Express Entry Update — May 29, 2026
Friday, May 29, 2026
In the final week of May 2026, IRCC held three draws: a French-language proficiency draw (Draw #418, CRS 409, 4,500 ITAs on May 28), a Canadian Experience Class draw (Draw #417, CRS 518, 3,000 ITAs on May 27), and a PNP draw (Draw #416, CRS 805, 334 ITAs on May 25/26).
French-language proficiency draw CRS scores have trended between 393–419 in 2026, while CEC draws have ranged from 507–518, suggesting relatively stable but elevated cutoffs for CEC candidates.
IRCC skipped expected draws during the week of May 11, 2026 (only a PNP draw was held), prompting speculation that the draw schedule may slow to roughly two draws per week for the remainder of 2026.
What You Should Do
- Check your current CRS score and compare it against recent cutoffs at canada.ca/express-entry. If your score is below 518 for CEC or 409 for French-language, identify specific ways to boost your score (e.g., improve IELTS/TEF results, add Canadian work experience, or obtain a provincial nomination).
- If you have French-language proficiency (TEF/TCF), ensure your Express Entry profile reflects a valid French language test result — French draws have issued 4,000–5,500 ITAs at cutoffs as low as 393 in 2026, making this the most accessible route for many candidates.
- Review the full 2026 draw history at canadavisa.com/express-entry-invitations-to-apply-issued.html to identify which draw type best fits your profile and track CRS trends before your next profile update.
Sources
Topics Covered
CRS Cutoff Trends: May 2026 draws show CEC cutoffs holding at 518, French-language cutoffs as low as 409, and PNP draws requiring 805. Draw frequency may be slowing to two per week.
Category-Based Selection System: All 2026 draws to date have been category-based (CEC, French-language, PNP, Trades, Healthcare, Senior Managers), with no general all-program draws held in 2026.
More Express Entry Updates
Express Entry Update — June 8, 2026
Jun 8, 2026
Express Entry Update — June 4, 2026
Jun 4, 2026
Express Entry Update — June 1, 2026
Jun 1, 2026
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