Have you studied or worked in Canada and gained Canadian work experience? If yes, there is an important update you should know about.
Canada has invited 2,000 candidates to apply for permanent residency (PR) through its latest Express Entry draw.
The latest draw was held on September 1, 2026, and specifically targeted candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
The minimum CRS score for this draw was 521.
Who Can Get Canada PR Under This Draw?
The Canadian Experience Class is designed for skilled workers who already have work experience in Canada.
To be considered in the latest draw, candidates needed to meet the required conditions, including:
Having a minimum CRS score of 521.
Being eligible under the Canadian Experience Class.
Having created their Express Entry profile before August 18, 2026.
If you meet these conditions, you may have received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residency.
Why Canadian Students Have an Advantage
Students who complete their studies in Canada can often build Canadian work experience after graduation.
After completing their studies, eligible international students may receive a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
This allows them to work in Canada and gain the local work experience that can help them qualify for immigration programs such as the Canadian Experience Class.
However, simply having Canadian work experience does not automatically guarantee PR.
Candidates must still meet the relevant eligibility requirements and compete within the Express Entry system.
Canada Has Held Several Express Entry Draws in 2026
The September 1 draw is part of a busy year for Canada’s Express Entry system.
According to the information provided, IRCC has conducted 51 Express Entry draws so far in 2026.
Candidates with Canadian connections have featured prominently, including 15 Canadian Experience Class draws and 17 Provincial Nominee Program draws.
There have also been 10 French-language category draws this year.
How Does the CRS Cut-Off Work?
The CRS, or Comprehensive Ranking System, gives candidates a score based on factors such as their skills, work experience, education and other qualifying factors.
The cut-off score can change from one draw to another.
For example, the previous CEC draw on August 18 invited 1,000 candidates, with a CRS cut-off of 523.
Before that, the August 5 CEC draw issued 3,000 invitations, with a lower cut-off of 516.
This shows why candidates in the Express Entry pool need to keep an eye on each new draw.
The number of invitations and the CRS cut-off can change depending on the type of draw and the candidates in the pool.
