Express Entry Draw #413: CEC Score Eases to 514 as Invitation Numbers Remain Low

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April 28, 2026 – Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted a new Express Entry draw, targeting candidates eligible under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). This latest round, #413, continues a trend of smaller, more targeted draws, signaling a period of sustained high competition for candidates with in-Canada work experience.

In this draw, 2,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 514. This represents a marginal decrease of one point from the previous CEC draw on April 14, which had a CRS cutoff of 515. While any drop in the CRS score is welcome news for applicants, the overall data indicates that the threshold to receive an invitation remains significantly elevated compared to the beginning of the year.

This analysis will delve into the specifics of Draw #413, examine the evolving trends within the Canadian Experience Class category, and provide practical advice for candidates navigating the current Express Entry landscape.

Draw #413 at a Glance

CRS Score Analysis

The defining feature of Draw #413 is the minimum CRS score of 514. While this is a one-point decrease from the previous draw, it is crucial to view this number within a broader context.

Firstly, a score of 514 is the second-highest CRS cutoff for a CEC draw in 2026, surpassed only by the 515 score seen two weeks prior. This score is notably higher than the 2026 average CRS for this category, which stands at 510. This indicates that the competitive pressure within the pool has intensified in the second quarter of the year.

The primary factor influencing this high CRS threshold is the number of invitations issued. For the third consecutive draw, IRCC has issued a relatively small number of ITAs—2,000 in this round and the previous one, and 2,250 in the draw before that. This is a significant reduction from the 4,000, 6,000, and even 8,000 invitations issued in CEC draws earlier in the year.

The relationship between the number of ITAs and the CRS score is inverse and direct. When IRCC issues a smaller number of invitations, it only needs to select the highest-ranking candidates from the Express Entry pool to meet its target. Consequently, the CRS score cutoff remains high. In this case, there were at least 2,000 candidates in the pool with a score of 514 or higher. If IRCC had decided to issue 4,000 invitations, the score would have inevitably dropped lower to include an additional 2,000 candidates.

The one-point drop from 515 to 514 suggests a degree of stabilization at this high level. It indicates that the number of new, high-scoring candidates entering the pool is roughly equivalent to the number being removed through invitations. This slight decrease offers a glimmer of hope that the sharp upward trend seen between March and April may be plateauing, but it does not yet signal a return to the lower scores seen in the first quarter of 2026.

Canadian Experience Class Category Trend

The Canadian Experience Class is a vital pathway for individuals who have already demonstrated their ability to integrate into the Canadian labour market. The recent pattern of draws in this category reveals a clear strategic shift by IRCC over the course of 2026.

An analysis of this trend table highlights two distinct periods in 2026:

Period 1 (January - mid-March): High Volume, Decreasing Scores The year began with large-scale CEC draws. The initial draw invited a massive 8,000 candidates, which pushed the CRS score down in subsequent rounds. As IRCC continued to issue a high volume of ITAs (6,000 and 4,000), the CRS score steadily declined, reaching its lowest point of the year at 507 on March 17. During this phase, IRCC was clearly focused on a high-volume intake of candidates with Canadian experience.

Period 2 (Late March - Present): Low Volume, Increasing Scores A dramatic shift occurred at the end of March. Draw #407 saw the number of invitations cut nearly in half to 2,250. This immediately caused the CRS score to jump by two points. The trend was amplified in Draw #410, where ITAs were further reduced to 2,000, causing the CRS score to spike by six points to 515.

The current draw, #413, fits squarely within this second period. With another small draw of 2,000 invitations, the score has remained high at 514. This pattern suggests a more measured approach from IRCC, perhaps to manage processing capacity or to align with updated departmental priorities for the remainder of the year. The consistent bi-weekly schedule of these draws (14 days apart) provides predictability for applicants, but the low invitation numbers are maintaining a highly competitive environment.

What This Means for Applicants

The current trend has significant implications for candidates in the Express Entry pool.

