New Express Entry draw for candidates with Canadian work experience
The passing score remained practically the same, while the queue noticeably shortened.
On July 21, 2026, Canada held an Express Entry draw for the Canadian Experience Class. Invitations to apply for permanent residence were sent to 2,000 candidates with work experience in the country.
The cut-off score was 516, virtually unchanged from the previous draw on July 7, when the threshold was 517. The number of invitations also remained the same.
While the score stayed stable, the tie-breaking date changed significantly. In the last draw, priority went to candidates who submitted their profile before December 29, 2025, but now the cut-off date has moved forward to May 26, 2026. This jump of almost five months means the queue of candidates with the same score has been substantially reduced. The likely reason: the large-scale draws in May and June (3,000 and 4,000 invitations) cleared out the pool of candidates with profiles submitted earlier in the year.
The cut-off score for Canadian Experience Class has remained stable for several months, fluctuating within a narrow range of 514-518. The number of invitations, after jumping to 4,000 in June, has returned to the baseline level of 2,000 and has held steady for the second draw in a row.
Invited candidates have 60 days to submit their complete application. The package includes language test results, proof of education, and Canadian work experience.
Check your score using our free points calculator and see how close you are to the cut-off threshold.
How Canadian work experience helps with immigration
The Canadian Experience Class program allows professionals already working in Canada to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry. Canadian work experience not only opens access to this program but also earns additional points when your profile is assessed. Besides Canadian Experience Class, candidates can consider the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
If you're working in Canada and want a professional assessment of your prospects, book a consultation with a licensed immigration consultant.
A record of all draws is available on the Express Entry draw history page.
