Canada Opens Doors: 2,000 Skilled Workers Invited to Call Canada Home

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) closed April with a CEC-specific Express Entry draw, inviting 2,000 skilled workers already living in Canada to apply for permanent residency — with a minimum CRS cut-off of 514 points.

• 2,000 ITAs Issued
• 514 CRS Cut-off Score
• 67,627 Total ITAs in 2026

What Happened in the April 28, 2026, CEC Draw?

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its 9th Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw of 2026 on April 28, issuing 2,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for Canadian permanent residency. This is also the 24th Express Entry selection event of the year overall

The program is, most importantly, for skilled workers already living and working in Canada, those with valid Canadian work experience gained through Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP), open work permits, or LMIA-exempt employer-specific permits.

Key Details

• Draw Category: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Date: April 28, 2026
• Number of ITAs Issued: 2,000
• Minimum CRS Score Required: 514 points
• Tie-Breaking Rule: Profile created before Sep 24, 2025 — 14:18:43 UTC

"This draw confirms Canada's focus on retaining in-country talent. People already working, paying taxes, and building lives in Canada deserve a clear and fast pathway to permanent residency."

What Does This Draw Tell Us?

The CRS cut-off of 514 is a 1-point drop from the April 14 draw (515), but remains notably above the beginning of the year. This is the third consecutive CEC draw at just 2,000 invitations — a sharp reduction from the 8,000 ITAs issued in January 2026. Smaller draw sizes directly drive CRS cut-offs higher, intensifying competition.

So far in 2026, 34,250 of the 67,627 total ITAs have gone to CEC profiles, confirming that domestic work experience is now at the core of Canada's permanent residency strategy.

Important : Tie-Breaking Rule for 514 CRS Candidates

Candidates with exactly 514 CRS points only received an ITA if their Express Entry profile was created before September 24, 2025, at 14:18:43 UTC. This signals a deep backlog at the 514 level. If your profile was created after this date with 514 points, you were not selected and must wait for a future draw.

How to improve your CRS score?

• Improve Language Scores: Retake IELTS or CELPIP; even a 1 CLB band improvement can add 20–30 CRS points instantly.
• Add French Proficiency: French-language draws regularly see cut-offs as low as 379–446, making this one of the most accessible pathways in Express Entry.
• Get a Provincial Nomination (PNP): A successful PNP instantly adds 600 CRS points — almost guaranteeing an ITA in the very next draw.
• Target Category-Based Draws: Healthcare, STEM, trades, and agriculture draws operate on separate, often much lower, cut-offs.
• Gain More Canadian Work Experience: Additional qualifying work experience in TEER 0–3 occupations directly increases your CRS profile score.
• Watch for Draw Volume Increases: If IRCC increases draw sizes in H2 2026 to meet its 380,000 PR target, CRS cut-offs may fall below 510 again.

Biggest Express Entry Reform Since 2015 Public Consultation Now Open

On April 23, 2026, IRCC launched a public consultation on the most sweeping proposed reforms to Express Entry since the system launched in 2015. The government is proposing to merge the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the CEC, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) into one unified immigration class.

Key proposed changes include:

• A minimum CLB 6 language proficiency requirement for all applicants across all programs
• At least one year of skilled work experience in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations
• A restructured CRS formula giving significantly more weight to higher earnings and genuine job offers
• A simplified single-pathway structure replacing the current three-program model

The consultation is open to everyone — including those living outside Canada and closes on May 24, 2026. All submitted feedback will directly shape the future direction of Canada's immigration policy.

Why Choose Stellar Visaz?

Canada's trusted immigration consultancy — we guide you from profile creation to landing as a permanent resident.

• Expert CRS Assessment :We evaluate your full Express Entry profile and identify every point-boosting opportunity — from language scores to job offers — to maximise your CRS before the next draw.
• Provincial Nomination (PNP) Support :Our consultants match you with the right provincial stream. A PNP adds 600 CRS points instantly — the single fastest way to guarantee an ITA.
• End-to-End PR Application :From Express Entry profile creation to final PR submission, we handle your complete application — error-free and well within the 60-day deadline.
• French Language Strategy :We prepare you for TEF Canada or TCF Canada and help you qualify for French-language draws, where cut-offs can be as low as 379 — far below CEC thresholds.
• Free Profile Evaluation :Book a free one-on-one consultation with our certified experts. Get a personalised roadmap to Canadian PR based on your current profile.
• Real-Time Draw Alerts :Never miss a draw. Our clients receive instant notifications and personalised analysis within hours of every IRCC Express Entry announcement.