For Candidates with Scores Above 514: Candidates who received an ITA in this draw have successfully navigated a very competitive period. It is a testament to their strong profiles, which likely include factors such as advanced education, high language proficiency, and several years of skilled work experience.

For Candidates on the Cusp (Scores 500-513): This is the most anxious group of applicants. A score that would have easily secured an invitation in February or early March is now just below the cutoff. For these individuals, the path forward is clear: focus on score optimization. Every single point matters.

• Language Scores: Re-taking language tests to achieve a higher score is often the fastest and most effective way to boost a CRS score. Moving from a CLB 9 to a CLB 10, for example, can result in a significant point increase.
• Education: Completing an additional credential or ensuring that an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) accurately reflects the highest level of education is crucial.
• Work Experience: Gaining another year of skilled work experience can add valuable points.
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP): This is a critical avenue. Many provinces have streams aligned with the Express Entry system that target candidates with specific skills or work experience. A provincial nomination grants an additional 600 CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an ITA in a subsequent draw.

Candidates in this range should use the official CRS Score Calculator to model how potential improvements could affect their score.

For Candidates with Scores Below 500: Based on the current trend of low-volume draws, it is unlikely that the CRS score for CEC draws will drop below 500 in the immediate future. These candidates should be realistic and proactive. The focus must be on substantial improvements to their profile, as outlined above. Exploring PNP streams that are not aligned with Express Entry, or other federal immigration programs, may also be a prudent strategy.

Key Takeaways

• Competition Remains High: The CRS score of 514, though a minor dip, continues to represent a high barrier to entry for CEC candidates.
• Draw Size is the Decisive Factor: The current high CRS scores are a direct consequence of IRCC's decision to issue a low number of invitations (2,000). Any future increase in draw size will be the primary catalyst for a drop in the CRS score.
• A Clear Trend Shift: IRCC's strategy for CEC draws has moved from high-volume/lower-score draws in Q1 2026 to low-volume/higher-score draws in Q2.
• Predictable Cadence: IRCC has maintained a consistent bi-weekly schedule for CEC draws, providing a predictable rhythm for candidates monitoring the pool.
• Proactive Score Maximization is Essential: In this competitive climate, candidates cannot afford to be passive. Actively seeking ways to increase one's CRS score is the most important action an applicant can take.

As candidates and analysts look ahead, the key variable to watch will be the number of invitations issued in the next CEC draw. Until that number increases, scores are likely to remain in this elevated range. For a comprehensive history of all draws, please visit the official All Express Entry Draws page.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why did the CRS score only drop by one point? The CRS score is determined by the number of invitations issued. With only 2,000 ITAs, IRCC only needed to invite candidates with scores of 514 or higher. The one-point drop suggests a slight shift in the composition of the pool, but the small draw size prevented a more significant decrease.

2. I have a CRS score of 513. Is it likely the score will drop in the next CEC draw? It is impossible to predict future CRS scores with certainty. However, the score is directly tied to the number of invitations issued. If the next CEC draw also invites 2,000 candidates, the score is likely to remain in a similar range (e.g., 510-520). If IRCC decides to increase the draw size back to 4,000 or more, there is a strong possibility the score would drop below 513.

3. When can we expect the next Express Entry draw? Based on the consistent pattern in 2026, CEC-specific draws have been occurring every 14 days. If this trend holds, the next CEC draw could be expected around May 12, 2026. However, IRCC's schedule is not guaranteed and can change without notice.

4. Are there other types of Express Entry draws I should be aware of? Yes. While this was a CEC-specific draw, IRCC also conducts other types of draws, including:

• General Draws: Open to all programs (CEC, FSWP, FSTP) and typically have higher invitation numbers.
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Draws: Specifically for candidates who have received a provincial nomination.
• Category-Based Selection Draws: Targeting candidates with specific attributes, such as strong French-language proficiency or work experience in in-demand occupations (e.g., healthcare, STEM, trades). Candidates should ensure their Express Entry profile is up-to-date to be considered for all draw types for which they are eligible.