4,000 CEC Candidates Invited in June 23 Express Entry Draw

Key Takeaways

Type of draw: Canadian Experience Class

Invitations issued: 4,000

Minimum CRS score: 516

Tie-breaking rule: April 14, 2026 at 00:03:10 UTC

Prediction for next draw: Category-based draw on June 24. Check our dedicated page for more information on when we expect the next Express Entry draw.

Our Analysis of this Express Entry Draw

IRCC has issued 4,000 invitations to apply (ITAs) in today’s Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 516.

Throughout 2026, all CEC draws have had CRS score cut-offs between 507 and 518 points – an 11-point range. The CRS cut-off for today’s draw remained within that range, despite the longer-than-usual wait between CEC draws. The relatively large number of invitations issued in the past two rounds likely kept the cut-off lower.

It’s been a huge year for CEC invitations so far, with IRCC issuing 8,000 ITAs in the first January draw for CEC candidates. But, since March, these draws have been smaller.

In April, two draws occurred, issuing 2,000 ITAs each. In May, there was only one draw, issuing 3,000 ITAs and making May the lowest month for CEC ITAs so far this year. Today’s round of invitations of 4,000 ITAs was the only CEC draw in June.

This is the tenth CEC draw of 2026, bringing the total number of CEC ITAs issued this year to 41,250. For context, in 2025, only 15,850 CEC ITAs were issued by the end of June.

The latest Express Entry pool update (as of June 21) shows 20,012 candidates with a CRS score between 501 and 600. This is a steady increase over the 17,945 profiles that were in this range on May 24. The increase is likely due to the longer pauses between CEC draws, giving more candidates the chance to create profiles.

The recent decrease in CEC draw size and frequency is understandable, considering the number of invitations already issued this year. There are currently 60,900 CEC applications waiting to be processed, with an average processing time of about seven months. For 2026, Canada’s federal high skilled admissions target is 109,000. This includes not just CEC, but other high-skilled immigration pathways such as category-based selection. So far, IRCC has already issued more than 76,000 ITAs, surpassing more than 69 percent of the annual admissions target.

What Does This Mean for CEC Candidates?

If your CRS score is close to or above the recent cut-off range of 507 to 518, you have good reason to feel optimistic. Although draws have recently been slowing down, Canada is remaining committed to welcoming high numbers of skilled worker immigrants with a priority for those with Canadian work experience.

It’s possible CEC draws could pick up at any time as Canada needs to begin processing applications to meet its 2027 target of 110,000 high skilled admissions. Based on current processing times, a CEC invitation received today likely wouldn’t be processed and counted as an admission until next year.

If your score is below the recent cut-offs, don’t panic. There are ways to improve your CRS score. Many candidates increase their score by retaking a language test, adding second-language results, or gaining more skilled work experience.

You should also explore Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). A provincial nomination adds 600 additional CRS points, which almost guarantees an ITA through Express Entry.

If you have an accompanying spouse or common-law partner, their profile may also help improve your score. Language test results, education, and Canadian work experience from your partner can all contribute additional CRS points.

Want more tips on improving your CRS score? Check out our guide.

What’s Next for CEC?

It’s hard to predict with certainty. Since April, CEC draw sizes have been smaller and less frequent than they were at the beginning of the year. However, there are still thousands of invitations being issued every month. The relatively consistent CRS score cut-off range (507-518 points) allows CEC candidates to get a sense of their competitiveness.

If you’re getting ready to enter the Express Entry pool, keep in mind that IRCC recently announced plans for a massive overhaul of the Express Entry system. If it goes through, this overhaul will replace CEC, FSW, and FST with a single federal high skilled immigration program.

IRCC hasn’t yet confirmed that these reforms are taking place for certain, nor have they announced when the changes will take effect. This is an important story for CEC-hopefuls to track, as it could impact your immigration plans.

Based on what we know about the reforms, skilled workers with Canadian work experience may still be competitive under the new program, but we won’t know for sure until more details are released.

The Moving2Canada team is closely monitoring the proposed reforms and will publish any new information as soon as it becomes available.

Further Resources for CEC Candidates

• Use our  Canadian Experience Class score calculator to see where you stand and how to improve your score.
• Learn more about the latest Express Entry draws. 
• Check the state of the Express Entry pool.