2026 Express Entry draws - complete table
Sorted by date descending. Updated within 24 hours of each draw.
| Draw # | Date | Type | ITAs | CRS cutoff | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | May 28 (est.) | TBD | TBD | TBD | — |
| — | May 14 (est.) | TBD | TBD | TBD | — |
| 335 | Apr 30 | Trades | 1,200 | 440 | -2 |
| 334 | Apr 30 | CEC | 4,200 | 514 | 0 |
| 333 | Apr 16 | French | 1,800 | 397 | +4 |
| 332 | Apr 16 | General | 5,250 | 515 | +1 |
| 331 | Apr 2 | STEM | 2,500 | 481 | +3 |
| 330 | Apr 2 | CEC | 4,000 | 514 | 0 |
| 329 | Mar 19 | Healthcare | 2,000 | 467 | -5 |
| 328 | Mar 19 | General | 5,500 | 515 | +1 |
| 327 | Mar 5 | French | 1,500 | 393 | -7 |
| 326 | Mar 5 | CEC | 4,200 | 514 | -1 |
| 325 | Feb 19 | Military | 100 | 350 | NEW |
| 324 | Feb 19 | Transport | 300 | 390 | NEW |
| 323 | Feb 19 | Senior Mgrs | 500 | 425 | NEW |
| 322 | Feb 19 | Researchers | 750 | 380 | NEW |
| 321 | Feb 19 | Physicians | 391 | 169 | NEW |
| 320 | Feb 5 | General | 5,250 | 516 | +1 |
| 319 | Jan 22 | CEC | 4,000 | 515 | -3 |
| 318 | Jan 8 | General | 5,500 | 518 | — |
CRS score trends - what the data shows
Key insight: if you have CRS 515+, you will be invited in the next general draw. If you have 460+, watch for Healthcare or STEM draws. If you speak French, 400+ is usually enough. Run the Canada CRS calculator to check your exact score.
French-language draws - the low-cutoff opportunity
The French-language proficiency category has become the most accessible pathway into Express Entry. With CRS cutoffs of 379-419 compared to 515+ for general draws, French speakers need 100-140 FEWER points to receive an invitation.
All French draws in 2026:
| Draw # | Date | ITAs | CRS cutoff | Gap vs general |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 310 | Jan 15 | 1,400 | 419 | -96 pts |
| 316 | Feb 12 | 8,500 | 400 | -115 pts |
| 327 | Mar 5 | 1,500 | 393 | -122 pts |
| 333 | Apr 16 | 1,800 | 397 | -118 pts |
| — | May 14 (est.) | TBD | TBD | — |
- Feb 2026: 8,500 ITAs in a single French draw - the largest in Express Entry history
- Trend: cutoffs declining (419 → 393 in 3 months)
- Frequency: approximately monthly
- Total French ITAs in 2026 to date: 13,200+
- Canada exceeded its Francophone target 4 years running
- Minimum requirement: NCLC 7 in all 4 skills (TEF or TCF)
Don't speak French yet? It takes 6-12 months to reach NCLC 7 from zero - less time than most degree programs, and it adds 37-50 CRS points. Read our complete guide: French for Canada PR 2026. Or jump straight to our dedicated tracker: French Express Entry Draws 2026 for eligibility requirements, score trends, and next-draw predictions. Model your CRS with the French simulator: Canada CRS calculator.
The 5 new category draws explained
PHYSICIANS (CRS 169, 391 ITAs). The lowest CRS cutoff in Express Entry history. Targets doctors, surgeons, specialists, and GPs. NOC codes: 31100, 31101, 31102, 31103, 31110, 31111, 31112. Canada has approximately 5,000 physician vacancies.
RESEARCHERS (CRS 380, 750 ITAs). Targets university professors and research scientists. NOC codes: 41200, 41201, 21110, 21111, 21112. Part of $1.2B talent recruitment investment.
SENIOR MANAGERS (CRS 425, 500 ITAs). Targets finance, HR, and public administration senior managers. NOC codes: 00010-00015, 10010-10012.
TRANSPORT (CRS 390, 300 ITAs). Targets truck drivers and transportation managers - critical to address Canada's supply chain shortages.
MILITARY (CRS 350, 100 ITAs). Targets former military personnel transitioning to civilian roles. The smallest category - likely symbolic.
These category draws run ALONGSIDE general and CEC draws. You can be selected from multiple pools simultaneously with the same profile.
Next draw prediction
- General draws: every 2 weeks, CRS 514-516, 5,000-5,500 ITAs
- CEC draws: alternating with general, CRS 512-515
- French draws: monthly, CRS 390-400, 1,500-2,000 ITAs
- Healthcare: monthly, CRS 465-470
- STEM: monthly, CRS 478-485
- Category draws: TBD (likely quarterly for new categories)
Next expected draw: May 14, 2026 (±2 days). Predicted type: General or CEC. Predicted CRS: 513-516. Predicted ITAs: 4,500-5,500. Our prediction is based on the alternating general/CEC pattern and steady CRS range since January 2026.
