CRS Cutoff Expected To Drop In 2026 With New Express Entry Changes

Last Updated On 19 February 2026, 10:35 AM EST (Toronto Time)

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CRS cutoff scores for express entry category-based draws are expected to drop in 2026 if IRCC maintains similar invitation numbers after doubling the category-specific work experience requirement from 6 months to 12 months.

The change, announced by Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab on February 18, 2026, is good news for candidates who already have 12 months or more of work experience in a category-eligible occupation.

With fewer candidates meeting the new threshold, those who qualify face less competition and may receive invitations at lower CRS scores than previously possible.

However, candidates with only 6 to 11 months of occupation-specific experience will need to wait until they reach the 12-month mark before they can participate in category-based draws for their occupation.

Key Distinction: Profile Eligibility vs Category Eligibility

Many candidates confuse the work experience requirements for creating an express entry profile with the requirements for category-based draws.

Express Entry Profile Requirement (unchanged):

12 months of skilled work experience in any TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation
Needed to enter the express entry pool

Category-Based Draw Requirement (changed):

Previously: 6 months in a specific category-eligible occupation
Now: 12 months in a specific category-eligible occupation
Needed to participate in occupation-specific invitation rounds

A candidate can be in the express entry pool but still be ineligible for category-based draws if they do not have 12 months of experience in a specific category-eligible occupation.

Why CRS Scores Are Expected To Drop

The logic is based on simple mathematics: if IRCC maintains similar invitation numbers while the eligible candidate pool shrinks, cutoff scores must decrease to fill those spots.

In 2024 and 2025, IRCC typically issued between 1,000 and 5,000 invitations per category-based draw.

If IRCC continues issuing similar numbers in 2026 but fewer candidates meet the new 12-month threshold, the CRS cutoff will need to drop to reach enough candidates.

For example, if a STEM category draw previously had 50,000 eligible candidates competing for 3,000 invitations, and the new requirement reduces that pool to 35,000 eligible candidates, IRCC will need to reach deeper into the CRS ranking to issue the same 3,000 invitations.

Important caveat: If IRCC reduces invitation numbers proportionally to match the smaller eligible pool, CRS scores may remain stable.

Candidates should monitor actual draw results throughout 2026 to track trends.

Good News For Candidates With 12+ Months Of Experience

For candidates who already have 12 months or more of work experience in a category-eligible occupation, this policy change presents a significant opportunity.

Reduced competition: With candidates who have 6-11 months of experience temporarily unable to participate in category-based draws, the eligible pool is smaller. This means less competition for the same number of invitations.

Lower CRS requirements: If invitation numbers remain similar to 2024-2025 levels, candidates with moderate CRS scores who previously missed category cutoffs may now receive invitations.

Candidates with 12+ months of occupation-specific experience should ensure their express entry profiles are updated and accurate to take advantage of this window.

What Candidates With 6-11 Months Of Experience Should Do

Candidates with between 6 and 11 months of occupation-specific experience need to wait until they reach the 12-month threshold before participating in category-based draws.

Continue building experience: Keep working in your category-eligible occupation without interruption. Calculate when you will reach 12 months and ensure your profile is ready.

Avoid switching occupations: If you are close to 12 months in one of the targeted occupations, switching to a different role will reset your category-specific experience clock.

Improve your CRS score: Use this waiting period to retake language tests, pursue additional credentials, or secure a job offer with LMIA.

You remain eligible for CEC draws based on your overall CRS score and CEC eligibility while waiting for category eligibility.

Explore PNPs: Provincial nominee programs may have different eligibility requirements that could provide faster pathways.

Calculating your eligibility date:

6 months of experience now → eligible in August 2026
9 months of experience now → eligible in May 2026

Which Categories May See The Biggest Changes

If invitation numbers remain similar, the impact will vary by category.

Categories likely to see lower CRS cutoffs:

Healthcare and STEM occupations may see meaningful decreases. These sectors employ many recent graduates and new workers who would have qualified under the 6-month rule but must now wait longer.

Categories with potentially stable scores:

The new physicians and senior managers categories target professionals who typically have extensive work histories well beyond 12 months, so the new requirement may have less impact on these pools.

Renewed Categories Affected By The Change

The 12-month requirement applies to all renewed occupational categories:

Healthcare and social services occupations
Education occupations
Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) occupations
Trade occupations

The new 2026 categories (physicians, researchers, senior managers) also require 12 months of Canadian work experience.

The transport occupations category requires 12 months of experience gained in Canada or abroad.

The increase in category-specific work experience from 6 months to 12 months creates a two-sided impact on express entry in 2026.

