IRCC Skips Express Entry Draw for Second Week in June 2026 — CEC and PNP Candidates Affected

Draw at a Glance

Full Draw Breakdown

IRCC has not conducted an Express Entry draw as of June 9, 2026, at 5:00pm EST. This follows the absence of a PNP-targeted draw on June 8, marking the first time in 2026 that IRCC has skipped consecutive draws for these programs. Below is a summary of recent draw activity:

How This Draw Skipping Compares to Recent Patterns

IRCC has maintained a consistent pattern of biweekly Express Entry draws throughout 2026, with CEC draws typically held every second Tuesday and PNP draws every second Monday. However, this pattern has been disrupted in June 2026:

• February and April 2026: IRCC skipped two CEC draws, but resumed the following week.
• May 27, 2026: The last CEC draw was held on a Wednesday instead of the usual Tuesday, suggesting a potential shift in scheduling.
• June 8-9, 2026: No PNP or CEC draws have been held, marking the first consecutive skipped draws in 2026.

The absence of draws this week is particularly notable given the growing number of high-scoring candidates in the Express Entry pool. As of the last pool update on May 24, 2026, there were 17,945 candidates with CRS scores between 501 and 600, up from 15,659 just two weeks earlier. This accumulation of candidates could lead to upward pressure on CRS cut-offs in future draws if the draw frequency does not increase.

Why IRCC May Be Skipping Draws

While IRCC has not provided an official explanation for the skipped draws, several factors could be contributing to the pause:

1. High Volume of Pending Applications: As of June 2026, there are 60,900 CEC applications awaiting processing, with an average processing time of seven months. IRCC may be prioritizing the clearance of this backlog before issuing new invitations.
2. Annual Targets Nearly Met: IRCC has already issued 72,000 ITAs in 2026, surpassing 66% of the federal high-skilled admissions target of 109,000. With category-based draws also competing for space, IRCC may be recalibrating its approach to avoid exceeding targets.
3. Upcoming Express Entry Overhaul: IRCC recently concluded consultations on a proposed overhaul of the Express Entry system, which could replace CEC, FSW, and FST with a single federal high-skilled immigration program. The pause in draws may be related to preparations for this transition, though no timeline has been confirmed.
4. Operational Adjustments: IRCC may be implementing internal changes or addressing technical issues that have temporarily disrupted the draw schedule. Such pauses have occurred in the past without long-term implications.

If You Weren't Invited — What to Do Now

The absence of a draw this week does not necessarily mean your Express Entry journey is over. Here are actionable steps to improve your chances in future draws:

1. Boost Your CRS Score

If your CRS score is close to the recent CEC cut-off range of 507-518, small improvements could make a significant difference. Consider the following strategies:

• Retake Language Tests: Even a slight improvement in your IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF scores can add valuable CRS points. For example, improving your CLB level from 9 to 10 in all four language abilities can add up to 22 points.
• Add a Second Language: If you are fluent in French, taking the TEF Canada or TCF Canada test can add up to 50 CRS points for strong bilingualism.
• Gain More Skilled Work Experience: Additional years of Canadian work experience can increase your CRS score, particularly if you transition from 1 year to 3 years of experience.
• Obtain a Provincial Nomination: A nomination from a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) adds 600 CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an ITA in the next draw. Research PNP streams aligned with your profile.

2. Explore Alternative Pathways

If your CRS score is significantly below the recent cut-offs, consider alternative immigration pathways:

• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Many provinces offer streams for candidates with lower CRS scores or specific skills. For example, Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities stream occasionally targets candidates with CRS scores as low as 400.
• Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): This employer-driven program allows candidates with job offers in Atlantic Canada to apply for permanent residence, even with lower CRS scores.
• Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP): This community-driven program targets candidates willing to live and work in smaller Canadian communities. Job offers from participating employers can lead to permanent residence.

3. Leverage Your Spouse or Common-Law Partner

If you have an accompanying spouse or common-law partner, their profile can help improve your CRS score:

• Language Proficiency: Your partner’s language test results can contribute up to 20 CRS points.
• Education: Your partner’s Canadian or foreign educational credentials can add up to 10 CRS points.
• Canadian Work Experience: If your partner has Canadian work experience, this can contribute additional points to your profile.

