Updated October 17, 2026
Every few weeks, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) holds an Express Entry draw and invites candidates to apply for permanent residence. Each draw has a minimum score: candidates in the pool who meet it, and who fit the draw’s program or category, receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Here is a look at the latest results and what they show about Express Entry in 2026.
The latest draw
On October 16, 2026, IRCC held a French-language proficiency draw:
| Draw number | #450 |
| Invitations issued | 5,000 |
| Lowest CRS score invited | 435 |
| Tie-breaking rule | October 6, 2026 at 21:31:22 UTC |
French-language proficiency draws are for Express Entry candidates with strong French skills (generally at least level 7 of the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens in all four language abilities). The lowest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in this draw was 53 points higher than in the previous French-language draw on August 19, which also invited 5,000 candidates, with a lowest score of 382.
What is the tie-breaking rule?
When several candidates have the same lowest score (here, 435), IRCC uses the date and time each person submitted their Express Entry profile to decide who is invited. In this draw, candidates with a score of 435 were invited only if they submitted their profile before October 6, 2026 at 21:31:22 UTC (2:31:22 PM Pacific time). Anyone with 435 who submitted later did not receive an invitation this time. Candidates with scores above 435 were all invited, regardless of when they submitted.
Tip: this is one reason not to delay creating your Express Entry profile once you are eligible. If you are tied with other candidates, an earlier submission date can make the difference.
Recent draws
| Date | Draw type | Invitations | Lowest CRS score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 16 | French-language proficiency | 5,000 | 435 |
| Oct 15 | Canadian Experience Class | 2,500 | 519 |
| Oct 13 | Provincial Nominee Program | 752 | 772 |
| Oct 1 | Trades occupations | 3,500 | 476 |
| Sep 29 | Canadian Experience Class | 2,000 | 518 |
| Sep 28 | Provincial Nominee Program | 733 | 725 |
| Sep 16 | Senior managers with Canadian work experience | 250 | 389 |
| Sep 15 | Canadian Experience Class | 2,000 | 519 |
2026 so far
IRCC has held 62 draws this year and issued about 143,500 invitations. Results vary widely depending on the type of draw:
| Draw type | Draws | Invitations | Range of lowest scores |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class | 18 | 57,750 | 507–523 |
| French-language proficiency | 11 | 55,500 | 382–435 |
| Healthcare and social services | 3 | 11,500 | 467–475 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 20 | 10,022 | 697–805 |
| Trades occupations | 2 | 6,500 | 476–477 |
| Senior managers with Canadian work experience | 3 | 1,000 | 389–429 |
| Physicians with Canadian work experience | 3 | 891 | 169–223 |
| Transport occupations | 1 | 300 | 470 |
What this means for you
- There is no single “cut-off score.” Your chances depend on which program and category you qualify for.
- French skills can make a big difference. French-language draws had some of the lowest scores this year and invited the most candidates after the Canadian Experience Class.
- Canadian work experience matters. Canadian Experience Class draws took place regularly, with scores between 507 and 523.
- Targeted occupations such as healthcare, trades and transport have had scores in the 470s.
- A provincial nomination adds 600 points, which almost guarantees an invitation in a PNP draw. Provinces, though, set their own criteria.
As of October 12, there were about 229,000 candidates in the pool. Roughly 22,400 of them had scores above 500.
Ways to strengthen your profile
Depending on your situation, you may be able to raise your score or qualify for more draws by:
- retaking a language test to improve your results;
- learning French;
- gaining more skilled work experience, especially in Canada;
- getting an Educational Credential Assessment for all your degrees;
- updating your spouse or partner’s information, such as language scores and education;
- exploring provincial nominee programs that match your profile.
Important to know
Draw results change often, and past results do not predict future draws. No one can guarantee an invitation. For the official, up-to-date list, see IRCC’s Express Entry rounds of invitations page.
Not sure where you stand? Book a consultation, and we’ll review your profile and explain the options that may fit you.
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada: Express Entry rounds of invitations. Figures as of October 17, 2026.