IRCC Issues Express Entry Invitations to CEC Candidates With Lowest CRS

By Scarlett Wilson [Published 05 Mar, 2026 | 05:14 AM] 116

Canada has held a new Express Entry draw targeting Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates, with the CRS cut-off score dropping to one of its lowest levels in recent years.

The draw reflects Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) continued efforts to invite candidates with Canadian work experience to apply for Canada permanent residence.

However, in the previous Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw, Canada invited 6,000 skilled workers with the same CRS score. The lower CRS threshold could improve chances for many candidates currently in the Express Entry pool who have been waiting for an invitation.

Express Entry Draw Results

Canada released the latest Express Entry draw on March 03, 2026, inviting 4,000 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 508.

Draw Number: 400
Date of Round: March 03, 2026
Type of Draw: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Number of ITAs Issued: 4,000
CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate Invited: 508
Tie-Breaking Rule: June 24, 2025, at 22:35:48 UTC

If more than one candidate has the lowest score, the cut-off is based on the date and time they submitted their Express Entry profiles.

CRS Score Calculator

Express Entry CEC Summary of 2026

The following table highlights the Express Entry Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws conducted in 2026, including the number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued and the minimum CRS scores required in each round.

Draw Date	Draw Type	Invitations issued	Minimum CRS Score
March 03 , 2026	Canadian Experience Class	4,000	508
February 17, 2026	Canadian Experience Class	6,000	508
January 21, 2026	Canadian Experience Class	6,000	509
January 07, 2026	Canadian Experience Class	8,000	511

Why This Is Good News for Canada PR Applicants?

The latest Express Entry draw for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), bringing a lower CRS cut-off score, is encouraging news for many Canada PR applicants. A lower CRS score means more candidates in the Express Entry pool have a better chance of receiving an ITA for Canadian permanent residence.

However, this is particularly beneficial for candidates with Canadian work experience, as CEC specifically target individuals who have already worked in Canada.

Lower CRS trends also signal that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may continue holding program-specific draws to meet Canada immigration level plan of 2026-2028. For many skilled workers and temporary residents, this increases their chances of successfully applying for PR through Express Entry.

Overall, a lower CRS cut-off makes the Canada PR process more accessible for eligible candidates and reflects Canada’s ongoing effort to attract and retain skilled workers, strengthen its labour market, and support long-term economic growth.

Subscribe for FREE and stay updated

with the latest Canada Immigration News!

Source: canada.ca

Tags: CEC Draw Latest Express Entry Draw Canada Immigration News Canadian Experience Class Express Entry Draw Latest Canada News