The Canadian government agency Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) implemented its latest Express Entry draw to continue choosing skilled workers who will receive Canadian permanent residency. The latest round took place on 3 March targeting candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program. The IRCC conducted this draw to issue 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) which went to eligible candidates who belonged to the Express Entry pool. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score maintained its previous CEC round score of 508 points. Canada uses this draw to select candidates who possess Canadian work experience because these candidates will adapt to the labor market requirements in less time.
Highlights of the Latest Express Entry Draw On March 3
● Draw Date – 3 March 2026
● Draw Type – Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
● Number of Invitations – 4,000
● CRS Score – 508
Express Entry Activity in March 2026
The March 3 draw follows the first Express Entry draw of March which took place on March 2 2026 when 264 candidates received invitations under the Provincial Nominee Program PNP. The IRCC uses different drawing methods to select specific candidate groups from the Express Entry pool according to its operational procedures.
The Express Entry system conducts its draws every two weeks to evaluate pool candidates through the Comprehensive Ranking System CRS which considers their age educational background professional experience and language skills. The highest ranking candidates receive invitations to apply for permanent residence.
What This Draw Means for Candidates
The March 3 draw continues Canada’s focus on inviting skilled workers who already have Canadian work experience, making them strong candidates for long-term integration into the labour market. The Canadian Experience Class serves as one of the primary immigration routes which the Express Entry system controls, specifically for applicants who possess Canadian work experience and seek to obtain permanent residency.
Express Entry candidates who obtain an Invitation to Apply (ITA) must complete their permanent residence application and submit all necessary documents which include work experience evidence, language test results, and educational credentials within a 60-day timeframe.
2026 CEC Express Entry Draws
| Date | Draw Type | ITAs Issued | CRS Cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 7 | Canadian Experience Class | 8,000 | 511 |
| January 21 | Canadian Experience Class | 6,000 | 509 |
| February 17 | Canadian Experience Class | 6,000 | 508 |
| March 3 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 508 |