Will Large CEC Draws Continue in 2026?
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) has experienced significant fluctuations throughout 2025 and into early 2026. While most CEC draws in 2025 were relatively small and associated with historically high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off scores, several recent rounds have issued a much higher number of invitations than expected.
Since early December 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued approximately 19,000 invitations to Canadian Experience Class candidates. This figure is nearly equal to the total number of CEC invitations issued over the much longer period between February and November 2025. This sharp increase has led many candidates to ask whether large CEC draws are likely to continue throughout 2026.
At present, only IRCC determines the size, timing, and structure of Express Entry draws. However, by reviewing publicly available data and historical trends, it is possible to make informed observations about what may be more likely in the year ahead.
Key Takeaways
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Consecutive CEC draws issuing 8,000 invitations are unlikely to continue on a regular basis in 2026.
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The most recent large draw may represent a temporary increase rather than a long-term trend.
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Invitation volumes are expected to stabilize or decrease in upcoming rounds.
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All projections are based on historical data and should not be interpreted as guarantees.
Why Smaller CEC Draws Are Likely in 2026
The current pace of CEC invitations is unlikely to be sustainable over an extended period.
Issuing nearly 19,000 invitations within approximately six weeks would place IRCC on track to issue between 80,000 and 110,000 CEC invitations by mid-2026 if the same pace were maintained. This would significantly exceed the number of admissions typically allocated to the Canadian Experience Class under Canada’s annual immigration levels.
Based on these figures, a slowdown in invitation volumes would be consistent with past practice and overall admission targets.
CEC Performance in 2025: A Brief Review
In 2025, approximately 36,000 invitations were issued through CEC-specific Express Entry draws, out of roughly 140,000 total Express Entry invitations.
While full admission data for the year has not yet been released, IRCC confirmed that 48,960 individuals were admitted through the Canadian Experience Class between January and October 2025, representing about 46% of all Express Entry admissions during that period. This proportion closely aligns with long-standing historical trends.
What the 2026 Immigration Targets Indicate
Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan sets a target of 109,000 admissions through Express Entry programs in 2026, including the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, and Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Historically, approximately 46% of Express Entry admissions are attributed to the Canadian Experience Class. Applied to 2026 targets, this suggests approximately 50,000 CEC admissions for the year. While this confirms that CEC will remain a key immigration pathway, it does not support the continuation of consistently large invitation rounds at the scale recently observed.
Are Additional Large CEC Draws Expected in 2026?
Based on historical admission ratios, IRCC may be planning for approximately 43,500 to 54,500 Canadian Experience Class admissions in 2026.
Since mid-2025, it is estimated that 45,000 to 48,000 invitations have already been issued to CEC-eligible candidates through a combination of CEC-only draws, category-based draws, and hybrid rounds. Many of these invitations are expected to result in permanent resident admissions during 2026.
In addition, IRCC data indicates that nearly 22,000 CEC applications are currently being processed. Once finalized, these applications will further reduce the number of available admission spaces.
Taken together, these factors suggest that future CEC draws may become smaller or less frequent as 2026 progresses.
Factors That Could Influence Future CEC Draws
Despite current projections, several variables could still affect the size and frequency of CEC draws:
Emphasis on In-Canada Candidates
Although the 2026 Immigration Levels Plan does not explicitly prioritize in-Canada applicants, IRCC has historically shown a preference for candidates with Canadian work experience where program objectives allow. Continued emphasis on in-Canada candidates could increase the proportion of admissions allocated to the Canadian Experience Class.
Potential TR-to-PR Initiatives
Any future temporary-to-permanent residence programs aimed at in-Canada workers could alter admission volumes. If implemented through Express Entry, such initiatives could temporarily increase CEC invitation numbers.
Hybrid and Category-Based Draws
IRCC may continue or expand the use of category-based draws that include candidates eligible under the Canadian Experience Class, particularly in priority sectors such as healthcare.
Practical Considerations for CEC Candidates
For individuals who meet Canadian Experience Class eligibility requirements, maintaining an active Express Entry profile remains a reasonable approach. Creating a profile is free, profiles remain valid for one year, and information can be updated at any time.
Depending on individual circumstances, candidates may consider:
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Improving language test results
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Exploring Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) options
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Assessing potential CRS score improvements
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Gaining additional skilled work experience or improving French language proficiency
Final Thoughts
While recent CEC draw sizes have been encouraging for many candidates, available data suggests that such large rounds are unlikely to continue consistently throughout 2026. A more moderate pace of invitations would be more closely aligned with Canada’s overall immigration targets.
Remaining informed, flexible, and proactive continues to be essential in an evolving Express Entry system.
To receive personalized guidance, you can book a consultation with our regulated immigration professional to discuss your options and next steps.
