Canada has conducted a new Express Entry draw under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), with the CRS cut-off score reaching a new high in 2026. This latest development highlights the increasing competition for Canadian permanent residence (PR) among candidates with Canadian work experience.
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, 2,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued in the latest Express Entry draw for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates.
Latest Express Entry Draw – April 14, 2026
To receive an invitation in this draw, candidates were required to have:
- Minimum CRS score: 515
- Express Entry profile created before: June 10, 2025 at 2:46 a.m. (UTC)
- Program: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- ITAs issued: 2,000
This marks the highest CRS score for CEC candidates in 2026 and reflects growing demand for Canadian permanent residency through Express Entry.
Express Entry CRS Scores Rising in 2026
This draw also recorded:
- The smallest CEC draw of 2026
- A 6-point increase in CRS score, the largest jump this year
- Continued focus on candidates with Canadian work experience
The previous CEC draw on March 31, 2026 issued 2,250 ITAs, making this draw even more competitive.
Express Entry Draw Summary – 2026
Canada Focuses on In-Canada Candidates
In 2026, Express Entry draws have mainly targeted:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- French-language proficiency candidates
- Healthcare professionals
- Physicians with Canadian work experience
Number of Draws by Category (2026)
- Provincial Nominee Program — 8 draws
- Canadian Experience Class — 7 draws
- French-language proficiency — 3 draws
- Healthcare & Social Services — 1 draw
- Physicians — 1 draw
- Trades — 1 draw
- Senior Managers — 1 draw
Total Invitations Issued in 2026
So far in 2026, Canada has issued 61,154 ITAs through Express Entry:
What This Means for Immigration Candidates
This rising CRS trend suggests:
- Express Entry is becoming more competitive
- Canadian work experience is increasingly valuable
- Candidates should improve CRS scores through:
- Higher language scores
- Provincial nomination (PNP)
- Canadian job offers
- Additional education
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