Canadaopen

Canada has conducted its first Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Express Entry draw in four weeks, issuing 3,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 518.

This marks the latest move by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to prioritize candidates with Canadian work experience, continuing a trend seen throughout 2026. The previous CEC draw took place on April 28, when 2,000 candidates received invitations with a CRS cut-off of 514.

Key highlights from the May 27 draw:

* Draw type: Canadian Experience Class
* Invitations issued: 3,000
* CRS cut-off: 518
* First CEC-specific draw in four weeks

Recent Express Entry rounds in 2026 have mainly focused on:

* Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates
* Canadian Experience Class applicants
* French-language proficiency candidates

The increase in CRS scores reflects growing competition in the Express Entry pool, especially among candidates scoring above 500. CIC News recently reported that the pool has become more competitive despite slower overall growth.

For eligible temporary foreign workers and international graduates already in Canada, this draw signals that IRCC continues to prioritize in-Canada applicants as part of its immigration strategy for 2026.