Canada invites 2,000 skilled workers to apply for permanent residency in latest Express Entry draw, CRS cut-off falls to 519

Canada has invited 2,000 skilled workers to apply for permanent residence through the latest Express Entry draw, with the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off falling to 519. The September 15 draw targeted Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates, according to CIC News. Candidates needed a minimum CRS score of 519 and must have created their Express Entry profile before 12:16 a.m. UTC on March 26, 2026.

The latest selection takes the number of Express Entry draws held by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in 2026 to 55.

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Latest Express Entry draw

The September 15 selection was the second CEC draw this month. The previous CEC draw on September 1 also issued 2,000 ITAs, but the CRS cut-off was higher at 521.

A day before the latest draw, IRCC invited 576 candidates through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), with a CRS cut-off of 734.

CEC candidates are foreign nationals with eligible Canadian work experience who meet the requirements of Express Entry.

PNP and CEC candidates have accounted for a large share of Express Entry selections this year. Of the 55 draws held so far, 18 have targeted PNP candidates and 16 have targeted the CEC.

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IRCC's September 13 pool data showed 226,793 Express Entry profiles. The number of candidates in the 501–600 CRS range rose by 1,242 from August 30 to 20,784.

Candidates with CRS scores above 500 totalled 21,358. The September 13 snapshot does not include the ITAs issued in the September 14 PNP and September 15 CEC draws.

128,732 ITAs issued in 2026

IRCC has issued 128,732 ITAs through Express Entry draws so far this year. The CEC accounts for 51,250 invitations, followed by French-language proficiency draws with 50,500.

Healthcare and social services candidates have received 11,500 ITAs, while PNP draws have resulted in 8,537 invitations. Other categories include trades, transport, physicians with Canadian work experience, senior managers with Canadian work experience and skilled military recruits.

Applicants in Canada pursuing permanent residence through Express Entry may also be eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP).

If an applicant's existing work permit expires before their BOWP application is finalised, maintained status may allow them to continue working under the same conditions as their current permit, provided they remain in Canada. Eligible family members may also be able to apply for a BOWP.