Canadian Experience Class Draw: 6,000 ITAs Issued at Lowest CRS Cut-Off of 2026
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a new Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw under the Express Entry system, marking the lowest CRS cut-off score for CEC candidates so far in 2026.
This unexpected statutory holiday draw signals continued momentum for candidates already working and living in Canada.
Key Details of the Latest CEC Draw
- Draw Date: February 17, 2026
- Program: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- ITAs Issued: 6,000
- CRS Cut-Off Score: 508
- Profile Deadline: Candidates must have created their Express Entry profile before 9:35 a.m. UTC on March 16, 2025
This marks the third CEC draw of 2026 and the eighth Express Entry draw overall this year.
Express Entry Draw Breakdown (2026)
Draw Type | Number of Draws |
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 4 |
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 3 |
French-Language Proficiency | 1 |
Total ITAs Issued in 2026 (So Far): 30,457
Draw Type | ITAs Issued |
Canadian Experience Class | 20,000 |
French-Language Proficiency | 8,500 |
Provincial Nominee Program | 1,957 |
The significant number of CEC invitations reflects Canada’s continued focus on transitioning temporary residents into permanent residents.
Why This Matters for CEC Candidates
A CRS cut-off score of 508 is the lowest for CEC candidates this year—making this an encouraging development for skilled workers currently in Canada.
If your CRS score is close to this range, you may want to:
- Improve your language test scores
- Update your work experience
- Explore provincial nomination options
- Ensure your profile is active and up to date
With consistent CEC-focused draws, candidates with Canadian work experience remain in a strong position for permanent residency.
What Is the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)?
The Canadian Experience Class is a permanent residence pathway under Express Entry designed for skilled workers who have:
- At least one year of skilled work experience in Canada
- Met required language benchmarks
- Gained work experience within the last three years
It remains one of the fastest and most reliable pathways to Canadian permanent residence for temporary foreign workers and international graduates.
Is Your CRS Score Competitive?
With draw scores fluctuating, it’s critical to understand where you stand.
At EV Immigration, we:
- Assess your Express Entry eligibility
- Calculate your CRS score accurately
- Identify ways to improve your ranking
- Advise on provincial nomination strategies
- Guide you through the full PR application process
Book a Consultation with EV Immigration
Thinking about applying through Express Entry or the Canadian Experience Class?
Don’t leave your future to chance. A small change in your profile can make the difference between receiving an ITA—or missing the cut-off.
Schedule a consultation with EV Immigration today and get a personalized strategy to strengthen your permanent residence application.