Express Entry Draw 396 Invites 6,000 Canadian Experience Class Candidates

A CRS score of 470 can be considered moderately competitive for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), but its success depends on the size and frequency of draws and the number of candidates in the pool. Historically, CEC-specific draws have issued invitations at lower CRS cut-offs than general Express Entry rounds because they target candidates with Canadian work experience. In recent category-based and program-specific draws, CRS thresholds have varied widely. A score of 470 may be sufficient if larger CEC draws are conducted or if the pool composition changes, but it is not guaranteed. Candidates at this level should still focus on improving language results, gaining additional Canadian work experience, or pursuing a provincial nomination to strengthen their chances.

To qualify for a Canadian Experience Class draw, candidates must meet the program requirements under the Express Entry system. This includes at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation, meeting the required language proficiency, and planning to live outside the province of Quebec. Work experience must be obtained with proper authorization and cannot include self-employment or most periods of full-time study. Candidates must also create an Express Entry profile and receive a CRS score. Only those already in the pool and meeting CEC eligibility are considered when IRCC conducts program-specific CEC draws.

CEC CRS cut-off scores can decrease when draw sizes increase or when fewer high-scoring candidates are present in the pool. Program-specific draws typically have lower cut-offs than general rounds because they limit invitations to candidates with Canadian work experience. If Canada prioritizes in-Canada applicants to support labour market retention, larger CEC draws could lead to lower CRS thresholds. However, if draw sizes remain small or if many high-scoring candidates enter the pool, scores may stay elevated. The trend therefore depends more on draw volume and immigration targets than on the program itself.

Yes. Work experience in TEER 3 occupations under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) is eligible for the Canadian Experience Class, provided all other program requirements are met. TEER 3 includes many technical and skilled trades occupations that require college education or apprenticeship training. Candidates must still complete at least one year of full-time, skilled, authorized work in Canada and meet the minimum language requirement for their occupation category. This inclusion allows a broader range of workers, particularly in trades and technical roles, to qualify for permanent residence through Express Entry.

The largest CEC draw took place in 2021, when Canada issued a historic number of invitations to in-Canada candidates to accelerate permanent residence admissions during travel restrictions. That draw invited over 27,000 candidates in a single round and had a significantly reduced CRS cut-off. While this was an exceptional, policy-driven event, it demonstrated how draw size directly affects CRS scores. Since then, CEC draws have returned to smaller, more targeted rounds aligned with annual immigration levels and processing capacity.

Express Entry is competitive rather than “hard,” as success depends on a candidate’s CRS score and profile strength. The system ranks applicants based on objective factors such as age, education, language ability, work experience, and adaptability. High CRS cut-offs in general draws make direct invitations challenging for some candidates, but multiple pathways exist to improve selection chances, including provincial nominations, arranged employment, Canadian education, or stronger language results. For CEC candidates, having Canadian work experience already provides a significant advantage compared to overseas applicants.

There is no officially published CRS cut-off for future CEC draws. Based on recent trends, CEC cut-offs are typically lower than general Express Entry draws but higher when draw sizes are small. The threshold in 2026 will depend on how many invitations are issued, the number of high-scoring candidates in the pool, and Canada’s focus on in-Canada immigration. If larger program-specific draws resume, CRS scores could fall. If draws remain limited, the cut-off may stay in the higher range.

Yes. When applying for permanent residence through Express Entry under the Canadian Experience Class, applicants can include their spouse or common-law partner and dependent children in the same application. Family members will receive permanent resident status at the same time as the principal applicant, provided all medical, security, and eligibility requirements are met. If family members are not accompanying initially, they can be sponsored later under Canada’s family reunification programs.

Express Entry does not automatically guarantee permanent residence. It is a selection system used to invite the highest-ranking candidates to apply for PR. Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) allows candidates to submit a complete application, which is then assessed by IRCC for eligibility, admissibility, and document verification. Permanent residence is granted only after the application is approved. However, candidates with strong CRS scores, valid information, and complete documentation generally have high success rates once invited.