IRCC Invites 2,000 Canadian Experience Class Candidates
Express Entry update — IRCC issues 2,000 ITAs to Canadian Experience Class (CRS 518)
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 2,000 invitations to apply (ITAs) in an Express Entry draw for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates. To be considered, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 518 and their Express Entry profile created before 8:48 p.m. UTC on February 13, 2026. This draw continues IRCC’s emphasis on candidates with Canadian ties, such as Canadian work experience and provincial nominees.
Recent context in 2026
With this round complete, Canada has held 58 Express Entry draws so far in 2026. IRCC’s approach this year mixes large CEC and French-language rounds with targeted draws for provincial nominees and specific occupations (physicians, healthcare, senior managers, trades, etc.).
Totals by draw type (2026 to date)
– Canadian Experience Class: 53,250 ITAs
– French‑Language proficiency: 50,500 ITAs
– Provincial Nominee Program: 9,270 ITAs
– Healthcare and social services: 11,500 ITAs
– Trades: 3,000 ITAs
– Transport: 300 ITAs
– Physicians with Canadian work experience: 891 ITAs
– Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience: 1,000 ITAs
– Skilled Military Recruits: 4 ITAs
Total ITAs issued across all draw types: 131,715.
Draw counts by type so far include 19 Provincial Nominee Program draws, 16 Canadian Experience Class draws and 10 French-language proficiency draws.
Why the CRS cutoff and profile timestamp matter
The CRS cutoff of 518 set the minimum score invited in this CEC round. The profile creation deadline (before 8:48 p.m. UTC on February 13, 2026) is an administrative requirement: profiles created after that timestamp were not eligible for this draw, even if their CRS exceeded 518.
BOWP and maintained status — key reminders
IRCC also reminded applicants that foreign nationals in Canada who have submitted an Express Entry PR application may qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP). If an existing work permit expires before a BOWP decision, applicants can continue to work under maintained status provided they remain in Canada and comply with the conditions of their previous permit. Eligible family members may also qualify for an open work permit.
Who this affects most
– CEC candidates with CRS 518+ whose profiles were in the pool before 8:48 p.m. UTC on February 13, 2026 — these candidates received ITAs.
– Express Entry applicants in Canada with pending PR applications — they may be eligible for BOWP and can rely on maintained status under the conditions described.
– Family members of applicants — they may qualify for open work permits tied to BOWP applications.
– Other Express Entry candidates — IRCC’s 2026 pattern signals continued opportunities in PNP, French‑language and occupation‑targeted rounds.
Practical next steps
– Check your Express Entry profile timestamp to confirm eligibility for specific draws.
– Monitor and document only verifiable updates that affect your CRS (language tests, education assessment, qualifying work experience, or provincial nomination).
– If you’re in Canada with a pending PR application and your work permit will expire, consider the BOWP pathway and confirm you meet maintained-status conditions.
– Family members should review eligibility for open work permits and prepare supporting documents.
What to watch next
– Frequency and mix of draw types (CEC, PNP, French-language, occupation-specific).
– CRS thresholds for future CEC and French-language rounds.
– IRCC guidance on BOWP processing and any operational updates affecting maintained status.
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