On February 17, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a program-specific Express Entry draw under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), issuing 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates with Canadian work experience.
This latest round reflects IRCC’s continued emphasis on selecting skilled workers who have already demonstrated their ability to integrate into Canada’s labour market and society. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score was 508, highlighting the competitive nature of the CEC stream in 2026.
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The Canadian Experience Class remains one of the most active categories within Express Entry, with multiple CEC-focused draws taking place throughout 2025 and continuing into 2026.
February 17, 2026 – Express Entry Draw Overview
Program: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Date: February 17, 2026
Invitations Issued: 6,000
CRS Cut-Off Score: 508
Minimum Rank Required: 6,000 or above
Tie-Breaking Rule: March 16, 2025 at 09:35:59 UTC
When multiple candidates share the lowest CRS score in a draw, IRCC applies a tie-breaking rule. In this round, candidates with exactly 508 points were invited only if they had submitted their Express Entry profile before March 16, 2025 at 09:35:59 UTC. This timestamp determined the order of selection among those with identical scores.
About the Canadian Experience Class
The Canadian Experience Class is one of three federal economic immigration programs managed under Express Entry, alongside the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
CEC was designed to provide a pathway to permanent residence for skilled workers who have already gained qualifying Canadian work experience. IRCC prioritizes these applicants because they have proven their ability to integrate into Canadian society and contribute to the economy.
CEC candidates are often well-positioned for success:
- They understand Canadian workplace culture.
- They have built professional networks.
- They typically demonstrate strong settlement outcomes.
The program is especially popular among international graduates who obtained work experience through Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP), as well as temporary foreign workers already employed in Canada. The CEC pathway recognizes the time, effort, and economic contribution these individuals have already made.
CEC Draw Trends in 2026
In 2026, the Canadian Experience Class has emerged as one of IRCC’s preferred immigration pathways. The department has shown a consistent focus on candidates already living and working in Canada.
Earlier in the year:
- January included an 8,000-ITA draw with a CRS cut-off of 511.
- A subsequent 6,000-ITA draw had a cut-off of 509, the lowest CEC score since September 2024.
These larger draw sizes indicate IRCC’s intent to reduce the Express Entry pool inventory while maintaining competitive CRS thresholds.
The frequency and scale of CEC draws align with Canada’s broader immigration strategy, which aims to transition more temporary residents to permanent status. This approach supports controlled population growth while ensuring newcomers are well-integrated from the outset.
Under the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, permanent resident admissions remain at 380,000 per year, with economic immigration forming the largest share. As a result, CEC draws are expected to continue at a steady pace throughout 2026.
What to Do After Receiving an ITA
Candidates invited in the February 17, 2026 draw have 60 calendar days to submit a complete electronic Application for Permanent Residence (e-APR). Missing this deadline will result in the cancellation of the invitation.
A complete application must include:
- Valid passports or identity documents
- Language test results meeting TEER requirements
- Employer reference letters outlining job duties, hours worked, and wages
- T4 tax slips and pay stubs verifying work experience
- Police clearance certificates (for all countries where you lived for six months or more since age 18)
- An immigration medical exam conducted by an IRCC-approved panel physician
IRCC aims to process 80% of Express Entry applications within six months of receiving a complete submission. However, timelines may vary depending on application complexity, background checks, and overall processing volumes.
Submitting accurate and consistent documentation is essential to avoid delays.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in CEC Applications
Many applicants face delays or refusals due to preventable errors. Key mistakes include:
1. Incorrect NOC Alignment
Your job title does not determine eligibility, your actual duties do. Ensure your reference letters match the lead statement and primary duties of your selected NOC code.
2. Claiming Ineligible Work Experience
Work experience gained during full-time studies, through self-employment, or unpaid internships does not count toward CEC eligibility. Only qualifying paid work experience should be claimed.
3. Inconsistent Documentation
All dates, job titles, and employment details must match across your Express Entry profile, reference letters, and tax documents. Discrepancies may trigger additional review or refusal.
Careful preparation and document verification can significantly reduce processing issues.
Looking Ahead
The February 17, 2026 draw demonstrates IRCC’s continued commitment to selecting skilled workers who have already proven their value to the Canadian economy. With 6,000 ITAs issued at a CRS cut-off of 508, this round offered strong opportunities for candidates with Canadian work experience.
For those currently in the Express Entry pool or considering applying, the Canadian Experience Class remains one of the most dependable pathways to permanent residence.
Improving your CRS score through higher language results, additional Canadian work experience, or strategic planning can increase your chances in future draws.
Candidates who received invitations should begin gathering documentation immediately. With a complete and accurate submission, successful applicants can generally expect a decision within approximately six months.
