Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a new Express Entry draw on March 31, 2026. This draw specifically targeted candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). As a result, IRCC invited 2,250 candidates to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
To qualify, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 509. Overall, this score shows that competition remains strong among candidates with Canadian work experience.
Check Your Skilled Assessment & Eligibility
Key Highlights of the March 31, 2026 Draw
- Draw Name: Canadian Experience Class
- Date and Time: March 31, 2026
- CRS Score: 509
- Invitations Issued: 2,250
- Rank Required: 2,250 or above
- Tie-Breaking Rule: March 18, 2026 at 08:27:11 UTC
If multiple candidates had the same CRS score, IRCC selected profiles based on the date and time of submission. Therefore, candidates who applied earlier received priority.
Understanding Express Entry Programs
IRCC manages three main economic immigration programs through the Express Entry system:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Since June 2023, IRCC has used three types of draws. These include general draws, program-specific draws, and category-based draws. In this case, IRCC focused only on CEC candidates.
How CRS Scores Work
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) ranks candidates based on key factors. These include age, education, work experience, and language skills. In addition, candidates can earn extra points for Canadian experience, job offers, or family connections in Canada.
As a result, candidates with higher scores have a better chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Steps to Receive an ITA
If you plan to apply through Express Entry, follow these steps:
- First, check your eligibility under FSWP, FSTP, or CEC
- Next, create your Express Entry profile
- Then, receive your CRS score
- Finally, wait for a draw and get an ITA if your score meets the cut-off
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is Canada’s online system for managing skilled immigration applications. It helps IRCC select candidates based on their CRS scores.
Moreover, the system ensures that Canada invites skilled workers who can contribute to the economy.
Check Your Skilled Assessment & Eligibility
Start Your Canada PR Journey
Planning to apply for Canada PR? Now is the right time to prepare your profile and improve your CRS score.
Apical Immigration Experts can help you with profile evaluation, documentation, and complete PR process support.
- Email: info@immigrationxperts.com
- Call us: +91-9999467686, +91-8447-696555
