Express Entry Draw Predictions 2026 — When Is the Next Draw and What CRS Score Do You Need?

One of the most common questions in Canada's immigration community: when is the next Express Entry draw, and what score do I need?

Using data from all 229+ rounds of Express Entry draws since 2015, here's what history tells us — and what to expect in 2026.

How Often Do Express Entry Draws Happen?

IRCC holds draws approximately every two weeks, but the timing is not fixed. Over the past year:

• Average gap between general draws: 13-16 days
• Fastest consecutive draws: 7 days apart
• Longest gap: 35 days (during policy review periods)

IRCC doesn't announce draws in advance. They're posted on canada.ca the day they happen, typically Tuesday or Wednesday mornings Eastern time.

Recent 2026 Draw History

Based on our tracked data:

| Draw | Date | Program | Invitations | CRS Cutoff | |------|------|---------|-------------|------------| | #294 | Apr 9, 2026 | No Program Specified | 3,500 | 524 | | #293 | Mar 25, 2026 | No Program Specified | 3,500 | 521 | | #292 | Mar 11, 2026 | Canadian Experience Class | 2,250 | 491 | | #291 | Feb 25, 2026 | No Program Specified | 3,500 | 522 | | #290 | Feb 11, 2026 | No Program Specified | 3,600 | 519 |

View all 229 draws at IRCCTracker.ca Express Entry draw history.

CRS Cutoff Predictions for Upcoming Draws

Disclaimer: No one can predict exact CRS cutoffs. These are educated estimates based on trends.

For all-program (No Program Specified) draws:

• Current range: 519-524
• Expect: 515-530 in the near term
• Driving factor: Large pool of high-scoring candidates; IRCC's annual targets for 2026

For CEC-specific draws:

• Recent cutoff: 491
• Expect: 480-510
• CEC draws favor candidates with Canadian work experience, who tend to have lower CRS but strong profiles

For PNP draws:

• Cutoffs: 720-760 (but with 600-point nomination bonus, effective score is only 120-160)
• These draws are for provincially nominated candidates only

For French-language draws:

• Cutoffs typically 300-420
• Strong advantage for Francophone candidates

When to Expect the Next Draw

Based on IRCC's pattern in 2026:

• Draws have consistently occurred on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
• Spacing has been approximately 14 days
• If the last draw was April 9, the next all-program draw is likely around April 22-24

IRCC may also hold category-based draws (healthcare, STEM, French language, trades) between general draws. These are harder to predict timing-wise.

What Has Changed in 2026 Draw Patterns?

Reduced immigration targets Canada reduced its overall permanent resident targets for 2026. Fewer total spots mean fewer invitations per draw, which pushes cutoffs up.

Category-based selection continues IRCC has been running targeted draws for specific occupations and French speakers in between general draws. If your occupation qualifies, watch for these — they often have lower cutoffs.

New occupational categories for 2026 IRCC added categories for medical doctors, researchers, senior managers, transport workers, and skilled military recruits in 2026. Check if your NOC code falls into these.

What CRS Score Do You Need?

To receive an ITA in a general draw: 520+ in current conditions.

To receive an ITA in a targeted draw: Depends on the category. CEC draws have been around 491; French-language draws as low as 336.

With a provincial nomination: You receive 600 bonus points, so even a CRS of 130 becomes 730 — you'll receive an invitation in any PNP draw.

How to Position Yourself for the Next Draw

1. Keep your profile updated — any new job, degree, or language score should be added immediately. Even one extra point could put you above a cutoff 2. Consider language retesting — a small improvement can push you over the threshold 3. Apply to provincial programs — if your score is stuck below 500, a provincial nomination is the most reliable path 4. Watch for category-based draws — if you work in healthcare, STEM, trades, or are French-speaking, a targeted draw may invite you at a lower score

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Want to check if your CRS score is competitive or explore pathways to improve it? Get a free consultation with a Canadian immigration lawyer who can assess your specific profile.