In an unexpected draw, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 6,000 ITAs to candidates through its latest Express Entry draw under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Candidates with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score of 508 and Express Entry profiles submitted before March 16, 2025, at 09:35 UTC were considered for the draw. The draw conducted on February 17, 2026, had the lowest CRS cut-off score since 2024. This draw is the third CEC selection of the year and the eighth Express Entry draw of the year.
Skilled immigration in Canada is mainly managed through the Express Entry system, such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and specific category-based draws like French-language proficiency. The CEC draw on February 17 continues IRCC's objective of giving priority to candidates already living and working in Canada to meet labour market requirements and immigration targets.
As of now in 2026, IRCC has issued 30,457 ITAs (Invitations to Apply) through CEC (20,000 ITAs), PNP (1,957 ITAs), and French-language proficiency (8,500 ITAs).
The lowered CRS minimum cut-off score in the CEC draw signals improved opportunities for prospective immigrants in 2026.
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