On April 28, 2026, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted an Express Entry draw, inviting 2,000 candidates from the Canadian Experience Class to apply for permanent residency.
This draw featured a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cutoff of 514, a slight decrease from the previous draw on April 14, which had a cutoff of 515.
Despite this small drop, the cutoff remains significantly above the levels seen earlier in the year, indicating a consistent trend of higher scores required for invitations.
Table of Contents
Details of the April 28 Express Entry Draw
- Program: Canadian Experience Class
- Date and time: April 28, 2026 at 10:36:46 UTC
- CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 514
- Number of invitations issued: 2,000
- Rank needed: 2,000 or above
- Tie-breaking rule: September 24, 2025 at 14:18:43 UTC
The April 28 draw maintained the number of invitations at 2,000, a pattern observed since the beginning of April.
This reduction in invitation numbers has contributed to higher CRS cutoffs, reflecting the competitive nature of the current Express Entry pool.
Candidates who scored exactly 514 were only invited if their profiles were submitted before the tie-breaking date of September 24, 2025.
CRS Cutoff Trends in 2026
Throughout 2026, the CRS cutoff has fluctuated due to varying draw sizes. Initially, larger draws at the beginning of the year allowed for lower cutoffs, reaching as low as 507 on March 17.
However, as the number of invitations per draw decreased, the cutoff scores have consistently been over 510, with no indication of dropping soon.
Upcoming French Language Proficiency Draw
Following the trend of previous months, a French language proficiency draw is expected within the same week. This category has issued 22,000 invitations in 2026, with significantly lower CRS cutoffs compared to CEC rounds, providing an accessible pathway for French-speaking applicants.
Express Entry System Overhaul
In a move to streamline the immigration process, IRCC has initiated public consultations on proposed changes to the Express Entry system. These changes aim to unify the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades Program under a single class, with adjustments to CRS scoring criteria to prioritize higher earnings and valid job offers.
Implications for Candidates
Candidates with CRS scores above 515 are well-positioned for future draws, while those with scores between 510 and 514 remain competitive but dependent on draw size increases. Applicants with scores below 510 should explore alternative pathways such as provincial nominations or improving their French language proficiency to enhance their chances.
Key Takeaways
- April 28 draw issued 2,000 invitations with a CRS cutoff of 514.
- CRS cutoffs remain above 510 due to reduced draw sizes in 2026.
- Upcoming French language proficiency draws offer lower cutoff opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can candidates improve their CRS scores for Express Entry?
Candidates can improve their CRS scores by obtaining a provincial nomination, enhancing their language proficiency, or acquiring additional work experience.
What are the eligibility criteria for the French language proficiency draw?
Candidates must have NCLC 7 or higher in all four French language abilities, as demonstrated by the TEF Canada or TCF Canada test results.
How does the tie-breaking rule impact Express Entry candidates?
The tie-breaking rule prioritizes candidates with the same lowest CRS score based on the date and time they submitted their Express Entry profile.
What changes are proposed in the Express Entry system overhaul?
Proposed changes include merging immigration programs, revising CRS scoring to prioritize earnings and job offers, and introducing a minimum eligibility standard for language proficiency.
Can a candidate be eligible for multiple Express Entry draw categories?
Yes, candidates with qualifying Canadian work experience and French proficiency are automatically considered in both CEC and French language proficiency draws.
Source: Official Government Source
Leave a Reply