Latest Express Entry Draw 2026: CRS Scores by Type of Invitation Round

As of October 10, 2026, the latest Express Entry round on record was held on October 1: 3,500 invitations, with a cut-off of 476 points. But it was only open to the skilled trades occupations on IRCC's list. The figures below are those known on that date. Later draws go up on our tracking page: the latest draws

Where to find the latest draw and its history

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, or IRCC, doesn't talk about draws but about rounds of invitations. On canada.ca, its "Express Entry: Rounds of invitations" page shows the latest round and links to the full history. Was there a draw today? Check the most recent date.

How to read a round of invitations

Take round 446, held on September 29, 2026. Its type: Canadian Experience Class, or CEC, open only to people with at least one year of work in Canada in the last three years. Invitations: 2,000. Minimum score: 518 out of 1,200 under the CRS, the Comprehensive Ranking System. Everyone selected receives an ITA, an invitation to apply for permanent residence.

Then comes the tie-breaking rule: February 13, 2026 at 20:48:08 UTC, which was 9:48 p.m. in Cameroon. Among candidates with exactly 518 points, only those who had submitted their profile by that time were invited.

The latest draws as of October 10, 2026

From September 28 to October 1, IRCC asked for 725, then 518, then 476 points, because each round targeted a different group. On September 28, the round for the PNP, the Provincial Nominee Program, sent 733 invitations with a cut-off of 725, since a provincial nomination is worth 600 points. On the 29th, the Canadian Experience Class round sent 2,000 invitations with a cut-off of 518. On October 1, the skilled trades category received 3,500 invitations, cut-off 476.

The previous series, from September 14 to 16, asked for 734 points for the PNP, 519 for the Canadian Experience Class and 389 for senior managers with work experience in Canada. On September 4, the healthcare and social services category received 3,500 invitations, cut-off 475. The latest French-language draw took place on August 19: 5,000 invitations, cut-off 382. Full details in our article: Latest Express Entry French Draw 2026: What CRS Score Is Enough and How to Raise It

Types of rounds in 2026

A general round is open to all eligible candidates. A program-specific round targets a single program, such as the PNP. A category-based round targets a profile set by the Minister, such as French speakers. Of the 59 rounds held from January 5 to October 1, 2026, none was general. The PNP had 19, the Canadian Experience Class 17 and the French-language category 10.

Living in Cameroon and never worked in Canada? Rounds that require that experience are not for you. That leaves the PNP, the French-language category and occupation categories such as healthcare or trades. These accept experience gained abroad: at least 12 months of full-time work, or the part-time equivalent, within the last three years, in one occupation on their list.

The next draw: why there is no date

IRCC says it invites candidates about every two weeks. In 2026, rounds have come in series: the PNP almost always on a Monday, the Canadian Experience Class usually the next day, then one or two category rounds. The series have generally been 14 days apart, but that is not a rule: 25 days separated the May 28 round from the June 22 round.

IRCC publishes no schedule. To be told as soon as a round is held, our alert goes out the same day: Express Entry draw alert. Each round is set by ministerial instructions, which are published with its results. The announcement of the 2026 categories on February 18 gave no dates either. A "next draw" date you read somewhere else is only a guess.

What to do with your score

Compare your score with the rounds you are eligible for, not with the number going around on WhatsApp. If you qualify for the French-language category, look at its ten rounds from February to August 2026, where the cut-off ranged from 382 to 420 points.

In that range? Keep your profile up to date and get your documents ready: an ITA gives you only 60 days to submit your application. Eleven questions build the exact list of documents for your situation: Document checklist. Reaching a past cut-off guarantees nothing, because it moves with every round.

Below it? Start with language. NCLC 7 or higher in all four French skills adds up to 50 points. NCLC stands for Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens, the scale used for French. That level is required for French-language rounds and is proven with TCF Canada or TEF Canada. To see which NCLC level your marks give you: the TCF Canada tab. Be wary of job offers sold to boost your score. From November 3, 2026, only a genuine offer in a high-wage occupation earns points, and an IRCC officer must find it genuine: a purchased offer is still fraud.

Check your score: Calculate your chances. Not sure which rounds apply to you? Ask for our free assessment: Get my profile assessed