IRCC Issues 4,000 Invitations to CEC Candidates in Latest Express Entry Draw

Key Takeaways 

• Type of draw: Canadian Experience Class (CEC) 

• Invitations issued: 4,000

• Minimum CRS score: 508 

• Tie-breaking rule:  June 24, 2025 at 22:35:48 UTC

• Prediction for next draw: Category-based draw on March 16, 2026. Check out our dedicated page for more info on when we’re expecting the next Express Entry draw.  

Our Analysis of Today’s Draw 

Today’s draw is the smallest we’ve seen so far for CEC candidates in 2026, but is still in line with the high-volume CEC pattern that has defined 2026 so far. Since the start of the year, IRCC has issued large rounds of CEC invitations — 8,000 on January 7, 6,000 on January 21, and another 6,000 on February 17 — sending out 20,000 invitations across three draws in just seven weeks. 

This pace was set in motion at the end of 2025, when IRCC ran two large CEC draws in December (issuing 6,000 and 5,000 invitations respectively). This shift toward higher-volume rounds has carried into the new year. 

Despite those numbers, CRS cut-offs have moved slowly. The first draw of the year opened at 511. By February 17, it had only dropped by three points to 508.

The reason cut-offs are moving so slowly comes down to the sheer density of candidates with high CRS scores in the pool. As of February 15, there were 16,559 candidates in the 501–600 CRS band alone. Even with the large draws we’ve been seeing lately, it will take a while to get to the next score band of 451–500, where 73,608 candidates are waiting. 

What This Means for CEC Candidates 

With cut-offs moving gradually and competition still fierce in the low-500s, every CRS point matters. If your score is close to the recent cut-off range, it’s worth checking whether there are straightforward ways to improve it before the next draw. A few things worth reviewing: 

• Language scores: Retaking the IELTS or CELPIP could potentially improve your English language score. If you’ve picked up some French during your time in Canada, it might be worth taking the TCF or TEF Canada test as well. 

• Work experience: Make sure your dates and job duties are accurate and up to date, particularly if you’ve recently changed roles or hit a new milestone. 

• Spousal profiles: If you have a spouse or common-law partner, adding them to your profile can sometimes increase your combined CRS score, especially if they have strong language skills or Canadian work experience. 

• Additional education: An extra credential can add points, though the timeline involved makes this a longer-term option. 

If your score is still well below recent cut-offs, a provincial nomination remains one of the most significant boosts available, adding 600 points to your CRS score. 

What’s Next for CEC? 

The main thing to watch is whether IRCC keeps CEC draws at this volume or shifts its focus in the weeks ahead. January saw two CEC draws, while February had just one. 

Express Entry draws occur roughly every two weeks, with at least two draws in a week. So far, in 2026, one of the bi-weekly draws has consistently been for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). However, with increased focus on category-based selection, draws for CEC have become harder to predict. 

Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan sets aside 109,000 admissions for Federal High Skilled candidates in 2026. This includes admissions under the CEC, FSW, and FSTP categories. However, that number accounts for applicants still waiting on decisions from late 2025 as well. As of February 12, there were approximately 34,200 CEC applications already in processing (plus 43,000 FSW applications). Moreover, there are already 90,167 candidates with scores over 450 in the Express Entry pool. Large draws may continue for a while, but the math means IRCC will eventually need to balance the number of ITAs being issued with the broader admissions picture. 

It’s also worth keeping an eye on any updates on IRCC’s proposed one time TR-to-PR measures, as that could affect the size and timing of future CEC rounds. Under that plan, 33,000 in-Canada applicants will receive PR across 2026 and 2027. Although the details are yet to be announced, we expect some overlap between candidates who qualify for this special measure and the CEC. 

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.   

• Learn when to expect the next Express Entry draw.