In-Canada Candidates receive yet another great news from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada through the September 29, 2026 – Express Entry CEC Draw with 2,000 ITAs issued as CRS Score drops to 518.This was the last immigration selection process of the month conducted under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program. In this round, IRCC issued 2,000 invitations for permanent residency to Canada. The CRS cut-off score was set at 518 points.
Highlights of Last Express Entry CEC Draw September 29, 2026
- Draw Date – September 29, 2026
- Draw Category – Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Total Invitations Issued – 2000
- Minimum CRS Score Required – 518
Analysis of Three Consecutive CRS Draw Drops since the August Peak
With the current CRS threshold score of 518 points being reached, the continued decline of candidates holding Canadian work experience is confirmed.
Once IRCC has lowered the CEC quota to 1,000 ITAs on August 18, the cutoff has risen to the year’s peak value – 523.
Still, due to the stable quota of 2,000 ITAs issued during each of the next three draws, the cutoff has systematically dropped –
- September 29 – 518 points (2,000 ITAs, -1 point)
- September 15 – 519 points (2,000 ITAs, -2 points)
- September 1 – 521 points (2,000 ITAs, -2 points)
- August 18 – 523 points (1,000 ITAs)
By reaching 518 points with the issuance of 2,000 invitations, it is clear that the pool density for 520+ has become insufficient for continuing the score threshold rise, returning it to the 514-518 points interval characteristic of the spring period.
Tracking CEC Draws Across 2026
Below is a table that shows the recent rounds of selections of the Canadian Experience Class carried out by IRCC during summer and fall.
| Draw Date | Round Type | Invitations Issued (ITAs) | Minimum CRS Score | Score Shift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 29, 2026 | Canadian Experience Class | 2,000 | 518 | -1 point |
| September 15, 2026 | Canadian Experience Class | 2,000 | 519 | -2 points |
| September 1, 2026 | Canadian Experience Class | 2,000 | 521 | -2 points |
| August 18, 2026 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,000 | 523 | +7 points |
| August 5, 2026 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 516 | 0 points |
| July 21, 2026 | Canadian Experience Class | 2,000 | 516 | — |
In 17 rounds carried out in 2026, IRCC has sent out 55,250 PR invitations via the CEC pathway, thereby establishing itself as the leading economic class for foreign temporary workers and graduates.
What Invited Candidates Should Do Now
Invited candidates who received their Invitation to Apply in the Express Entry CEC Draw held on September 29, 2026: 2,000 ITAs Offered with CRs Score Decreasing to 518 have 60 days to file a complete electronic application for permanent residency.
Critical actions that must be taken by invited candidates –
- Work Experience Evidence – Submit official reference letters proving 12 months of experience in skilled occupations under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3, along with T4 tax documents and pay slips and Notice of Assessment.
- Medical & Police Clearances – Complete the medical examinations in advance through Panel Physicians and get police clearances from all countries where you have been living for 6+ consecutive months after age 18.
- Language Test – Make sure that the language test results submitted in your profile (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF) are complete and valid as per your claimed benchmark CLB scores.
For the candidates whose score is currently lower than 518 points –
- Consider Category Qualifications: Those profiles with proficiency in French language (NCLC 7+) or healthcare sector have continued access to rounds in categories with cut-offs much lower than those for CEC (382-475 points).
- Consider Provincial Nominations: If you get nomination by a provincial government (such as Ontario OINP, BC PNP, or Alberta AAIP), you receive a huge boost of 600 points which ensures your invitation in PNP draw.