IRCC Issues 4,000 ITAs For the Express Entry CEC Draw With a Minimum CRS Score of 508

By Vicky

Mar 4, 2026 | 2 min read

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted Express Entry Draw 400, inviting 4,000 candidates to apply for Canadian permanent residence under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), one of the key economic immigration pathways in Canada’s Express Entry system. This draw, held on March 3, 2026, marked another major selection event in Canada’s targeted immigration strategy. To receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 508.

Key Highlights – Express Entry Draw 400

Draw Number: #400
Program: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Date of Round: March 3, 2026
Invitations to Apply (ITAs): 4,000
Minimum CRS Score: 508
Tie-Breaking Rule: Candidates with the same CRS score had to have submitted their profiles on or before June 24, 2025 at 22:35:48 UTC to be invited.

This continued focus on the CEC program reflects IRCC’s broader strategy to transition temporary residents with Canadian work experience into permanent residents, a trend seen consistently throughout early 2026.

What This Express Entry Draw 400 Means for Express Entry Candidates

For many Express Entry aspirants, a CRS score around 508 places them in a competitive position for this and upcoming draws. Even small improvements in language scores, work experience documentation, or additional qualifications can significantly strengthen a profile ahead of future rounds.

Candidates who received an ITA now have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence, including supporting documents such as:

Police certificates
Medical examination results
Educational credential assessments
Proof of current employment or funds
Valid language test results

Missing the deadline will automatically cancel the invitation.

Express Entry Trends in 2026

Canada’s Express Entry system continues to adopt category-based draw patterns, targeting specific streams like CEC, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), healthcare occupations, and French language proficiency. Recent rounds include:

Express Entry Draw #399 (March 2): 264 ITAs issued under the PNP with a CRS cut-off of 710.
Earlier 2026 Rounds: Healthcare and social service professionals, physicians with Canadian experience, and large French-language proficiency draws were also held, demonstrating a diversified selection approach.

This strategic use of category-based rounds helps Canada address specific labour market needs while keeping its skilled immigration pipeline robust.

Looking Ahead

As the Express Entry pool continues to evolve, candidates with strong profiles, particularly those with Canadian experience, job offers, or provincial nominations, remain well positioned for future invitations. Staying informed about CRS trends and preparing complete documentation early can significantly improve chances of success in the Canadian immigration journey.