Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted another major Express Entry draw, issuing 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) category.
The latest draw saw the CRS cut-off score drop to 508, hovering near a two-year low for CEC candidates — welcome news for many temporary residents already working in Canada.
Key Details of the Latest CEC Draw
To receive an ITA in this round, candidates needed:
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A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 508
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An Express Entry profile created before 10:35 a.m. UTC on June 24, 2025
This marks the twelfth Express Entry draw of 2026 and continues IRCC’s strong focus on candidates already in Canada.
Express Entry Draw Trends in 2026
So far in 2026, IRCC has largely prioritized:
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Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates
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Canadian Experience Class (CEC) applicants
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Category-based draws (healthcare, French speakers, physicians)
Breakdown of Draw Types in 2026
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program | 5 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 3 |
| French-language proficiency | 1 |
| Physicians with Canadian work experience | 1 |
| Healthcare and social services | 1 |
Total ITAs Issued in 2026 (So Far)
In 2026, IRCC has issued over 35,000 ITAs, distributed as follows:
| Draw Type | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class | 20,000 |
| French-language proficiency | 8,500 |
| Healthcare and social services | 4,000 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 1,798 |
| Physicians with Canadian work experience | 391 |
The strong emphasis on CEC draws shows Canada’s continued commitment to transitioning temporary workers and international graduates to permanent residence.
What This Means for CEC Candidates
A CRS score of 508 remains competitive but signals a gradual softening compared to earlier high cut-offs in 2024 and 2025.
If your CRS score is close to 500, now may be the time to:
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Improve your language scores
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Add a provincial nomination
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Gain additional Canadian work experience
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Explore category-based eligibility
With multiple CEC draws already conducted this year, more invitations could follow if IRCC maintains this trend.