Latest Express Entry Draw 2026: CRS Scores by Round Type
As of September 17, 2026, the latest Express Entry round on record was held on September 16: 250 invitations, with a cut-off of 389 points. But it was only open to senior managers with work experience in Canada. The figures below are those known on that date. Later draws go up on our tracking page: /en/tirages.html
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 443, held on September 15, 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: 519 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: March 26, 2026 at 00:16:39 UTC, which was 1:16 a.m. in Cameroon. Among candidates with exactly 519 points, only those who had submitted their profile by that time were invited.
The latest draws as of September 17, 2026
From September 14 to 16, IRCC asked for 734, then 519, then 389 points, because each round targeted a different group. On the 14th, the round for the PNP, the Provincial Nominee Program, sent 576 invitations with a cut-off of 734, since a provincial nomination is worth 600 points. On the 15th, the Canadian Experience Class round sent 2,000 invitations with a cut-off of 519.
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: /en/article/tirage-francophone-score-crs-2026
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 53 rounds held from January 21 to September 16, 2026, none was general. The PNP had 16, the Canadian Experience Class 15 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. 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. 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. Be wary of job offers sold to boost your score: since March 25, 2025, a job offer earns no points.
Check your score: /en/admissibilite.html#crs. Not sure which rounds apply to you? Ask for our free assessment: /en/evaluation.html