Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted the latest CRS draw on April 14, 2026, issuing 2,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates. The CRS score cutoff landed at 515 points — a jump of 6 points from the previous CEC draw and the highest CEC cutoff recorded in 2026 so far. This latest IRCC draw marks Draw #410 in the Express Entry system.
Express Entry Draw #410 — Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Draw Number | #410 |
| Draw Date | April 14, 2026 |
| Draw Type | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) |
| CRS Score Cutoff | 515 |
| ITAs Issued | 2,000 |
| Tie-Breaking Rule | Profile submitted before 2:46 a.m. UTC, June 10, 2025 |
What the CRS 515 Cutoff Means for CEC Candidates
The latest CRS draw cutoff of 515 is the highest CEC score in 2026, up 6 points from the 509 recorded in the March 31 CEC draw. Combined with a smaller draw size of 2,000 ITAs (down from 2,250 in the previous CEC round), this signals a tightening pool for CEC candidates. Thousands of candidates sitting between CRS 500 and 514 will need to improve their scores before the next Express Entry Draw to receive an invitation.
Use the CRS Simulator to model exactly how many additional points you need — and what life events or credential upgrades could get you there. For a complete roadmap, the PR Masterplan lays out a step-by-step path to permanent residence based on your current profile.
2026 CEC Draw History — CRS Score Trend
| Draw | Date | CRS Score | ITAs |
|---|---|---|---|
| #410 | April 14, 2026 | 515 | 2,000 |
| #407 | March 31, 2026 | 509 | 2,250 |
| #404 | March 17, 2026 | 507 | 4,000 |
| #403 | March 3, 2026 | 508 | 4,000 |
| #400 | February 17, 2026 | 508 | 6,000 |
| #396 | January 21, 2026 | 509 | 6,000 |
| #393 | January 7, 2026 | 511 | 8,000 |
The trend is clear: as IRCC reduces ITA volumes in CEC draws, the CRS score cutoff rises. Candidates who have been waiting in the pool with scores in the 505–514 range need to act now. Start with a free Eligibility Assessment to understand where you stand and what options are available to you.
Why This Draw Was Smaller
According to IRCC data, the 2026 immigration levels plan has front-loaded ITA issuance earlier in the year. The January and February CEC draws together issued over 20,000 ITAs. With annual targets being managed carefully, later draws tend to be smaller. The 2,000 ITAs in this latest IRCC draw reflects that pattern — IRCC is pacing itself to avoid overshooting the annual permanent residence target.
This is also the seventh CEC draw of 2026. CEC candidates have received the most ITAs of any category this year, with 32,250 invitations issued across all CEC rounds combined.
What CEC Candidates Should Do Now
- Score below 515? Use the Eligibility Assessment to identify your fastest path to a higher CRS score.
- Score between 500–514? Consider provincial nomination — a PNP draw can add 600 points to your CRS instantly. Use the PNP Program Finder to see which provinces align with your occupation.
- Score above 515? You may have qualified for this draw. Verify your profile tie-breaking date and ensure your profile was submitted before June 10, 2025 at 2:46 a.m. UTC.
- Need a full strategy? The PR Masterplan builds a personalized permanent residence roadmap based on your exact situation.
Candidates who don't yet qualify for Express Entry may be eligible through other pathways. The US to Canada Pathway Finder is especially relevant for professionals currently working in the United States who hold valid Canadian work experience.
CRS Score Improvement Strategies Before the Next Draw
With the CRS score for CEC draws now at 515, here are the most effective ways to increase your ranking before the next Express Entry Draw:
- Improve your language scores — Moving from CLB 9 to CLB 10 in all four abilities can add 20–30+ CRS points. Use the CLB Converter to see exactly how your IELTS or CELPIP scores translate to CRS points.
- Add a second language (French) — French language proficiency draws have had CRS cutoffs as low as 393 in 2026. Qualifying for French draws significantly broadens your options.
- Obtain a provincial nomination — A valid PNP nomination adds 600 points and virtually guarantees an ITA in the next PNP draw. The PNP Program Finder shows programs actively nominating in your occupation.
- Get a qualifying job offer — A valid LMIA-supported job offer at NOC TEER 0 or 1 adds 50–200 points depending on the wage level.
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) — Ensuring your foreign degree is assessed at the Canadian equivalent can unlock additional education points.
For a comprehensive analysis of all available levers for your profile, book a session with our licensed RCIC — Pranav Bhushan, RCIC (R705848) — through the Eligibility Assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the latest CRS draw cutoff for April 2026?
The latest CRS draw cutoff is 515 points, set in Express Entry Draw #410 on April 14, 2026, for Canadian Experience Class candidates.
What was the CRS score for the CEC draw on April 14, 2026?
The CRS score cutoff for Express Entry Draw #410 (Canadian Experience Class) on April 14, 2026 was 515 points. IRCC issued 2,000 ITAs in this round.
How many ITAs were issued in the latest IRCC draw?
IRCC issued 2,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in the latest Express Entry Draw #410 on April 14, 2026.
Why did the CRS cutoff jump in this draw?
The CRS score increased by 6 points (from 509 to 515) because the draw size was smaller — only 2,000 ITAs compared to 2,250 in the previous CEC draw. Fewer invitations with the same pool size means only the highest-ranked candidates received ITAs.
What should I do if my CRS score is below 515?
If your CRS score is below 515, start with a free Eligibility Assessment from IMMERGITY to identify which score improvement strategies apply to your profile. Provincial nomination, language improvement, and job offers are the fastest paths to a higher CRS score.
When is the next Express Entry draw?
IRCC typically holds Express Entry draws every 1–2 weeks. Based on 2026 patterns, the next draw is expected in the week of April 21, 2026. IMMERGITY will publish an analysis immediately upon announcement.