Canada Issues 4,000 ITAs in Largest Canadian Experience Class Draw Since March 2026

Draw at a Glance

Full Draw Breakdown

This draw marks the 32nd Express Entry selection round of 2026 and the largest Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw since March 17, when 4,000 candidates were also invited. To qualify, candidates needed a profile created before April 14, 2026, at 12:03 a.m. UTC.

How This Draw Compares to Recent Ones

The June 23 draw saw its minimum CRS score drop slightly compared to the May 27 CEC draw, which required a score of 518. But the number of invitations rose by 1,000, making it the biggest CEC draw in three months. The trend clearly shows IRCC is prioritizing in-Canada candidates with Canadian work experience—a cornerstone of its 2026 immigration strategy.

Raj, a software engineer from India, felt the shift firsthand. After completing a two-year diploma in Toronto and working 18 months as a developer for a Canadian tech firm, he had a CRS score of 517. "I was worried my score wasn’t high enough after the last draw," he said. "This draw gave me the boost I needed to finally apply for permanent residency."

In practice, border agents and IRCC officers have shown more flexibility with CEC candidates who demonstrate strong ties to Canada—long-term employment or community involvement, for instance. But there’s a catch: candidates with work history gaps or frequent job changes may still face extra scrutiny.

CRS Score Trends in 2026

So far this year, the minimum CRS score for CEC draws has bounced between 507 and 518. The June 23 draw’s 516 score sits lower than May 27’s 518 but higher than March 17’s 507. This fluctuation reflects IRCC’s balancing act—inviting enough candidates to hit immigration targets while keeping the bar competitive.

For context, the lowest CEC CRS score in 2025 was 491, while the highest hit 523. The 2026 draws have trended higher, reflecting stiffer competition among candidates with Canadian work experience.

If You Weren’t Invited — What to Do Now

If your CRS score sits below 516, don’t lose hope yet. Here’s how to sharpen your odds for the next draw.

First, check your eligibility for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). A provincial nomination adds 600 points to your CRS score—effectively locking in an invitation. Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities stream, for example, often targets tech workers, while Alberta’s Express Entry stream favours those with job offers in high-demand fields.

Second, consider retaking your language test. Even a one-band bump on IELTS or CELPIP can net up to 32 extra CRS points. Moving from CLB 9 to CLB 10 across all four language areas could add 24 points. IRCC accepts test results valid for two years, so an updated score now could pay off soon.

Third, keep your Express Entry profile fresh. Any new work experience, degrees, or language upgrades should be updated immediately. IRCC recalculates CRS scores whenever candidates update their profiles, so even small changes can matter.

Finally, explore other pathways if CEC isn’t an option. Students can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to gain Canadian work experience. Those already working in Canada should check if they qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), which lets them stay in Canada while their PR application processes.

Who Benefits Most from This Draw?

This draw is a clear win for candidates who already meet these criteria:

They have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3), meet the minimum language requirements (CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1, CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3), and created their Express Entry profile before April 14, 2026.

Maria, a marketing specialist from Brazil, arrived in Canada on a study permit in 2023. After graduating from a one-year marketing programme at a Toronto college, she landed a job as a marketing coordinator (NOC 11202). With a CRS score of 520, she landed an invitation in this draw. "I was nervous because my score was close to the cutoff in the last draw," she said. "This draw gave me the confidence to start preparing my PR application."

But this isn’t good news for everyone. Candidates with work experience in lower-skilled occupations (NOC TEER 4 or 5) or those who don’t meet the language requirements won’t benefit from CEC draws. These applicants may need to look at alternatives like the Atlantic Immigration Program or family sponsorship.

Historical Context: How 2026 Compares to Previous Years

In 2024, IRCC ran 42 Express Entry draws, issuing 110,265 ITAs. The average CRS score for CEC draws that year sat at 502, with a low of 488 and a high of 525. So far in 2026, CEC draws have averaged 512—showing the bar has climbed.

That shift comes as no surprise. In 2023, IRCC tweaked the Comprehensive Ranking System to place more weight on Canadian work experience and language skills. The result: a more competitive pool, especially for CEC candidates.

One nuance worth noting: candidates with job offers in Canada but who haven’t started work yet should double-check their offer against IRCC’s rules. A valid job offer can add up to 200 CRS points, but it must be for at least one year in a skilled occupation (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3).

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