Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 2,000 invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence through the Express Entry system.

The latest draw was held for candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 521 to receive an invitation in this draw.

Candidates also needed to have created an Express Entry profile before 3:24 a.m. UTC on August 18, 2026.

Summary Of Express Entry Draws

DateDraw TypeCRS Cut-Off ScoreITAs Issued
September 1Canadian Experience Class5212,000
August 31Provincial Nominee Program697562
August 19French-Language proficiency3825,000
August 18Canadian Experience Class5231,000
August 17Provincial Nominee Program760442
August 7Transport470300
August 6French-Language proficiency3915,000
August 5Canadian Experience Class5163,000
August 4Provincial Nominee Program768507
July 23Skilled Military Recruits3684
July 22French-Language proficiency3995,000
July 21Canadian Experience Class5162,000
July 20Provincial Nominee Program744511
July 10Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience392500
July 9French-Language proficiency4205,000
July 7Canadian Experience Class5172,000
July 6Provincial Nominee Program708534
June 25Healthcare and social services4754,000
June 24Physicians with Canadian Work Experience223271
June 23Canadian Experience Class5164,000
June 22Provincial Nominee Program730955
May 28French-Language proficiency4094,500
May 27Canadian Experience Class5183,000
May 25Provincial Nominee Program805334
May 11Provincial Nominee Program798380
April 29French-Language proficiency4004,000
April 28Canadian Experience Class5142,000
April 27Provincial Nominee Program795473
April 15French-Language proficiency4194,000
April 14Canadian Experience Class5152,000
April 13Provincial Nominee Program786324
April 2Trades4773,000
March 31Canadian Experience Class5092,250
March 30Provincial Nominee Program802356
March 18French-Language proficiency3934,000
March 17Canadian Experience Class5074,000
March 16Provincial Nominee Program742362
March 5Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience429250
March 4French-Language proficiency3975,500
March 3Canadian Experience Class5084,000
March 2Provincial Nominee Program710264
February 20Healthcare and social services4674,000
February 19Physicians with Canadian Work Experience169391
February 17Canadian Experience Class5086,000
February 16Provincial Nominee Program789279
February 6French-Language proficiency4008,500
February 3Provincial Nominee Program749423
January 21Canadian Experience Class5096,000
January 20Provincial Nominee Program746681
January 7Canadian Experience Class5118,000
January 5Provincial Nominee Program711574

The latest selection brings the total number of Express Entry draws held by IRCC in 2026 to 51.

The latest draw also shows the continued focus on candidates who already have a connection to Canada. Canadian Experience Class candidates and provincial nominees have received a large share of invitations this year.

Express Entry Draws By Type

Draw TypeNumber Of Draws
Provincial Nominee Program17
Canadian Experience Class15
French-Language proficiency10
Physicians with Canadian work experience2
Healthcare and social services2
Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience2
Trades1
Transport1
Skilled Military Recruits1

CEC has been one of the main draw types used by IRCC during 2026.

The latest draw follows a CEC draw on August 18, when 1,000 candidates received invitations with a CRS cut-off of 523.

The CRS cut-off in the latest draw was two points lower than the August 18 draw.

Express Entry Invitations Issued In 2026

IRCC has issued 117,427 invitations through Express Entry in 2026 across different draw types.

Draw TypeITAs Issued
Canadian Experience Class51,250
French-Language proficiency50,500
Provincial Nominee Program7,961
Healthcare and social services8,000
Trades3,000
Transport300
Physicians with Canadian work experience662
Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience750
Skilled Military Recruits4

The Canadian Experience Class has received the largest number of invitations so far this year, with 51,250 ITAs.

French-language proficiency draws have also made up a large share of invitations, with 50,500 ITAs issued through this category.

What Does The Latest Draw Mean For CEC Candidates?

The latest selection shows that candidates with Canadian work experience continue to have a strong place in the Express Entry system.

The CEC helps skilled workers with eligible Canadian work experience apply for permanent residence. Moreover, the CRS ranks candidates based on age, education, language skills and work experience.

The CRS score needed for an invitation can change from one draw to another. The number of candidates selected and the type of draw can affect the cut-off score.

Candidates who receive an ITA must submit a complete permanent residence application within 60 days.

The latest draw brings another large group of Canadian Experience Class candidates closer to permanent residence in Canada.

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