Latest Express Entry Draw On March 3 Sent 4,000 PR Invitations

Last Updated On 3 March 2026, 12:33 PM EST (Toronto Time)

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) just conducted a Canadian Experience Class Express Entry draw on March 3, 2026.

The draw issued 4,000 invitations to apply for permanent residence. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score was the same at 508 points as it was in the previous CEC draw.

This is the second Express Entry draw of March 2026. It follows the Provincial Nominee Program draw held on March 2, which invited 264 candidates at a CRS cut-off of 710.

March 3 Express Entry Draw Details

Detail	Information
Draw type	Canadian Experience Class
Date	March 3, 2026
ITAs issued	4,000
CRS cut-off	508
Tie-breaking timestamp	June 24, 2025 at 22:35:48 UTC

The tie-breaking rule determines which candidates receive invitations when multiple profiles share the same CRS score.

Candidates with a score of 508 needed to have submitted their Express Entry profile before June 24, 2025 at 22:35:48 UTC to receive an invitation in this draw.

How This Compares to Our Prediction

Earlier today, we published our Express Entry draw predictions for March 2026. We projected CEC draws would have CRS cutoffs below 508.

Our analysis noted that the 501-600 CRS range had shrunk by 2,761 candidates between mid-February and March 1.

We expected this pool depletion would push cut-offs lower if IRCC maintained large draw sizes of 6,000 ITAs.

Today’s draw issued 4,000 ITAs instead of 6,000. The smaller draw size kept the CRS cut-off at 508 — the same as the February 17 draw.

Had IRCC issued 6,000 invitations, the cut-off would likely have dropped into the 503-506 range based on current pool composition.

The CRS cut-off of 508 has now held steady across two consecutive CEC draws. This creates a clear benchmark for candidates.

If your CRS score is around 508, you are in a strong position for the next CEC draw. However, the tie-breaking rule matters.

Candidates with scores between 500 and 507 continue to be strong contenders for upcoming CEC draws.

Express Entry Pool Update

As of March 1, 2026, the Express Entry pool contained 232,534 candidates. The 501-600 CRS range held 14,031 candidates before today’s draw.

After removing 4,000 CEC-eligible candidates, this range will shrink further.

The next CEC draw could see lower cut-offs if IRCC returns to larger draw sizes.

Our prediction of CRS dropping near to 500 remains possible if a 6,000+ ITA draw occurs later in March.

2026 CEC Express Entry Draws So Far

Date	Draw Type	ITAs Issued	CRS Cut-off
January 7	Canadian Experience Class	8,000	511
January 21	Canadian Experience Class	6,000	509
February 17	Canadian Experience Class	6,000	508
March 3	Canadian Experience Class	4,000	508
Total	4	24,000	508-511

IRCC has now issued 24,000 invitations in 2026 through 4 Express Entry draws dedicated to the Canadian Experience Class and the CRS cutoff score is hovering around 508 now.

Next Steps for Invited Candidates

Candidates who received an invitation have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application.

The deadline is firm. Missing it results in automatic cancellation of the invitation.

Prepare the following documents immediately:

Police certificates from all countries where you lived for 6+ months
Medical examination results from an IRCC-approved panel physician
Proof of funds (unless currently working in Canada with a valid job offer)
Reference letters from all employers listed in your profile
Educational credential assessment reports
Language test results (must remain valid when application is assessed)

IRCC aims to process most Express Entry applications within 6 months.

However, processing times vary based on application volumes and individual case complexity.

The March 3 CEC draw confirms IRCC’s continued focus on candidates with Canadian work experience.

The steady CRS cut-off of 508 across two consecutive draws provides a clear target for candidates preparing their profiles.

With the Express Entry pool shrinking and IRCC’s aggressive draw pace continuing, March 2026 remains a strong month for CEC candidates.

Disclaimer: This article provides information based on official IRCC draw results. Immigration rules and draw patterns can change without notice. This is not immigration advice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the tie-breaking rule and why does it matter?

When multiple candidates share the same CRS score at the cut-off, IRCC uses the profile submission timestamp to determine who receives an invitation. In the Express Entry draw today, candidates with exactly 508 points needed profiles submitted before June 24, 2025 at 22:35:48 UTC. If your profile was submitted after this timestamp and you have 508 points, you were not selected despite meeting the CRS requirement.

How can I check if I received an invitation to apply?

Log in to your IRCC account and check your Express Entry profile status. If you received an ITA, your status will show “Invited to Apply” and you will see a 60-day countdown timer. IRCC also sends email notifications, but checking your account directly is the most reliable method.

Will the CRS cut-off drop below 500 in March 2026?

This depends on draw sizes. Today’s smaller draw of 4,000 ITAs kept the cut-off at 508. If IRCC issues larger draws of 6,000 or more ITAs later in March, cut-offs could drop near to 500. The pool data shows the 501-600 range is shrinking, which supports lower cut-offs in future draws.

I have 505 CRS points. Should I update my profile or wait?

You should always actively work to improve your score rather than waiting. Consider retaking your language test to achieve higher scores, as this can add significant CRS points. You can also explore provincial nomination programs, which add 600 points to your CRS. Waiting passively is risky because pool composition changes constantly.

Can I apply for permanent residence through other programs while in the Express Entry pool?

Yes, being in the Express Entry pool does not prevent you from applying through other immigration programs. You can pursue Provincial Nominee Program streams that operate outside Express Entry, spouse or common-law sponsorship, or other economic immigration pathways. If you receive permanent residence through another program, simply withdraw your Express Entry profile.

Satinder Bains

Satinder brings expertise, knowledge, and experience related to internal work flows at IRCC. She worked at Canadian Consulate in Chandigarh before moving to Canada. Her articles on “Chinook – An internal IRCC tool used to bulk process temporary applications” was one of the notable work on our news website