Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has announced the beginning of the fall selection process, whereby the First Express Entry Draw Of September 2026 Canada Invites 2000 Candidates is targeted towards domestic candidates. It was held on 01 September 2026, using the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program route, through which IRCC gave out 2,000 invites for Canadian permanent residence. The lowest CRS threshold was set at 521 points, marking a much-needed reprieve of 2 points from the annual high point in August.
Highlights of Express Entry Draw Of September 2026
- Draw Date – September 1, 2026
- Draw Category – Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Total Invitations Issued – 2,000
- Minimum CRS Score Required – 521
Analyzing of the CRS Score Decrease From 523 to 521
The CRS cut-off mark was finalized at 521 points, implying an immediate drop of 2 points after the draw conducted on August 18. The mid-August round saw the Canadian immigration department drastically decrease the volume of ITAs issued in the amount of 1,000, thereby pushing the cut-off score up to 523—this being the maximum CEC cut-off point for the current year.
The increase in the number of invites issued per draw (up to 2,000) has allowed the draw algorithm to draw further down the list of candidates who have Canadian skilled work experience. Nonetheless, the score standing at 521—the slight elevation over the 516 base score registered earlier in the year—indicates that highly competitive candidate profiles with high language scores and Canadian post-secondary educational backgrounds continue to get added to the pool.
Comparison of the Most Recent Canadian Experience Class Selection Rounds
By now, IRCC has issued 51,250 ITAs in the framework of the CEC program alone in 2026, accounting for about 42% of all federal invitations issued this year.
| Draw Date | Invitations Issued (ITAs) | Minimum CRS Score | Score Shift |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 7, 2026 | 2,000 | 517 | — |
| July 21, 2026 | 2,000 | 516 | -1 point |
| August 5, 2026 | 3,000 | 516 | 0 points |
| August 18, 2026 | 1,000 | 523 | +7 points |
| September 1, 2026 | 2,000 | 521 | -2 points |
Now that this round has concluded, IRCC has issued 51,250 ITAs in just the CEC stream in 2026, accounting for roughly 42% of all invitations sent out this year from the federal government.
What Candidates Should Do Now
Applicants who got an ITA in the First Express Entry Draw Of September 2026 Canada Invites 2000 Candidates will have 60 days to submit their digital permanent residency application.
Things to do for invited CEC applicants –
- Prepare Work Evidence – Collect signed references from employers, T4s, Notices of Assessment (NOAs), and pay slips proving that they have at least 12 months of skilled employment in Canada under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.
- Arrange Clearances In Advance – Arrange for medical checkups with Panel Physicians and obtain police certificates for any country where they have spent six consecutive months or more.
For candidates who are sitting below 521 –
- Think of Category-Based Draws – Those with French language skills can apply for Francophone draws that have had cut-off scores as low as 382 – 420 points in 2026.
- Look into Provincial Nomination – By obtaining provincial nominations through programs like OINP, BC PNP or AAIP, you will earn 600 bonus points and thus receive an ITA through PNP draws.