IMMERGITY
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted an Express Entry draw on March 17, 2026, targeting the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). The draw issued 4,000 Invitations to Apply with a CRS cutoff of 507 — a significant decrease from the previous CEC draw on February 17, 2026, which had a cutoff of 508.
This draw continues the pattern of relatively stable CRS thresholds for the Canadian Experience Class — hovering in the 507–509 range throughout 2026. Candidates who have worked in Canada and meet the CRS requirement remain the most competitive pathway in the current draw landscape.
Draw Details — March 17, 2026
- Draw Number: 404
- Draw Date: March 17, 2026
- Program: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- CRS Cutoff: 507
- Invitations Issued: 4,000
- Trend: Stable — minimal change from Draw 396
What This Means for CEC Candidates
The CEC cutoff of 507 in this draw represents the most achievable threshold for candidates with established Canadian work experience. Here's what your situation looks like:
If your CRS is 507 or above
You qualified for this draw. If your profile was active and not selected, you'll have another opportunity in the next CEC draw — likely within 2–3 weeks. Keep your profile current and monitor IRCC announcements for the next round.
If your CRS is 490–506
You're very close. Focus on quick CRS wins: improve your language test score (each CLB level jump adds points), complete a Canadian education credential, or gain additional Canadian work experience. Use the CRS Simulator to model exactly which improvements move you above 507 fastest.
If your CRS is below 490
CEC draws consistently sit in the 507–511 range — you're currently below competitive threshold. The fastest path forward depends on your profile. Some candidates move faster through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw. Use the PNP Program Finder to check if any provincial program offers a faster route to PR.
How CRS 507 Compares to Recent Draws
| Draw # | Date | Program | CRS Cutoff | Invitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 404 | March 17, 2026 | CEC | 507 | 4,000 |
| 401 | March 4, 2026 | French-Language proficiency | 397 | 5,500 |
| 400 | March 3, 2026 | Canadian Experience Class | 508 | 4,000 |
| 399 | March 2, 2026 | Provincial Nominee Program | 710 | 264 |
| 396 | February 17, 2026 | Canadian Experience Class | 508 | 6,000 |
CEC has been exceptionally stable — consistently between 507–509 for the past month. This reflects balanced demand: enough candidates meeting the threshold to keep the cutoff high, but not so many that it spikes dramatically.
Your Next Move
Check your current CRS score and see where you stand:
- Use the Eligibility Assessment to get your exact CRS score instantly. No account needed.
- Use the CRS Simulator to model language test improvements, work experience gains, or education credentials — and see real timelines to reach 507+.
- If CEC doesn't work for your timeline, use the PNP Program Finder to see which provincial program might nominate you faster.
Express Entry draws are happening regularly. The next CEC draw could come within days. Be ready.
What This Draw Means For You
If your CRS score is below 507, this draw did not affect you directly — but it's a signal about pool competitiveness. Use IMMERGITY's free Eligibility Assessment to see your current score, your distance from the cutoff, and which programs you qualify for today.
If your CRS is near or above 507, you may already be competitive. Use the CRS Simulator to run what-if scenarios and see how improving your language score or adding work experience could get you over the cutoff threshold.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Express Entry Draw #404?
Express Entry Draw #404 was held on March 17, 2026 under the Canadian Experience Class category. IRCC issued 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) with a minimum CRS score of 507. Candidates who received an ITA had 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application.
What does a CRS cutoff of 507 mean?
Only candidates with a CRS score of 507 or higher were invited in this draw. If your score was below 507, you remained in the pool and are eligible for future draws. CRS cutoffs vary by draw type — category draws typically cut lower than all-program draws. Use the Eligibility Assessment to check your current standing.
How can I improve my CRS score to qualify for future draws?
The highest-ROI CRS improvements are language score upgrades (each band improvement is worth 10–31 points), adding a valid job offer (50–200 points), and provincial nominations (+600 points). Use the CRS Simulator to model each scenario against your profile.