Canada has invited 2,000 skilled workers to apply for permanent residence through its latest Express Entry draw, providing another opportunity for eligible candidates with Canadian work experience to transition to permanent residency.
2,000 Invitations Issued
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted the latest draw on September 15, 2026, specifically targeting candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 519 to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). They also needed to have created their Express Entry profile before 12:16 a.m. UTC on March 26, 2026.
The latest draw was the second CEC selection in September. On September 1, IRCC had also issued 2,000 invitations, with a higher CRS cut-off of 521.
What Is the Canadian Experience Class?
The Canadian Experience Class is one of the immigration pathways managed through Canada’s Express Entry system. It is designed for skilled workers who have gained eligible work experience in Canada and meet the programme’s other requirements.
Express Entry also covers other economic immigration pathways, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program and portions of the Provincial Nominee Program.
CRS Score Remains Important
The CRS is used to rank eligible candidates in the Express Entry pool. Points are awarded based on factors including age, education, language proficiency, work experience and other qualifying factors.
The latest 519 cut-off was lower than the 521 score recorded in the September 1 CEC draw and the 523 score in the August 18 CEC draw.
Canada has also conducted category-specific draws in 2026 for healthcare and social services workers, French-language candidates, physicians, transport workers and other groups.
More Than 128,000 Invitations in 2026
With the September 15 selection, IRCC had issued 128,732 invitations through Express Entry in 2026 across different draw categories.
CEC candidates accounted for the largest share, with 53,250 invitations, followed by French-language proficiency candidates with 50,500 invitations.
Recent selections have continued to focus significantly on candidates who already have connections to Canada, including people with Canadian work experience and provincial nominations.
What Happens After an Invitation?
An ITA does not mean permanent residence has been granted. Candidates who receive an invitation must submit a complete permanent residence application to IRCC.
Applicants generally have 60 days to submit the application and supporting documents through their IRCC account. The required documentation can include police certificates, proof of funds where applicable, identity documents and other records based on the applicant’s individual circumstances.
Summary
Canada invited 2,000 Canadian Experience Class candidates to apply for permanent residence in its September 15 Express Entry draw. Candidates needed a minimum CRS score of 519 and an eligible Express Entry profile created before March 26, 2026. The latest selection brought Canada’s 2026 Express Entry invitations to 128,732 across all draw categories.
