CEC Latest Express Entry Draw Sees Lowest CRS Cut-Off Since 2024

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued a back-to-back invitation to apply (ITA) through the Express Entry system, in a surprise statutory holiday draw. This draw is only for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). This is the eighth draw of the year and the third draw of the CEC draw of the year.

However, in January and February 2025, IRCC invited 17,422 candidates through Express Entry draws across various streams. But in 2026, IRCC invited 30,457 candidates.

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Latest Express Entry Draw Results

Canada released the latest Express Entry draw on February 17, 2026, inviting 6,000 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 508.

• Draw Number: 396
• Date of Round: February 17, 2026
• Type of Draw: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Number of ITAs Issued: 6,000
• CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate Invited: 508
• Tie-Breaking Rule: March 16, 2025, at 09:35:59 UTC

If more than one candidate has the lowest score, the cut-off is determined by the date and time of their Express Entry profile submission.

Express Entry Summary of 2026

The table below summarizes Express Entry draws in 2026, showcasing trends in CRS scores and invitation volumes across different programs.

Overall, these Express Entry draws issued a total of 30,457 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in 2026 so far, highlighting IRCC’s strong focus on Canadian Experience Class and category-based draws while maintaining steady invitations through the Provincial Nominee Program.

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Overview of Canadian Experience Class

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is one of the most popular Express Entry pathways, designed for skilled workers with Canadian work experience. CEC focuses on candidates with at least one year of eligible Canadian work experience. This is the ideal option for international graduates and temporary foreign workers seeking Canada permanent residence.

Unlike other Express Entry categories, CEC draws typically do not require proof of settlement funds and often feature comparatively lower CRS cut-off scores. This makes them highly competitive and attractive for in-Canada applicants.

Through these draws, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada prioritizes candidates who are already integrated into the Canadian labour market and can contribute immediately to the economy.

Recent Canadian Experience Class draws indicate a strong commitment to retaining skilled talent within Canada, offering faster processing times and consistent invitation volumes for eligible candidates.

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Source: canada.ca

Tags: Express Entry Express Entry Latest Draw Express Entry Program Canadian Experience Class Express Entry Draw Canada Immigration Federal Skilled Worker Program Latest Express Entry Draw Canada Immigration News