IRCC Issues 2,000 ITAs in Express Entry CEC draw with a minimum CRS score of 516

By Vicky
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted another Express Entry draw, inviting 2,000 candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) stream. The latest Express Entry Draw 428, held on July 21, 2026, required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 516, continuing the trend of high CRS cut-offs for CEC-specific draws.
The draw highlights IRCC’s continued focus on selecting skilled workers with Canadian work experience for Canada Permanent Residence (PR) through the Express Entry system.

Latest Express Entry Draw 428 Results

Draw Details Information
Draw Number #428
Date July 21, 2026
Program Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Invitations to Apply (ITAs) 2,000
Minimum CRS Score 516
Tie-breaking Rule May 26, 2026, at 17:33:03 UTC

CRS Score Drops Slightly in Express Entry Draw 428

The previous Express Entry CEC draw, held on July 7, 2026, invited 2,000 candidates with a CRS score of 517. In the latest round, the CRS cut-off decreased by just one point to 516, indicating that competition among CEC candidates remains consistently high.

Over the past several CEC draws, the CRS cut-off has remained between 516 and 518, showing that the Express Entry pool continues to attract a large number of highly qualified candidates.

What is the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)?

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is one of Canada’s three federal immigration programs managed under the Express Entry system. It is designed for skilled workers who have gained eligible work experience in Canada and wish to become permanent residents.

To qualify under CEC, applicants generally need:

  • At least one year of skilled Canadian work experience
  • Eligible language test results
  • An active Express Entry profile
  • A competitive Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score

Candidates are ranked using the CRS, which considers factors such as age, education, language proficiency, Canadian work experience, foreign work experience, and additional points from provincial nominations or other qualifying factors.

Current Express Entry Pool Snapshot

As of July 19, 2026, there were 231,533 candidates in the Express Entry pool. The distribution of candidates shows that competition remains intense, particularly among those with CRS scores above 500.

CRS Score Range Number of Candidates
601–1200 511
501–600 18,133
451–500 72,579
401–450 63,877
351–400 51,107
301–350 17,490
0–300 7,836
Total 231,533

The large number of candidates in the 501–600 CRS range explains why recent CEC draws continue to have CRS cut-offs above 500.

What Does This Mean for Express Entry Candidates?

The latest draw confirms that IRCC is maintaining a steady invitation pattern for Canadian Experience Class candidates. Applicants with CRS scores close to 516 remain competitive, while those below the cut-off may need to improve their profiles to increase their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Candidates can improve their CRS score by:

  • Retaking IELTS or CELPIP to achieve higher language scores
  • Gaining additional Canadian work experience
  • Completing higher educational qualifications
  • Improving French language proficiency
  • Obtaining a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination, which adds 600 CRS points

Source : This article is based on the latest information released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and verified through reputable Canadian immigration news sources. Immigration policies and Express Entry draw results may change without prior notice. Readers are encouraged to refer to the official IRCC website for the most up-to-date information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the latest Express Entry draw?
The latest Express Entry draw was a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw in which IRCC invited 2,000 candidates to apply for Canada Permanent Residence. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 516.
What is the minimum CRS score for the latest CEC draw?
The latest CEC Express Entry draw required a minimum CRS score of 516. Candidates with this score or higher, who also met the tie-breaking rule, received Invitations to Apply (ITAs).
Is a CRS score of 516 considered competitive?
Yes. A CRS score of 516 is considered competitive in recent CEC-specific Express Entry draws. However, the required score can increase or decrease depending on the number of candidates in the Express Entry pool and IRCC’s invitation strategy.
What is the difference between a CEC draw and a PNP draw?
A CEC draw invites candidates with eligible Canadian work experience, while a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw targets candidates who have received a nomination from a Canadian province or territory. PNP nominees receive an additional 600 CRS points, significantly increasing their chances of receiving an ITA.

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