Canadian Experience Class draw September 2026
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted the draw on September 29, 2026, setting the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score at 518. Candidates also needed to have submitted their Express Entry profiles before the specified tie-breaking date and time to be considered for an invitation.
The selection continued Canada’s focus on candidates with Canadian work experience who may be positioned to transition to permanent residence.
Key details of the September 29 Express Entry draw
Draw detail | Result |
Draw date | September 29, 2026 |
Immigration program | Canadian Experience Class |
Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued | 2,000 |
Minimum CRS score | 518 |
Tie-breaking date and time | February 13, 2026, at 8:48 p.m. UTC |
The tie-breaking rule applies when multiple candidates have the lowest CRS score invited. In those circumstances, IRCC uses the date and time candidates submitted their Express Entry profiles to determine who receives an invitation.
An invitation to apply is not the same as permanent residence approval. Candidates who receive an ITA must submit a complete application and meet the applicable eligibility and admissibility requirements.
What is the Canadian Experience Class?
It operates through Express Entry, which ranks eligible candidates using the Comprehensive Ranking System. CRS points are awarded based on factors such as age, education, language proficiency and work experience, along with other applicable factors. To qualify under the CEC, applicants generally need to meet requirements that include:
- Canadian skilled work experience: At least one year of qualifying skilled work experience in Canada within the three years before applying.
- Eligible occupation: Work experience must fall within the qualifying National Occupational Classification categories.
- Language proficiency: Applicants must meet the required language level for their occupation’s TEER category.
- Admissibility: Applicants must meet Canada’s applicable immigration admissibility requirements.
Additional rules determine which work experience counts. For example, work performed while a person was a full-time student and self-employment generally do not count toward the CEC’s minimum work experience requirement, subject to the program’s specific rules. Meeting the minimum CEC eligibility criteria does not automatically result in an invitation. Eligible candidates must also compete in the Express Entry pool and receive an invitation in a relevant draw.
Applicants should consult the official Canadian Experience Class eligibility requirements before making decisions about their immigration plans.
What does a CRS cut-off of 518 mean?
A CRS cut-off of 518 means that the lowest-ranked candidate invited in this round had a score of 518, subject to the tie-breaking rule. Candidates with scores below 518 were not invited in this particular draw unless they qualified under another applicable selection round. However, a score below the cut-off does not necessarily mean a candidate cannot receive an invitation in the future.
CRS cut-offs can change from one draw to another. They may be influenced by the number of invitations issued, the composition of the Express Entry pool, the type of draw and IRCC’s selection priorities. Candidates should avoid relying on a single draw’s cut-off as a guarantee of future selection.
How does this draw compare with other CEC selections in September?
IRCC held three Canadian Experience Class draws during September 2026, each issuing 2,000 invitations.
Draw date |
| Invitations issued | Minimum CRS score |
September 1, 2026 |
| 2,000 | 521 |
September 15, 2026 |
| 2,000 | 519 |
September 29, 2026 |
| 2,000 | 518 |
Across these three rounds, IRCC issued a total of 6,000 invitations to CEC candidates. The minimum CRS score decreased from 521 at the start of the month to 518 by September 29. This movement shows how cut-offs can change across successive draws, but it does not establish what the score will be in a future round.
What should candidates do after receiving an ITA?
Candidates invited through Express Entry should carefully review their invitation and the instructions in their IRCC account.
The usual next steps include:
- Review the invitation: Confirm the program under which the invitation was issued and check the application deadline.
- Verify eligibility: Ensure that the information in the Express Entry profile is accurate and that the applicant continues to meet the relevant requirements.
- Gather supporting documents: Prepare employment records, language test results, educational documents, identity documents, police certificates and other documents required for the individual application.
- Check work experience details: Confirm that employment dates, job duties and other information are consistent across the profile and supporting documents.
- Submit a complete application: Follow the instructions provided by IRCC and submit the required forms, documents and fees within the applicable deadline.
Can CEC applicants apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit?
A BOWP may allow an eligible applicant to continue working while their permanent residence application is being processed. However, eligibility depends on specific conditions, including the applicant’s immigration status, the type and stage of their permanent residence application, and the applicable work permit rules.
Receiving an Express Entry invitation alone does not automatically make a person eligible for a BOWP. Applicants should review the official Bridging Open Work Permit requirements before applying.
What if your CRS score is below 518?
Candidates who were not invited in this round may consider reviewing their Express Entry profiles and identifying legitimate ways to improve their CRS scores. Depending on their circumstances, possible options may include:
- Improving English or French language test results.
- Completing additional eligible education or obtaining an Educational Credential Assessment where applicable.
- Gaining additional qualifying work experience.
- Reviewing whether their spouse’s factors could affect their overall score.
- Exploring provincial nomination pathways or other immigration programs for which they may qualify.
A provincial nomination through an eligible Express Entry-aligned pathway can substantially increase a candidate’s CRS score. However, provincial programs have their own eligibility criteria, selection priorities and application processes, and nomination is not guaranteed. Candidates who do not qualify for the CEC may also wish to review other federal or provincial immigration pathways based on their education, work history, language ability and personal circumstances.
How Canada Immigration Global can help
Canada’s immigration pathways have different eligibility requirements, and the most appropriate option depends on each applicant’s circumstances. Canada Immigration Global can help individuals review their background, understand potential immigration pathways and identify the requirements they may need to meet before proceeding.
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Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or guarantee eligibility, an invitation, a provincial nomination or permanent residence. Immigration rules, selection criteria and program availability can change.
