Canada has invited 1,000 candidates to apply for permanent residence through its latest Express Entry draw, targeting applicants under the Canadian Experience Class.

The invitation round was held on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score of 523 to receive an invitation. Where multiple applicants shared the same lowest score, priority was given based on the date and time their Express Entry profiles were submitted. The Canadian Experience Class is designed for skilled foreign workers who have already gained qualifying work experience in Canada. Applicants generally need at least one year of eligible skilled work experience within the previous three years and must meet language requirements. Unlike some other programmes, CEC candidates do not need to meet a specific education requirement or show proof of settlement funds. They must also intend to live outside Quebec. The latest draw was more selective than an earlier round on August 5, when Canada issued 3,000 invitations with a lower cut-off score of 516. The August 18 round reduced the number of invitations while raising the minimum CRS requirement.