Express Entry Draw History 2026: All Draws, CRS Scores & Trends

Express Entry draws have changed dramatically since category-based selection began in May 2023. Instead of one all-program draw that invited everyone above a high CRS threshold, IRCC now runs multiple targeted draws per year — STEM, healthcare, French language proficiency, trades, and transport occupations — each with different CRS cut-offs. Understanding this pattern is essential for timing your Express Entry profile correctly.

Types of Express Entry Draws in 2026

• All-Program Draws — invites candidates from FSW, CEC, and FSTC pools. CRS cut-off typically 490–545. Happens every 2 weeks.
• STEM Category Draws — NOC codes for engineers, scientists, IT professionals, mathematicians. CRS cut-off 481–491. Happens 4–6 times per year.
• Healthcare Category Draws — NOC codes for nurses, doctors, physiotherapists, pharmacists, dentists. CRS cut-off 430–450. Happens 4–6 times per year.
• French Language Proficiency Draws — CLB 7+ in French qualifies; CRS cut-off as low as 336 (with French language bonus). Very frequent.
• Agriculture & Agri-Food Draws — for agri-food workers, NOC TEER 2/3. CRS cut-off 352–398.
• Trade Occupations Draws — electricians, plumbers, welders, cooks. CRS cut-off 388–436.

2026 Draw Summary (Key Highlights)

IRCC has continued its category-based draw strategy in 2026. The all-program draw CRS has stayed in the 490–510 range, while STEM draws have cut off between 481–491 — the consistency of STEM draws makes it one of the most reliable pathways for engineers and IT professionals. Healthcare draws have had the lowest CRS cut-offs of any category, consistently pulling candidates at 430–450. French language draws remain an outlier with very low CRS for bilingual applicants.

How to Position Your Profile for the Next Draw

• STEM profile (NOC 21231, 21310, 21211): Aim for 481–491 CRS. If you're at 460–480, focus on improving IELTS to CLB 9 or pursuing a PNP nomination.
• Healthcare profile (NOC 31301, 31202): Even 430–445 CRS has been sufficient. Don't wait — file your profile as soon as your ECA and IELTS are ready.
• French speakers: A CLB 7 in French can slash your effective CRS requirement to below 350. Consider taking TEF Canada or TCF Canada even if English is your primary language.
• Trades (NOC 72XXX): Target 388–436 range. Trades draws are smaller (500–800 invitations) so competition is lower.
• General pool: If you're 470–490, a PNP nomination is the most reliable path to an ITA — it adds 600 CRS points.

PNP Nominations — The CRS Booster

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) that are linked to Express Entry add 600 CRS points — effectively guaranteeing an ITA in the next all-program draw. For candidates sitting at 420–480 CRS, pursuing a PNP nomination through Ontario (OINP), Alberta (AINP), BC (BCPNP), or Saskatchewan (SINP) is often faster than waiting for a category draw. Our consultants monitor all active PNP streams weekly and notify clients when nominations open for their occupation.

Category-based draws have democratised Express Entry. A nurse with 435 CRS or an engineer with 481 CRS can now receive an ITA without waiting years in the pool.