CEC Draw Sends 2,250 Invitations
Canada Issues 2,250 Invitations in Latest Express Entry Draw for CEC Candidates
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has continued its steady pace of Express Entry activity with a new round of invitations targeting candidates already working in Canada.
In the latest draw held on March 31, the department issued 2,250 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). The draw required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 509, with only those who had submitted their profiles before March 18, 2026, at 8:27 a.m. (UTC) considered.
This marks the 19th Express Entry draw of the year and the sixth specifically for CEC candidates, reinforcing a clear trend in Canada’s immigration strategy.
Focus on In-Canada Candidates
Express Entry draws throughout 2026 have increasingly prioritized candidates already in Canada, particularly those with Canadian work experience or provincial nominations. This approach aligns with the federal government’s broader goal of transitioning temporary residents into permanent residents to support labour market needs.
So far this year, the distribution of draw types highlights this focus:
- Provincial Nominee Program: 7 draws
- Canadian Experience Class: 6 draws
- French-language proficiency: 3 draws
- Other targeted categories: limited draws
Over 55,000 Invitations Issued in 2026
As of the end of March, IRCC has issued a total of 55,830 ITAs across multiple categories. The majority have gone to candidates in the Canadian Experience Class, followed by French-language proficiency draws.
Breakdown of invitations issued:
- Canadian Experience Class: 30,250
- French-language proficiency: 18,000
- Healthcare and social services: 4,000
- Provincial Nominee Program: 2,939
- Physicians with Canadian work experience: 391
- Senior managers with Canadian work experience: 250
What It Means for Applicants
The latest draw underscores the importance of Canadian work experience in today’s immigration landscape. While CRS scores remain competitive, candidates already in Canada continue to benefit from more frequent and targeted invitation rounds.
Immigration experts suggest that individuals looking to improve their chances should focus on gaining local experience, enhancing language skills, or exploring provincial nomination pathways as Express Entry continues to evolve in 2026.
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