4. Prepare for the Upcoming Express Entry Overhaul

IRCC’s proposed overhaul of the Express Entry system could significantly impact your immigration strategy. While details are still limited, here’s what you can do to stay informed:

• Monitor IRCC Announcements: Follow official IRCC updates for news on the proposed changes, including timelines and eligibility criteria for the new federal high-skilled program.
• Assess Your Competitiveness: If the new system prioritizes candidates with Canadian work experience, ensure your profile highlights your ties to Canada, such as work experience, education, or language proficiency.
• Consult an Immigration Professional: If you’re unsure how the proposed changes may affect your application, consider seeking advice from a regulated Canadian immigration consultant (RCIC) or lawyer.

Impact on Different Applicant Types

The skipped draws in June 2026 affect various groups of Express Entry candidates differently:

1. Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Candidates

CEC candidates are the most directly impacted by the pause in draws. With 37,250 CEC ITAs already issued in 2026, IRCC may be slowing down to manage the processing backlog. However, the growing pool of high-scoring candidates (17,945 in the 501-600 CRS range) could lead to higher cut-offs in future draws if the draw frequency does not increase.

Candidates with CRS scores near the recent cut-off range of 507-518 should act quickly to improve their scores, as competition is intensifying. Those with scores below 500 may need to explore PNPs or other pathways to secure an ITA.

2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Candidates

The absence of a PNP draw on June 8, 2026, is unusual, as IRCC has maintained a consistent biweekly schedule for PNP draws throughout the year. PNP candidates typically have higher CRS scores due to the 600-point boost from a provincial nomination, but the pause in draws could delay their path to permanent residence.

Candidates with provincial nominations should ensure their Express Entry profiles are up to date and monitor IRCC’s draw schedule closely. If the pause in PNP draws continues, it may indicate a shift in IRCC’s approach to managing PNP applications.

3. International Students and Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Holders

International students and PGWP holders relying on the CEC stream for permanent residence may face delays due to the skipped draws. Many PGWP holders transition to permanent residence through the CEC, and the pause in draws could extend their temporary status in Canada.

If you are a PGWP holder, consider the following steps:

• Extend Your Work Permit: If your PGWP is expiring soon, explore options to extend your work permit, such as applying for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) if you have a pending permanent residence application.
• Gain More Work Experience: Additional Canadian work experience can improve your CRS score and increase your chances in future draws.
• Explore PNPs: Some provinces offer streams specifically for international students, such as Ontario’s Masters or PhD Graduate streams.

4. Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) and Federal Skilled Trades (FST) Candidates

While FSW and FST draws have been less frequent in 2026, the pause in CEC and PNP draws could signal a broader slowdown in Express Entry activity. FSW and FST candidates should continue to monitor the draw schedule and explore alternative pathways, such as PNPs or the upcoming federal high-skilled program.

Historical Context: How This Compares to Past Draw Pauses

IRCC has skipped Express Entry draws in the past, though such pauses are relatively rare. Here’s how the current situation compares to historical trends:

• 2021: IRCC paused CEC draws from September 2021 to January 2022 to address a backlog of applications. During this period, only PNP draws were held, with cut-offs remaining high (e.g., 760+ for PNP draws).
• 2022: IRCC resumed CEC draws in January 2022 but skipped several draws in the summer due to operational adjustments. The pause led to a temporary increase in CRS cut-offs for subsequent draws.
• 2023: IRCC maintained a consistent draw schedule throughout the year, with only one skipped CEC draw in October. The pause was brief and did not significantly impact CRS cut-offs.
• 2024-2025: IRCC continued its biweekly draw pattern, with no major pauses. The consistency in draws helped stabilize CRS cut-offs and provided predictability for candidates.

The current pause in June 2026 is notable because it follows a period of unprecedented draw frequency in early 2026. With 37,250 CEC ITAs issued by mid-June, IRCC may be slowing down to manage the processing backlog and avoid exceeding its annual targets. However, the growing pool of high-scoring candidates could lead to higher cut-offs if draws resume at a slower pace.

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