Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a new Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Express Entry draw on April 28, 2026, issuing 2,000 invitations to apply for permanent residence.
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cutoff score for this round was 514, slightly lower than the 515 recorded in the previous CEC draw on April 14. However, it remains higher than the March 31 cutoff, reflecting ongoing competition in the pool.
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This marks the third consecutive CEC draw with 2,000 invitations, indicating a continued trend of reduced draw sizes in 2026. As a result, CRS cutoffs have steadily climbed above 510 since April, leaving many candidates in the 500–513 range without a clear pathway to invitation under current conditions.
Express Entry Draw Details – April 28, 2026
- Date & Time: April 28, 2026 at 10:36:46 UTC
- Program: Canadian Experience Class
- Invitations Issued: 2,000
- CRS Cutoff: 514
- Minimum Rank Required: Top 2,000 candidates
- Tie-Breaking Rule: September 24, 2025 at 14:18:43 UTC
The tie-breaking rule means that candidates with a CRS score of 514 only received an invitation if they submitted their profile before the specified date and time. This indicates a significant backlog of candidates at this score level. Those who entered the pool later must wait for future draws or improve their profiles.
CRS Trends in 2026: Smaller Draws, Higher Cutoffs
The pattern in 2026 clearly shows how draw sizes influence CRS scores:
- Early in the year, IRCC issued up to 8,000 invitations per draw, with CRS scores around 511.
- As draw sizes decreased (6,000 → 4,000 → 2,000), CRS scores initially dipped as low as 507 in March.
- Since April, reduced draw sizes have pushed cutoffs back up to the 510–515 range.
So far in 2026, IRCC has issued 34,250 CEC invitations across eight draws. However, current draw volumes are 75% lower than January levels.
Unless draw sizes increase again, CRS cutoffs are expected to remain above 510 in the near term.
French Language Draw Likely Next
Based on recent patterns, IRCC is expected to conduct a category-based draw later this week, most likely targeting French language proficiency.
French draws have been one of the most accessible pathways in 2026, with significantly lower CRS requirements. For example, the most recent French draw on April 15 had a cutoff of just 419.
Candidates with NCLC 7 or higher in all four language abilities (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) can qualify for these draws using TEF Canada or TCF Canada results.
Major Express Entry Reforms Under Consultation
On April 23, 2026, IRCC launched a public consultation proposing major changes to the Express Entry system. Key proposals include:
- Merging current programs into a single unified pathway
- Revamping the CRS system to prioritize higher wages and genuine job offers
- Introducing a minimum requirement of CLB 6 language proficiency
- Adding a high-wage occupation bonus factor
The consultation remains open until May 24, 2026, and final decisions have not yet been made.
What This Means for Candidates
- CRS 515+: Strong chances of receiving an invitation
- CRS 510–514: Competitive range, dependent on draw size changes
- Below 510: Limited chances through CEC under current trends
To improve their chances, candidates should consider:
- Applying for a Provincial Nominee Program (adds 600 CRS points)
- Improving language scores, especially in French
- Gaining additional work experience
- Completing another Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
As of April 26, 2026, the Express Entry pool had over 233,000 candidates, with new profiles being added faster than invitations are issued.
Key Takeaways
- Small draw sizes are driving CRS scores higher
- Competition remains intense in the 510+ range
- French language draws offer a major advantage
- Policy changes could reshape the system in the near future
