Canada’s Express Entry system has brought good news for many candidates in early 2026. After remaining high for months, Canadian Experience Class (CEC) cut-off scores have started falling, making thousands of candidates newly eligible for Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence (PR).
For much of late 2025, CEC CRS scores stayed around 533–534, but in recent draws the cut-off dropped sharply — reaching as low as 509 in January 2026.
This shift is helping many people who previously felt their score was too low—especially those who may have lower language scores, limited foreign work experience, or fewer education credentials.
✅ Recent CEC Draw Trend (Cut-Off Falling)
Here are the five most recent CEC draws highlighted in the report:
| Draw Date | CEC CRS Cut-off | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 21, 2026 | 509 | 6,000 |
| Jan 7, 2026 | 511 | 8,000 |
| Dec 16, 2025 | 515 | 5,000 |
| Dec 10, 2025 | 520 | 6,000 |
| Nov 26, 2025 | 531 | 1,000 |
📌 With this continuing downward trend, many candidates who were not competitive a few months ago are now getting a chance at PR.
4 Types of Candidates Now Eligible for CEC Invitations
The CIC News report explains that the falling CRS threshold makes it possible for candidates with “lower” points in certain CRS areas to still qualify.
Below are the four candidate categories that may now qualify for a CEC ITA.
1️⃣ Candidates with Lower Language Scores (But Strong Work/Study Profile)
One of the biggest surprises: candidates with lower language results (CLB 7) can now still qualify—if they have strong Canadian experience or education.
Example profile shown:
- CLB 7 English
- Canadian education (Master’s)
- Strong Canadian + foreign work experience
- CRS score around 515
✅ Meaning: Some candidates may no longer need to “wait and retake IELTS” immediately if their overall CRS remains competitive.
2️⃣ Candidates with No Foreign Work Experience
Many people think foreign work experience is mandatory for CRS improvement, but recent draws show otherwise.
Example profile shown:
- No foreign experience
- Canadian Bachelor’s degree
- 4 years Canadian work experience
- English CLB 8 + basic French
- CRS score around 511
✅ Meaning: Canadian education + Canadian work experience is becoming more valuable in CEC eligibility.
3️⃣ Candidates With Only 1 Year of Canadian Work Experience
Another major change: even candidates with only one year of Canadian experience may qualify if their overall profile is strong.
Example profile shown:
- High education (PhD)
- Strong language scores
- 1 year Canadian work experience
- CRS score around 524
✅ Meaning: Candidates don’t always need 2–3 years of Canadian experience to become eligible if their education + language is strong.
4️⃣ Candidates With Only a 1-Year Canadian Credential
This is important for many international students and diploma holders.
Example profile shown:
- 1-year Canadian certificate
- 3 years Canadian work experience
- Strong English + basic French
- Married (spouse included)
- CRS score around 510
✅ Meaning: Even short programs can still support PR eligibility if backed by work experience and language.
📌 Why CEC Scores Are Falling in 2026
CEC cut-offs were stuck above 530 for months, but several factors may be influencing the drop:
- More ITAs issued in CEC draws (large draws)
- High-scoring profiles leaving the pool after getting ITAs
- Strong emphasis on in-Canada candidates in PR selections
✅ What Candidates Should Do Now
If your CRS is around 509–520, now is the time to act smart:
✔ Update your Express Entry profile
Make sure your:
- Work history
- Education credentials
- Language results
- NOC/TEER code
- Canadian experience
…are updated correctly.
✔ Keep your status legal in Canada
CEC depends on eligible Canadian work experience, so maintaining proper legal status matters.
✔ Don’t delay language tests (but plan strategically)
Improving IELTS/CELPIP still helps—but if your CRS is already competitive, you might already be close to selection.
Final Thoughts
The big message of this update is clear: CEC draw scores have dropped, and more candidates are now eligible than before. If this trend continues, 2026 may become a strong year for Express Entry candidates—especially those already working in Canada.
