Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted another Express Entry draw, issuing 2,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to eligible candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). The latest invitation round took place on July 21, 2026, reaffirming Canada's commitment to retaining skilled workers who have already gained valuable work experience in the country.
Candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 516 to receive an invitation. Compared to Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws, CEC rounds generally have lower CRS cut-offs because applicants are ranked based on their individual qualifications rather than receiving the additional 600 CRS points awarded through a provincial nomination.
Express Entry Draw #428: Key Highlights
✅ Invitation Round: #428
✅ Date of Round: July 21, 2026
✅ Type of Deaw: Canadian Experience Class
✅ Number of ITAs Issued: 2,000
✅ CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate Invited: 516
✅ Tie-Breaking Rule: March 15, 2026 at 01:46:05 UTC
Overview of the Latest CEC Draw
The latest Express Entry draw exclusively targeted candidates under the Canadian Experience Class, one of the key immigration pathways managed through Canada's Express Entry system. By inviting 2,000 candidates, IRCC continues to create opportunities for skilled foreign workers who have already established themselves in the Canadian labour market.
The CRS cut-off of 516 reflects the competitiveness of the current Express Entry pool while remaining considerably lower than PNP-specific draws. Since CEC applicants do not receive the 600 bonus CRS points associated with provincial nominations, their scores are based on factors such as age, education, language proficiency, and skilled work experience. IRCC also applied the March 15, 2026, at 01:46:05 UTC tie-breaking rule, meaning candidates with a CRS score of 516 were invited only if they had submitted their Express Entry profiles before that date and time.
Impact on Canada's Immigration System
The latest Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw reflects Canada's continued focus on retaining skilled talent that is already contributing to the country's economy. By prioritising candidates with Canadian work experience, IRCC is strengthening an immigration system that supports long-term economic growth while reducing labour shortages across key sectors.
Regular CEC draws also help create a smoother transition for temporary foreign workers and international graduates seeking permanent residence. These candidates are often well-integrated into Canadian society, making them more likely to succeed in the labour market and settle successfully in their communities.
As Canada works toward achieving its immigration targets, the Canadian Experience Class is expected to remain an important component of the Express Entry system, helping the country build a stable, skilled, and experienced workforce for the future.
Understanding the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is one of the three federal immigration programs managed through the Express Entry system. It is intended for skilled workers who have acquired at least one year of eligible work experience in Canada and meet the required language proficiency criteria.
Unlike Provincial Nominee Program draws, CEC invitations are issued based solely on a candidate's Comprehensive Ranking System score, which considers factors such as age, education, work experience, language ability, and adaptability. For many temporary residents already contributing to Canada's economy, the Canadian Experience Class remains one of the fastest and most accessible pathways to obtaining permanent residence.