Canada has halved the number of invitations for candidates with Canadian work experience
In the July Express Entry draw, the number of spots decreased from 4,000 to 2,000, although the cut-off score barely changed.
On July 7, 2026, a new Express Entry draw was held under the Canadian Experience Class category, designed for candidates with skilled work experience in Canada. 2,000 people received invitations to apply for permanent residence.
The cutoff score was 517 — almost the same level as the previous draw on June 23, 2026, when the threshold was 516. However, the number of invitations was cut in half: from 4,000 to 2,000.
In previous months, Canada had been steadily increasing the quota in this category: 2,000 invitations in April, 3,000 in May, and 4,000 in June. The July draw broke this trend, bringing the number of invitations back to April levels. Meanwhile, the cutoff score remains stable, fluctuating within a narrow range of 514-518 over the last several draws.
Among candidates with a score of 517, priority was given to those who registered their profile earlier. The cutoff date was December 29, 2025: candidates who created their profile before this date received invitations first. Such an early date indicates high competition among candidates with the same score.
Those invited have 60 days to gather and submit a complete set of documents: language test certificates, proof of education, documents confirming work experience in Canada, and more.
Find out if you have enough points to pass the selection. Calculate your score using our free points calculator.
Who qualifies for Canadian Experience Class
The Canadian Experience Class program is designed for those who are currently working or have worked in Canada in a skilled position. It's one of three federal programs available through Express Entry, along with the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Candidates are assessed based on a combination of factors: age, education level, English or French language proficiency, length of Canadian work experience, and overall professional experience.
If you're working in Canada and want to understand your options for obtaining permanent residence, book a consultation with a licensed immigration consultant.
Results of all past draws and changes in cutoff scores are available on the Express Entry draw history page.
