Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a new Express Entry draw on April 28, 2026. This round targeted candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). As a result, IRCC invited 2,000 candidates to apply for Canadian permanent residence.

To qualify, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 514. Overall, this cut-off reflects steady competition among applicants with Canadian work experience.

Check Your Skilled Assessment & Eligibility

Key Highlights of the April 28, 2026 Draw

  • Draw Name: Canadian Experience Class
  • Date and Time: April 28, 2026 at 10:36:46 UTC
  • CRS Score: 514
  • Invitations Issued: 2,000
  • Rank Required: 2,000 or above
  • Tie-Breaking Rule: September 24, 2025 at 14:18:43 UTC
If more than one candidate had the lowest CRS score, IRCC selected profiles based on the date and time they submitted their Express Entry profiles. Therefore, candidates who applied earlier received priority.

What is the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)?

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is designed for skilled workers who already have Canadian work experience. In simple terms, it is one of the fastest pathways to permanent residency in Canada. Moreover, candidates with local work experience are considered more adaptable to the Canadian labour market. Because of this, IRCC frequently prioritizes them in Express Entry draws.

Understanding Express Entry Programs

IRCC manages three main immigration programs through Express Entry:
  • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
  • Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
These programs help Canada select skilled professionals based on labour market needs and economic priorities.

How the CRS Score Works

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) ranks candidates based on factors such as:
  • Age
  • Education
  • Work experience
  • Language proficiency
In addition, candidates can gain extra points through Canadian experience, valid job offers, or provincial nominations. As a result, higher CRS scores significantly improve the chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Steps to Get an ITA

If you are planning to apply through Express Entry, here’s a simple process:
  • First, check your eligibility under FSWP, FSTP, or CEC
  • Next, create your Express Entry profile
  • Then, receive your CRS score
  • Finally, wait for a draw and get an ITA if your score meets the cut-off

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry is Canada’s online system used to manage applications for skilled immigration. It allows IRCC to select candidates efficiently based on CRS scores and current labour market requirements.

Check Your Skilled Assessment & Eligibility

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