Express Entry: Canada Invites 2,000 CEC Candidates at CRS 518

Canada has lowered the CRS cut-off for Canadian Experience Class candidates for the third straight draw. In Express Entry draw #446 on September 29, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada invited 2,000 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 518.

The cut-off was one point lower than the previous CEC draw on September 15, when the minimum score was 519. However, the lower score does not necessarily mean competition has eased, as many high-scoring candidates remain in the Express Entry pool.

What happened in Express Entry draw #446?

IRCC held the draw at 10:19:21 UTC on September 29 and issued 2,000 Invitations to Apply for permanent residence.

Key details

• Draw: #446
• Program: Canadian Experience Class
• Invitations issued: 2,000
• Lowest CRS score: 518
• Tie-breaking date: February 13, 2026, at 20:48:08 UTC

The September 29 round was the third CEC draw of the month. IRCC issued 2,000 invitations in each of the three September CEC rounds, while the CRS cut-off moved from 521 on September 1 to 519 on September 15 and then 518 in the latest draw.

More candidates are still competing

The lower cut-off should not be read as a sign that Express Entry has suddenly become easier.

The number of candidates with CRS scores between 501 and 600 increased from 20,784 on September 13 to 21,070 on September 27, according to the pool data cited in the source report.

That means candidates around the cut-off continue to face strong competition. The CRS score needed in a future draw can change depending on the number of invitations IRCC issues and the candidates in the pool at that time.

CEC invitations reach 55,250 in 2026

The latest round brings the total number of CEC invitations issued in 2026 to 55,250 across 17 draws.

September alone accounted for 6,000 invitations through three CEC rounds. By comparison, the source report puts invitations through category-based selection at 67,195 so far this year.

The Canadian Experience Class is designed for eligible people with Canadian skilled work experience. It remains an important Express Entry pathway for temporary workers and other candidates who have built their careers in Canada.

Why were CEC draws larger earlier this year?

CEC draws were considerably larger during the first quarter of 2026. According to the source report, IRCC issued 30,250 CEC invitations across six draws between January and March, with cut-offs ranging from 507 to 511.

The pace slowed in the following quarters:

• Q1: 30,250 invitations across six draws
• Q2: 11,000 invitations across four draws
• Q3: 14,000 invitations across seven draws, including draw #446

Canada's 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan sets a 2026 target of 109,000 admissions for federal high-skilled programs, with a target of 111,000 for 2027. The Canadian Experience Class is one of the federal high-skilled programs managed through Express Entry.

What should candidates below 518 do?

A CRS score below 518 does not end a candidate's Express Entry options.

Candidates can look at ways to improve their score, including:

• retaking a language test;
• adding French-language results where eligible;
• gaining additional eligible Canadian work experience; and
• improving the spouse or common-law partner's points where applicable.

Candidates should also watch category-based Express Entry draws. For 2026, IRCC has categories including French-language proficiency, health care and social services, education, trades, transport and STEM, as well as several categories involving Canadian work experience.

A provincial nomination can also significantly change a candidate's position because an Express Entry-linked provincial nomination provides 600 additional CRS points.

Express Entry reform could change the system

IRCC is also planning changes to the federal high-skilled immigration system. Government documents say Canada plans to propose a new federal high-skilled class and repeal the existing Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Trades classes.

However, the current programs remain open and are still being processed. The exact future selection rules have not yet been finalized.

For now, candidates should focus on the rules currently in place and keep their Express Entry profiles accurate and up to date.