In the new Express Entry draw conducted under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence have been issued. The draw required the candidates to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 507, marking the lowest cut-off score for CEC candidates in the past 18 months. Candidates who created an Express Entry profile before 6:57 p.m. (UTC) on 11th May 2025, were considered for the CEC draw held on 17th March, 2026.
Throughout 2026, the CRS cut-off score has been gradually reduced. Also, IRCC continues to hold larger and more frequent draws. In 2026, there have been 16 Express Entry draws and 5 CEC draws. 28,000 ITAs under the CEC draw type have been issued in 2026, making the CEC program the issuer of the highest number of ITAs in Canada.
The consistent CEC draws and the larger invitations issued give the candidates increased and better immigration possibilities. This makes the Canadian PR more attainable in 2026. With priority given to candidates already in Canada, temporary residents in the country have the best opportunity to transition to permanent residency in 2026.
Read to know: Updated Biometric Appointment Guidelines for Indians Applying to Canada (2026)
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