What to Do When Express Entry Draws Slow Down: 5 Strategies for Candidates

Throughout May and June of 2026, Express Entry draws have slowed down and the number of competitive candidates in the pool has been increasing. There’s no guarantee that this slowdown will last – draws could pick back up again at any time. But it is possible that draws could stay smaller and less frequent for a few months.

When invitations slow down or cut-off scores rise, it can feel like your plans have been put on hold. But – I’ve been reporting on Express Entry draws for nearly 10 years, and I’ve seen this before.

Express Entry goes through periods of big, frequent draws and periods of smaller, slower draws. If you look at the long-term data, draws and CRS score cut-offs remain relatively stable over time, even after big shocks.

While nobody can predict exactly what future draws will look like, there are a few proactive steps candidates can take to strengthen their position while they wait.

One important note before we get into it: Canada has recently announced a proposal to combine all existing Express Entry programs into a single Federal High Skilled immigration pathway. If the proposal moves forward the pathway wouldhave some differences from the current system. Additionally, IRCC has proposed several changes to CRS points which, if adopted, would offer additional points for high-wage job offers and workers with a license to practice in Canada.

1. Be Patient and Focus on Long-Term Trends

It is easy to become discouraged after a few weeks of smaller draws or higher CRS cut-off scores. However, Express Entry has historically moved in cycles.

The clearest example came during the COVID-19 pandemic. Between December 2020 and July 2022, IRCC did not hold any general draws inviting Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) candidates. Instead, for 18 months, only provincial nominees and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates were invited. Many FSW candidates spent more than a year wondering whether invitations would ever resume.

Eventually, general draws resumed, but the CRS score cut-off difference was dramatic. The last general draw before the pause, in December 2020, had a CRS score cut-off of 468 points. When draws resumed in July 2022 the cut-off increased to 557 points. However, within less than a year, the CRS score cut-off had fallen to as low as 481 points, almost as low as before the pause.

For a more recent example, we can examine CRS score cut-offs for CEC draws in recent years.

Over the past three years, all CEC draws have fallen within a 40-point range.

While past performance cannot predict future results with 100 percent accuracy, these two examples illustrate an important point: CRS score cut-offs move up and down over time, but commonly within a relatively stable range.

Even though the CRS score cut-off may increase during a period of slowdown, often the cut-off will return to former levels when the draw frequency picks back up. Though, this may take time. And, as we always say: nothing is guaranteed.

2. Look for Opportunities to Increase Your CRS Score

If your CRS score is close to the recent cut-off thresholds, even a modest increase could improve your chances of receiving an ITA.

Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to increase your score by:

• Improving your language test results
• Gaining additional skilled work experience – either foreign work experience or Canadian work experience, depending on your current profile
• Completing another educational credential
• Taking a French-language test (more on this later)
• Obtaining a provincial nomination (more on this later)

Yes, many of these improvements take time, especially longer-term activities like gaining another year of work experience, earning another educational credential, or learning another language. But – periods of slower draw activity can be a useful opportunity to consider these options.

For a detailed breakdown of ways to improve your CRS score, see our guide on how to improve your CRS score.

3. Consider Whether You Can Qualify for More Draw Categories

One of the biggest changes to Express Entry in recent years has been the introduction of category-based selection draws. These draws allow IRCC to target candidates with French-language proficiency or work experience in targeted occupations.

French-language proficiency draws are a good example. During the first half of 2026, IRCC issued more than 30,000 invitations through French-language proficiency draws, at CRS scores significantly lower than those required in Canadian Experience Class draws (as low as 393 points).

In 2026, category-based draws have also targeted candidates with experience in priority sectors. Draws have targeted those working in healthcare, senior management, trades, as well as physicians. Those aren’t the only stated categories for Express Entry. Current categories also target workers in education, transportation, and STEM. Plus, the Canadian government has introduced categories for researchers with Canadian experience and skilled military recruits – but they have yet to be prioritized in any draws.

To qualify for one of the occupation-specific category-based draws, candidates need to have obtained at least 12 months of full-time work experience in a targeted occupation with the three years prior to applying. This work experience can be gained in Canada or abroad – unless the category specifies it requires Canadian experience (physicians, researchers, senior managers). So, if you have experience in one of these occupations, but not quite enough to meet the 12-month requirement, it may be worthwhile to try to reach that amount.

On the flip side, no STEM or transportation draws have taken place since 2024. So, candidates in those occupations may want to consider other ways to increase their CRS score to become competitive for CEC draws.

Learning French is not a short-term strategy, and changing occupations is not realistic for everyone. However, candidates who can improve their French or gain experience in a targeted occupation may benefit from becoming eligible for additional draw categories in the future.

4. Explore Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Every province in Canada operates a Provincial Nominee Program or PNP (aside from the province of Quebec). Each province has multiple PNP streams with different selection criteria. Some PNP streams are aligned with Express Entry. Gaining a nomination from one of these will add 600 CRS points to your Express Entry profile, effectively guaranteeing an invitation in a future draw.

Most PNP streams are designed for candidates who already have ties to a province through work experience, education, or a job offer. So, this option is best for workers who are already in Canada, or who have the ability to find work in Canada via a work permit (more on this below).

Eligibility requirements vary significantly between provinces, so it is worth taking the time to review programs that align with your skills, education, and work experience. The Moving2Canada PNP Live Tracker allows you to filter between PNP streams based on different requirements, giving you a better sense of your options.

Make sure that when creating your Express Entry profile, you indicate an interest in settling in any province whose PNP interests you.

5. Consider Other Pathways to Canada

Express Entry is only one immigration option. It’s attractive because it allows successful candidates to obtain permanent resident status – effectively allowing you to live and work in Canada as long as you want. However, it’s not the only option.

For candidates who are struggling in the Express Entry pool, it may be worth pursuing or extending temporary status in Canada, either as an international student on a study permit or a foreign worker on a work permit. This can allow you to gain Canadian education and/or work experience, strengthening your Express Entry profile and opening up other immigration options.

For international students, a qualifying program of study can provide access to a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), allowing graduates to gain Canadian work experience that can add many points to your CRS score (and make you eligible for CEC).

Foreign workers must obtain a work permit before working in Canada. There are many, many different types of work permits. Some of the most common include IEC work permits (for youth from participating countries), LMIA-supported work permit (requires the support of a Canadian employer), intra-company transfer work permits (for workers whose company has a subsidiary in Canada), and free trade agreement work permits (like for certain occupations covered by the CUSMA).

Avoid Making Decisions Based on a Single Draw

Express Entry candidates often pay close attention to every draw announcement, and understandably so. However, immigration planning is a long-term process measured in months or years rather than weeks.

A single high CRS cut-off score does not necessarily indicate a long-term trend. Likewise, a few weeks of slower draw activity do not mean invitations will remain low indefinitely.

Candidates who focus on improving their qualifications, maintaining eligibility, and exploring multiple pathways are generally better positioned than those who react to every short-term change in draw activity.

Need help evaluating your options?

If you are unsure which immigration pathway makes the most sense for your situation, consider speaking with a regulated Canadian immigration consultant. A qualified professional can help you assess your eligibility, identify opportunities to improve your CRS score, and, if recommended, explore alternatives to Express Entry: