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Express Entry Draws in 2026
Every couple of weeks, IRCC holds a "draw" — a round of invitations that pulls the top-ranked candidates out of the Express Entry pool. If you are watching your CRS score and wondering whether the next draw will reach you, this guide explains how draws work and what the numbers mean.
On this page
How a draw works
Candidates in the pool are ranked by CRS score. In each round, IRCC decides a draw type (general, program-specific, or category-based) and a number of invitations to issue. It then invites candidates from the top down until that number is filled. The score of the last person invited becomes the published cut-off.
What the CRS cut-off means
The cut-off is a result, not a fixed target set in advance. It reflects how competitive the pool was that day and how many invitations were issued. When invitation counts rise, the cut-off often falls; when the pool is deep, it climbs. This is why chasing an exact number is stressful and unproductive — focus on maximizing your score instead.
Get a nudge when a draw fits you
Moose keeps the latest draws and cut-offs in your pocket and can alert you when a category draw matches your profile.
Category-based selection
Since 2023, IRCC can run category-based draws that invite candidates who meet a specific priority — regardless of whether they top the general ranking. Categories in recent cycles have included:
- French-language proficiency — often the lowest cut-offs of all.
- Healthcare and social services occupations.
- Trades (construction, industrial, maintenance).
- STEM — science, technology, engineering, and math.
- Transport, agriculture, and education occupations.
If you qualify for a category, your effective bar can be far lower than a general draw. Strong French is the single most accessible advantage for many applicants.
Recent draw results
A snapshot of recent rounds (the same data Moose surfaces in-app):
| Date | Type | CRS | Invitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 8, 2026 | Canadian Experience Class | 515 | 3,000 |
| Jun 24, 2026 | Provincial Nominee Program | 739 | 542 |
| Jun 10, 2026 | French-language proficiency | 410 | 1,500 |
| May 27, 2026 | Canadian Experience Class | 521 | 2,800 |
| May 13, 2026 | Healthcare occupations | 470 | 500 |
| Apr 29, 2026 | Provincial Nominee Program | 746 | 421 |
Notice the pattern: PNP draws show very high cut-offs because those candidates carry a +600 nomination, while French and healthcare categories sit far lower than general CEC rounds.
How to improve your odds
- Push language to CLB 9+. The highest-leverage move for most profiles — see the impact in the CRS calculator.
- Qualify for a category. Strong French, or eligible healthcare/trades/STEM experience, can unlock a lower bar.
- Chase a provincial nomination. +600 points is decisive.
- Keep your profile fresh. Update experience, new test scores, and education as soon as they change.
Moose brings every recent draw, cut-off, and category trend into one calm view — and once you are invited, it tracks your application to the finish. Download Moose free →
Frequently asked questions
How often are Express Entry draws held?
IRCC typically holds Express Entry draws roughly every two weeks, though the schedule and mix of general versus category-based rounds can change month to month.
What is category-based selection?
Category-based selection lets IRCC invite candidates who meet a specific priority — such as strong French, or work experience in healthcare, trades, STEM, transport, agriculture, or education — often at a lower CRS cut-off than general draws.
