Four Types of Candidates Now Eligible for CEC Invitations after Recent Cutoff Drop

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) cut-off scores under Express Entry have started to significantly decrease after staying mostly unchanged between CRS 533 and 534 from August to November 2025. The most recent draws in early 2026 show a significant shift, with the cut-off falling to 509, its lowest level in several months.

Thousands of temporary residents working in Canada now have greater access to Canadian permanent residence, thanks to this declining trend, especially those who were previously denied it because of lower language proficiency, less education, or a lack of international work experience.

A larger group of Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates may receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs) without depending on conventional CRS boosting techniques like retaking language exams or pursuing further studies in Canada if these lower thresholds continue. 

This article will further provide an overview of the profiles that could now qualify for a CEC ITA because of the reducing cut-off scores despite having lower qualifications under a certain score factor.

Recent CEC Draws Indicating a Shift in Selection Patterns by IRCC

The table below highlights how the changing CRS trends in the Express Entry draws for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates

The latest trend in CEC draws that we can observe is that the increasing number of ITAs being issued is inversely proportional to the declining CRS cut-off.

This pattern greatly highlights IRCCs clain to prioritising in-Canada candidates to PR and working through the existing CEC pool more aggressively in 2026 in comparison to late 2025

Example 1: Candidate With Lower Language Scores

Michael, who is aged 27 years old, is single and a citizen of the Czech Republic. He has work experience as a web developer abroad for three years. Michael also holds a three year bachelors degree in computer science from his home country, and later, he completed a two-year master's degree in web design and development in Canada while on a study permit 

Upon graduation, Michael worked in Canada for four years under an employer-specific work permit. Michael has an English language proficiency of CLB 7, and he does not speak French. He intends to relocate to New Brunswick near his brother, who obtained Canadian citizenship through naturalization. The details of his CRS code breakdown are as follows:

• Having secured a CRS core of 515, Michael is likely to receive an ITA in three of the most recent CEC draws, even without the requirement to improve his language proficiency scores
• While most of the Express Entry candidates focus on boosting language proficiency scores, Michael, through his strong mix of Canadian education and existing work experience, proved sufficient under the current CRS cut-off range.

Example 2: Candidates With No Foreign Work Experience

Cierra is a single 29-year-old, single woman from Scotland who had completed a one-year college certification in her home country right after finishing her secondary schooling. Later, she moved to Alberta, Canada, on a study permit, where she pursued a four-year bachelor's degree, and after graduating, she obtained a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP Canada) and acquired work experience in Alberta for three years.

Once her PGWP Canada validity concluded, Cierra transitioned to an employer-specific work permit for one year. She has no foreign work experience in Scotland or other countries, and her language skills are decent, with English proficiency of clb 8 and a proficiency in French of NCLC 5. The details of her CRS code breakdown are as follows:

• Considering her CRS points to be at 511, Cierra can be qualified in the two most recent CEC draws despite having no foreign work experience.
• While most of the applicants see foreign experience as one of the key factors for boosting CRS score, Cierra showcased that Canadian education, Age, bilingual ability, and having Canadian work experience can now be enough for securing an ITA in the CEC category draws.

Example 3: Candidates With Only One Year of Canadian Work Experience

Arjun is a highly educated 32-year-old executive assistant professor who is living in India. Arjun has worked in this role for three years and his education qualifications include a bachelor's degree, masters degree, and a PhD in business administration. 

Considering the difficulty in finding a job in India, he decided to immigrate to Canada in search of better opportunities and prospects. So he obtained a work permit through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) to build eligibility under the CEC pathway of Express Entry.

Arjun has been working in Canada for one year as an executive assistant, and his language skills are highly advanced. He has a CLB 11 English proficiency, and his French language skills are at an NCLC 6. The details of his CRS code breakdown are as follows:

• Canadian work experience certainly has a high regard under the CRS score calculator. However, Arjun's case showcases that even one year can be enough when paired with advanced education and strong language skills.
• Considering his current CRS score of 524, and today's cut-off levels, he would have been invited in four consecutive CEC draws, which wouldn’t have been possible when previously the cutoff scores were much higher same time during last year.

Example 4: Candidates With a One-Year College Certificate

Malaya, aged 30 years, is a Philippines national, and she has three years of experience in food service in her home country. Malaya obtained a Canadian study permit and completed a one-year food and beverage management certification program in Canada. Her 33-year-old husband, Lewis Aalso joined her in Canada on a closed Canadian work permit and he has a two-year diploma in business finance which he completed in the Philippines

After completing her graduation, she got an employer-specific work permit and has secured work experience as a restaurant manager for three years. Malay has advanced English skills of CLB 11 and is also familiar with French (Proficiency of NCLC 5). While her husband has an English language proficiency of CLB 7 but is not familiar with French. The details of her CRS code breakdown are as follows:

• Considering Malaya's qualifications along with her accompanying spouse, she secured a CRS score of 510
• Irrespective of having a one-year post-secondary certificate and losing three points from listing Luis as an accompanying spouse, Malaya’s CRS score is one point higher than the most recent CEC draw cut-off score. Hence, she is likely to receive an ITA from IRCC, without having to secure an additional credential for boosting per crs score

Also Read: All Time Low CRS Express Entry Draw Invites 6,000 Candidates to PR

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Now could be a good time to determine your eligibility for permanent residency in Canada, as CEC cut-off scores are trending lower in 2026. For expert guidance and comprehensive assistance for Canadian immigration, reach out to GetGIS Canada PR assistance and ensure your successful immigration and a smooth transition to Canada

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