Canada has conducted its latest Express Entry draw, inviting 2,000 candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) to apply for permanent residence. The draw was held on September 29, 2026, with the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score set at 518.

The latest draw follows Canada's ongoing use of program-specific Express Entry rounds for candidates with Canadian work experience. The CEC is one of the three programs managed through Canada's Express Entry system.

Check Your Skilled Assessment & Eligibility

Key Highlights

  • Draw Date: September 29, 2026
  • Draw Type: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
  • Number of ITAs Issued: 2,000
  • Minimum CRS Score: 518
  • Rank Needed: 2,000 or above
  • Tie-Breaking Rule: February 13, 2026 at 20:48:08 UTC

The tie-breaking rule applies when multiple candidates have the same lowest CRS score. Candidates who had a CRS score of 518 and submitted their Express Entry profiles before the specified date and time received priority in the draw.

Why This Draw Matters

The September 29 draw demonstrates Canada's continued focus on candidates eligible under the Canadian Experience Class. The CEC is designed for skilled workers who have eligible Canadian work experience and want to become permanent residents.

Under the CEC, candidates generally need at least one year or 1,560 hours of eligible skilled Canadian work experience within the three years before applying. The experience must meet the applicable requirements for skilled work under Canada's occupational classification system. Candidates must also meet the required language standards in English or French.

Express Entry and CRS Score

Express Entry manages applications for Canada's three federal economic immigration programs: the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program and Federal Skilled Trades Program. Eligible candidates create an Express Entry profile and are ranked using the CRS. IRCC then invites candidates through different rounds of invitations.

The CRS considers factors such as age, education, language ability, Canadian work experience and other profile information. Candidates can monitor their CRS score and update their profile when their circumstances change.

Opportunities for CEC Candidates

Candidates with eligible Canadian work experience can review their eligibility for the Canadian Experience Class and ensure their Express Entry profiles contain accurate and up-to-date information.

Important areas to review include:

  • Canadian work experience
  • NOC and TEER classification
  • English or French language test results
  • Education credentials
  • Personal information
  • Express Entry profile validity

Candidates with foreign education may also receive CRS points if they have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for immigration purposes.

What to Do If You Received an ITA

Candidates who received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the September 29 draw should begin preparing their permanent residence application.

Applicants should ensure that their supporting documents are complete and that the information in their application matches the information provided in their Express Entry profile. Depending on the individual case, documents may include:

  • Language test results
  • Work experience documents
  • Education credentials
  • Police certificates
  • Identification documents
  • Other supporting documents required by IRCC

Check Your Skilled Assessment & Eligibility

If You Were Not Invited

Candidates who were not invited can remain in the Express Entry pool if their profile remains valid and they continue to meet the applicable requirements.

Candidates may review their CRS score and consider whether they can improve their ranking through factors such as higher language test results, additional eligible Canadian work experience, further education or other applicable CRS factors.

If you are planning to apply through Canada's Express Entry system, assessing your eligibility and CRS score can help you understand the immigration pathways available based on your profile.

Stay updated with the latest Canada immigration news and Express Entry draw updates with Immigration Experts.

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