How to improve your CRS score
- Take IELTS (CLB 9+ = up to 136 points): the highest-impact single action
- Learn French (TEF B2 = 50+ bonus points): even basic French helps
- Get 1+ year Canadian work experience: makes you CEC-eligible (lower cutoff)
- Provincial Nominee Program nomination = +600 points (effectively guarantees invitation)
- Master's degree = 135 points vs 120 for bachelor's
- Spouse with CLB 7+ English = +20 points
- Age: peak points at 20-29 (110 points)
Use our CRS Score Calculator to see exactly where you stand and which improvements give you the biggest boost. Or try our Immigration Eligibility Checker to compare Canada with other destinations.
CRS score breakdown - maximum points by factor
| Factor | Max points (with spouse) | Max points (single) |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 100 | 110 |
| Education | 140 | 150 |
| Language (1st) | 128 | 136 |
| Language (2nd) | 22 | 24 |
| Canadian experience | 70 | 80 |
| Subtotal (Core) | 460 | 500 |
| Spouse factors | 40 | N/A |
| Skill transferability | 100 | 100 |
| Additional (PNP, French, sibling) | 600 | 600 |
| TOTAL | 1,200 | 1,200 |
Run the full assessment: Canada CRS calculator.
Express Entry consultation - potential changes
IRCC has opened a public consultation on Express Entry reforms running until May 24, 2026. Proposed changes include CRS scoring tweaks, an economic outcomes focus, and potential changes to selection criteria. The 26,000+ French-language invitations issued in 2025-2026 signal a clear policy direction.
Read the full analysis: Canada Express Entry Reform 2026.
Express Entry vs other Canadian PR pathways
| Pathway | CRS needed | Job offer | Timeline | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FSW (General) | 514-518 | No | 6 months | High CRS candidates |
| CEC | 512-515 | No (need Cdn exp) | 6 months | In-Canada workers |
| PNP | 600 (nomination) | Varies | 6-18 months | Lower CRS with PNP |
| French | 393-419 | No | 6 months | French speakers |
| Healthcare | 462-472 | No | 6 months | Nurses, doctors |
| STEM | 478-486 | No | 6 months | Engineers, IT, scientists |
| Physicians | 169 | No | 6 months | Licensed doctors |
| H-1B Pathway | Special | H-1B status | Special | US-based H-1B holders |
Draw calendar - when to expect results
| Date (est.) | Expected type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| May 14 | General or CEC | Bi-weekly cadence |
| May 28 | CEC or General | Alternating |
| Jun 11 | General + Category | May include Healthcare |
| Jun 25 | CEC + French | Monthly French draw |
| Jul 9 | General | Standard bi-weekly |
| Jul 23 | CEC + Category | May include STEM |
| Aug 6 | General | Standard bi-weekly |
Draws are typically announced on Wednesdays at 12:00 ET.
How to apply after invitation
- Receive ITA (Invitation to Apply) via GCKey account
- You have 60 days to submit a complete application
- Gather: passport, police clearance, medical exam, language test, WES credential assessment, photos, fees (C$1,525 per person)
- Upload all documents in the IRCC portal
- Biometrics appointment (fingerprints + photo)
- Wait for GCMS processing (~6 months)
- Receive COPR (Confirmation of Permanent Residence)
- Land in Canada to activate PR status
For total cost breakdown across all relocation expenses, see Cost of Immigration Report 2026.
Sık sorulan sorular
What is the current Express Entry CRS cutoff?
The latest general draw CRS cutoff is 515 (April 2026). Canadian Experience Class draws are at 514. French-language draws are as low as 393.
When is the next Express Entry draw?
Draws occur approximately every two weeks. The next draw is expected around May 14, 2026. Results are typically announced on Wednesdays at 12:00 ET.
What CRS score do I need for Express Entry?
For general draws: 514-518. For category draws: as low as 169 (Physicians), 380 (Researchers), 393 (French), 440 (Trades), or 467 (Healthcare). Use our CRS calculator to check your score.
What are the new Express Entry category draws?
In February 2026, Canada launched 5 new category draws: Physicians (CRS 169), Researchers (380), Senior Managers (425), Transport (390), and Military (350).
How many invitations does Canada send per draw?
General draws typically issue 4,500-5,500 invitations. Category draws range from 100 (Military) to 2,500 (STEM). French draws issue 1,500-2,000 per round.
How can I improve my CRS score?
The most impactful actions are: improving IELTS scores (up to 136 points), learning French (50+ bonus points), getting a Provincial Nominee Program nomination (+600 points), and gaining Canadian work experience.
Can I apply to multiple Express Entry categories?
Yes. Your single Express Entry profile is evaluated against all eligible draws simultaneously. You can be selected from a general draw, CEC draw, or category draw with the same profile.
How long does Express Entry processing take?
Approximately 6 months from invitation to permanent residency confirmation. Processing standards are published on IRCC's website.
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