Dear future neighbour,
If you’ve been waiting for a good time to take your Canadian permanent residency dream seriously, that time might be right now.
See below details of the recent CEC draw:
- Canada sent out 6,000 invitations to skilled workers through its Express Entry system
- This draw specifically targeted candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- The score needed to qualify dropped to 508, the lowest it has been since 2024
So what is the Canadian Experience Class?
The CEC is a pathway designed for people who already have work experience in Canada. If you’ve worked there and built your life there even temporarily, this stream is essentially Canada saying, “We want you to stay.” The government has been heavily focused on this group in 2026, having now run three CEC-specific draws in just the first two months of the year.
In fact, since January, Canada has handed out over 20,000 invitations to CEC candidates alone, which tells you exactly where the country’s immigration priorities are sitting right now.
Summary of Express Entry draws 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 |
What does a lower score mean for you?
Every point counts in Express Entry. When the cutoff score drops, it opens the door for thousands of people who may have been just out of reach before. A score of 508 means more people qualify, and if your score is close to that range, now is the time to get your profile in order.
This is your sign to act
Whether you have Canadian work experience, you’re thinking about studying in Canada, or you’re exploring other immigration routes like Provincial Nomination, the window of opportunity is open right now and these windows don’t stay open forever.
Our team helps people navigate exactly this kind of moment – from Express Entry and Provincial Nomination to school admissions and more. Don’t guess your way through the process. Book a 30-minute 0r 60-minute consultation with us today and let’s figure out the best pathway for your situation together.