For candidates with 12+ months of occupation-specific experience, this is welcome news—reduced competition and potentially lower cutoffs if IRCC maintains similar invitation numbers.

For candidates with 6-11 months of experience, this means a waiting period before participating in category-based draws.

However, once they reach the 12-month threshold, they too will benefit from the smaller, less competitive candidate pool.

Candidates should monitor IRCC draw results throughout 2026 to track actual CRS trends and time their applications strategically.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is the CRS cutoff score expected to drop in 2026?

If IRCC maintains similar invitation numbers per category-based draw as seen in 2024 and 2025, CRS cutoffs are expected to drop because the new 12-month requirement reduces the eligible candidate pool. With fewer candidates qualifying but similar invitation targets, lower-scoring candidates may receive invitations.

Is this change good or bad for express entry candidates?

Candidates with 12+ months of occupation-specific experience benefit from reduced competition. Candidates with 6-11 months must wait longer to participate in category-based draws but will eventually benefit from the same reduced competition once they qualify.

How much did the category-based work experience requirement increase?

The requirement doubled from 6 months to 12 months of full-time work (or equivalent part-time) within the past 3 years in an eligible occupation. The requirement to create an express entry profile (12 months in any TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation) remains unchanged.

Can I still receive an express entry invitation with less than 12 months of category-specific experience?

Yes, if you qualify for the Canadian Experience Class, you will still be eligible to be invited based on overall CRS scores, not category-specific eligibility. You may still receive invitations through these programs if your CRS score is high enough.

Which express entry categories are affected by the 12-month requirement?

All renewed occupational categories (healthcare, education, STEM, trades) and the new 2026 categories (physicians, researchers, senior managers, transport occupations) require 12 months of experience in the eligible occupations.

How is an Express Entry draw conducted in Canada?

An Express Entry draw is conducted by the Government of Canada to invite candidates to apply for permanent residency. The process involves selecting candidates from the Express Entry pool based on their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores. The draws typically occur every few weeks, and the number of invitations issued can vary. For detailed information on recent draws and eligibility criteria, visit the Express Entry rounds page.

What is the current status of cooks in Canada's Express Entry system?

Cooks have been removed from the targeted category in Canada's Express Entry system, meaning there will be no specific draws for this occupation. However, cooks can still participate in general Express Entry draws if they meet the eligibility criteria. Future draws may focus on other in-demand occupations such as healthcare, engineering, and IT roles. Cooks seeking immigration options should also consider alternative pathways like Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), which may still accept applications for related occupations. For updates, visit the IRCC website.

What are the point changes for Express Entry draws?

The points required for Express Entry draws can vary with each round, influenced by factors such as the number of candidates and the specific immigration targets set by the government. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on recent draws and the points required, please check the latest updates on the Express Entry rounds. If you need specific details about processing times, you can find that information on the IRCC website.

What are the expectations for Express Entry draws in 2026?

In 2026, Express Entry draws are expected to see a decrease in CRS cutoff scores due to a new requirement that candidates must have 12 months of category-specific work experience to qualify. This change will likely reduce competition, benefiting those with the requisite experience. Candidates with 6-11 months of experience will need to wait until they reach the 12-month mark to participate in category-based draws. Historically, the IRCC has issued between 1,000 and 5,000 invitations per draw, and with fewer eligible candidates, the CRS cutoff is anticipated to drop. Key affected categories include healthcare, education, STEM, and trades. For more information, check the Express Entry rounds.

Will the CRS cutoff scores change with new Express Entry updates?

The recent updates to the Express Entry system may influence CRS cutoff scores, but the exact effects are uncertain. Canada has introduced three new priority categories to attract skilled workers, which includes raising the minimum work experience requirement. Additionally, the implementation of category-based draws could result in varying CRS cutoffs based on the targeted applicant groups. While some categories might see lower cutoffs, others could remain the same or increase. Overall admissions in Federal Business Programs are also expected to decrease, potentially affecting the candidate pool and CRS scores. For more information, visit the Express Entry rounds.

Can a bookkeeper with a score of 450 receive an ITA for Canada?

As a bookkeeper with a score around 450, your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian immigration depend on the current Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off scores, which can vary by draw. Recent draws have seen cut-off scores above 500, meaning a score of 450 may not qualify. To improve your chances, consider enhancing your CRS score by gaining more work experience, obtaining higher education, improving language test scores, or securing a job offer from a Canadian employer. For the latest cut-off scores and information on Express Entry, check the Express Entry rounds.

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) licensed by CICC (formerly known as ICCRC) with member number R708618. He brings extensive knowledge of immigration law and new changes to rapidly evolving IRCC.