Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Department recently conducted a surprise draw on a statutory holiday, issuing 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITA) through the Express Entry system. These ITAs were specifically for candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
To qualify for this draw, candidates had to meet the following criteria:
- Attain a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 508
- Create an Express Entry candidate profile before 9:35 a.m. Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on March 16, 2025
Express Entry Draws Overview in 2026
| Draw Date | Draw Type | CRS Cut-off Score | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 17 | Canadian Experience Class | 508 | 6,000 |
| February 16 | Provincial Nominee Program | 789 | 279 |
| February 6 | French-Language Proficiency | 400 | 8,500 |
| February 3 | Provincial Nominee Program | 749 | 423 |
| January 21 | Canadian Experience Class | 509 | 6,000 |
| January 20 | Provincial Nominee Program | 746 | 681 |
| January 7 | Canadian Experience Class | 511 | 8,000 |
| January 5 | Provincial Nominee Program | 711 | 574 |
This draw marks the eighth Express Entry selection of the year and the third draw specifically targeting CEC candidates in 2026. The immigration department has been focusing on candidates within the country, especially those with provincial nominations.