Canada issued 7,500 new invitations through Express Entry in two consecutive draws held on May 27 and May 28, 2026.
The first draw targeted Canadian Experience Class candidates, with 3,000 invitations issued and a minimum CRS score of 518. This was four points higher than the previous CEC draw on April 28, which had a cutoff score of 514.
One day later, IRCC held a French-language proficiency draw, inviting 4,500 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 409. This was the largest French-language draw of 2026 so far, and the cutoff was nine points higher than the previous French draw on April 29.
Together, the two draws show that IRCC has resumed larger non-PNP Express Entry rounds after a pause of about four weeks. In May, Canada had already held two Provincial Nominee Program draws before returning to CEC and French-language selections.
The higher CRS scores in both draws suggest that competition remains strong. For CEC candidates, the cutoff stayed above 500, showing continued pressure among applicants with Canadian work experience. For French-speaking candidates, the score remained much lower, but still increased from the previous round.
French-language draws continue to be one of Canada’s key immigration priorities, especially as the federal government aims to increase French-speaking immigration outside Quebec. Candidates need strong French test results to qualify under this category.
So far in 2026, IRCC has held 11 PNP draws, 9 CEC draws, 6 French-language draws, and a smaller number of occupation-based draws, including healthcare, trades, physicians, and senior managers.
Candidates who received an Invitation to Apply now have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application. Those still waiting should keep their Express Entry profiles updated, especially language test results, work experience, education documents, and police certificates.
