IRCC INVITED 2,250 CANADIAN EXPERIENCE CLASS CANDIDATES IN THE LAST DRAW OF MARCH
Canada Concludes March with a New CEC Selection Round
On March 31, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its final Express Entry draw of the month, specifically targeting the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). In Round #407, the federal government issued 2,250 Invitations to Apply (ITAs), continuing its aggressive strategy to transition temporary residents already integrated into the Canadian workforce into permanent residents.
Breakdown of Express Entry Draw #407
This technical draw provides the latest benchmarks for candidates holding Canadian work experience:
Draw Date: March 31, 2026.
Targeted Program: Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Number of ITAs Issued: 2,250.
Minimum CRS Score: 509 points.
Score Trend: The cut-off increased by two points compared to the previous CEC-targeted draw.
Tie-breaking Rule: March 18, 2026, at 08:27:11 UTC.
Pool Status: As of March 29, 2026, there were 230,186 profiles registered in the pool.
2026 YTD Totals: Canada has officially issued 55,830 invitations through Express Entry so far this year.
Stability in the 500-Point Range
The March 31st draw confirms that the 500–510 point range is currently the critical threshold for CEC candidates in 2026. While the score saw a slight increase of two points, the consistent volume of invitations—surpassing 55,000 total ITAs in just three months—demonstrates that the "Internal Selection" strategy remains IRCC's top priority.
For candidates currently sitting just below the 509-point mark, the message is clear: Precision in profile optimization is mandatory. With over 230,000 profiles in the pool, a single point from a language re-test or an additional year of Canadian experience can be the difference between a nomination and remaining in the pool. Furthermore, the tie-breaking rule of March 18th underscores the high density of candidates with similar scores, making the date of profile submission a vital competitive factor.
Secure Your Future Before Q2 Fluctuations
As we enter the second quarter of 2026, the high frequency of draws provides a unique window of opportunity for those with Canadian experience.
Is your score hovering near the 500s and you haven't received an ITA yet? At Global Opportunities, we specialize in maximizing your CRS score through technical audits of your work history and language credentials. Don't let a two-point fluctuation delay your residency. Contact our team today to ensure your profile is fully optimized for the next selection round!