Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
issued 2,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) in an Express Entry draw held on September 15, 2026.
Candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 519 to receive an invitation.
Canada Express Entry Draw: September 15, 2026
IRCC conducted a program-specific draw targeting candidates eligible under the Canadian Experience Class.
Latest Express Entry Draw Results
|
Draw Details |
Information |
|
Draw date |
September 15, 2026 |
|
Draw category |
Canadian Experience Class |
|
Invitations issued |
2,000 |
|
Minimum CRS score |
519 |
|
Tie-breaking date |
March 26, 2026 |
|
Tie-breaking time |
12:16 a.m. UTC |
Candidates needed a CRS score of at least 519 and an Express Entry profile created before 12:16 a.m. UTC on March 26, 2026, to meet the tie-breaking rule. The tie-breaking rule is used when multiple candidates have the same CRS score as the lowest-ranked candidate invited in the draw.
What Is the Canadian Experience Class?
The Canadian Experience Class is one of the three federal immigration programs managed through Canada’s Express Entry system. It is designed for skilled workers who have gained qualifying work experience in Canada and wish to become permanent residents. To qualify, applicants generally need to meet requirements related to:
- Skilled work experience in Canada.
- Approved English or French language test results.
- Work experience in an eligible occupation and under qualifying conditions.
- The other applicable Canadian Experience Class requirements.
Candidates must meet the program’s eligibility criteria before they can receive an invitation through a CEC-specific draw.
Why Does the CRS Cut-Off Matter?
The Comprehensive Ranking System is a points-based system used by IRCC to rank eligible Express Entry candidates. Candidates receive points based on factors such as age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and other qualifying factors.
The minimum CRS score of 519 in the September 15 draw represents the score of the lowest-ranked candidate invited in that particular round. The CRS cut-off can change from one draw to another depending on the draw category, number of invitations issued, and the distribution of scores in the Express Entry pool. A candidate’s eligibility for the Canadian Experience Class does not automatically guarantee an invitation.
Express Entry Draws in September 2026
IRCC conducted several Express Entry draws in September 2026, targeting candidates under different immigration categories.
|
Draw Date |
Draw Category |
ITAs Issued |
CRS Cut-Off |
|
September 16 |
Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience |
250 |
389 |
|
September 15 |
Canadian Experience Class |
2,000 |
519 |
|
September 14 |
Provincial Nominee Program |
576 |
734 |
|
September 4 |
Healthcare and Social Services |
3,500 |
475 |
|
September 3 |
Physicians with Canadian Work Experience |
229 |
198 |
|
September 1 |
Canadian Experience Class |
2,000 |
521 |
The September 15 CEC draw followed another Canadian Experience Class selection on September 1, which issued 2,000 invitations with a minimum CRS score of 521. The September 15 draw’s cut-off was two points lower than the September 1 draw.
Express Entry Invitations Issued in 2026
With the latest selection, Canada had conducted 55 Express Entry draws in 2026. IRCC had issued a total of 128,732 invitations to apply through the Express Entry system.
Invitations by Draw Category
|
Draw Category |
ITAs Issued in 2026 |
|
Canadian Experience Class |
53,250 |
|
French-language proficiency |
50,500 |
|
Healthcare and Social Services |
11,500 |
|
Provincial Nominee Program |
8,537 |
|
Trades |
3,000 |
|
Physicians with Canadian Work Experience |
891 |
|
Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience |
1,000 |
|
Transport |
300 |
|
Skilled Military Recruits |
4 |
|
Total |
128,732 |
The figures show that IRCC has continued to conduct draws across multiple Express Entry categories, including candidates with Canadian work experience, French-language proficiency, provincial nominations, and experience in selected occupations. The number of invitations issued does not represent the number of candidates who have already become permanent residents. Invited candidates must submit complete applications and satisfy federal immigration requirements.
What Happens After Receiving an Invitation to Apply?
Candidates who receive an ITA through Express Entry must submit a complete permanent residence application within the deadline stated in their invitation. The general process includes:
- Review the invitation: Confirm the invitation details, eligibility, and submission deadline.
- Prepare supporting documents: Gather identity documents, language test results, employment records, educational documents, and other required evidence.
- Complete the online application: Provide accurate information and upload all required documents.
- Pay applicable fees: Pay the required application and associated fees.
- Submit the application: Submit the complete application before the deadline.
- Wait for IRCC’s decision: IRCC assesses the application and determines whether the candidate meets the requirements for permanent residence.
Can Candidates Apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit?
Eligible applicants in Canada who have submitted a permanent residence application through Express Entry may be able to apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP). A BOWP can allow eligible applicants to continue working in Canada while waiting for a decision on their permanent residence application.
Applicants must meet the relevant eligibility requirements, including the applicable conditions relating to their current status and permanent residence application.
If an eligible applicant applies before their current work permit expires, they may benefit from maintained status while their application is being processed, provided they meet the applicable conditions.
What This Draw Means for Prospective Applicants
The September 15 draw highlights the continued use of the Canadian Experience Class as a pathway for eligible skilled workers with Canadian work experience. Candidates already in the Express Entry pool should ensure that their profiles remain accurate and up to date.
Foreign nationals who are planning to immigrate to Canada may wish to review their eligibility for the CEC and other Express Entry programs. Applicants who do not currently qualify for the CEC may explore other immigration options, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Provincial Nominee Programs, or other applicable pathways. The appropriate pathway depends on each applicant’s qualifications, work experience, language ability, and individual circumstances.
Key Takeaways
- IRCC issued 2,000 invitations in the September 15, 2026, Express Entry draw.
- The draw targeted Canadian Experience Class candidates.
- The minimum CRS cut-off score was 519.
- Candidates needed to create their profiles before March 26, 2026, at 12:16 a.m. UTC to meet the tie-breaking rule.
- Canada had conducted 55 Express Entry draws in 2026 as of September 15.
- IRCC had issued 128,732 invitations through Express Entry in 2026 following the September 15 draw.
- Eligible applicants in Canada may be able to apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit.
- Receiving an invitation does not guarantee permanent residence approval.
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Disclaimer
This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration programs, processing times, eligibility requirements, and application procedures may change without notice. Readers should consult official Government of Canada resources or seek professional immigration advice before making any immigration decisions.
