Express Entry: CEC draw sees lowest cut-off in 18 months

Canada’s immigration department has invited more skilled workers to apply for permanent residence through its Express Entry system. In the latest round, officials issued 4,000 invitations to candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Applicants needed a minimum score of 507 under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to qualify. They also had to submit their Express Entry profile before 6:57 p.m. UTC on May 11, 2025.

This score marks the lowest cut-off for CEC candidates in the past 18 months, offering new hope to many applicants already working in Canada.

Strong Focus on Workers Inside Canada

So far in 2026, immigration officials have focused mainly on candidates who already live and work in Canada. These include people with Canadian work experience and those nominated by provinces.

The latest draw marks the sixteenth Express Entry round this year and the fifth specifically for CEC candidates. CEC draws have become one of the most common types this year and have issued the highest number of invitations.

In total, 28,000 invitations have gone to CEC candidates in 2026 alone.

Overview of Recent Draws

Recent Express Entry rounds show a clear pattern. Authorities have continued to invite candidates across different categories, including provincial nominees, French-speaking applicants, healthcare workers, and senior managers.

Some key highlights include:

• A French-language draw on March 4 invited 5,500 candidates with a CRS score of 397
  
• A healthcare and social services draw on February 20 issued 4,000 invitations
  
• A draw for senior managers on March 5 invited 250 candidates with a score of 429
  
• Provincial nominee draws have remained frequent, with higher CRS cut-offs above 700

CEC draws, however, continue to stand out due to the large number of invitations issued.

Total Invitations Issued in 2026

So far this year, Canada has issued 49,604 invitations through Express Entry. The majority have gone to candidates under the Canadian Experience Class.

Here is how the invitations break down:

• Canadian Experience Class: 28,000
  
• French-language proficiency: 14,000
  
• Healthcare and social services: 4,000
  
• Provincial Nominee Program: 2,583
  
• Physicians with Canadian work experience: 391
  
• Senior managers with Canadian work experience: 250

These numbers show a clear preference for candidates who already contribute to Canada’s workforce.

What This Means for Applicants

The lower CRS cut-off in the latest draw may improve chances for many candidates who missed earlier rounds. Those with Canadian work experience continue to benefit the most from current immigration trends.

As the year progresses, Express Entry draws may continue to favour applicants already living in Canada, especially those with strong work experience and skills that match labour market needs.