601 Express Entry invitations so far this year.

French-language proficiency draws account for 30,500 invitations across six rounds. Healthcare and social services draws have issued 8,000 invitations through two rounds. Trades candidates have received 3,000 invitations from one draw.

Physicians with Canadian work experience have received 662 invitations through two draws, while senior managers with Canadian work experience have received 250 invitations from one draw.

Recent Draw Pattern

The July CEC draw followed several major rounds in late June.

On June 23, IRCC invited 4,000 Canadian Experience Class candidates with a cut-off score of 516. On June 25, it issued 4,000 invitations to healthcare and social services candidates with a cut-off score of 475.

The latest CEC cut-off of 517 is one point higher than the June 23 CEC draw.

How Express Entry Works

Express Entry manages applications for several federal immigration programs. Candidates receive CRS scores based on factors such as age, education, language ability, and work experience.

Those with strong scores, eligible profiles, or experience in priority areas may receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence.