Express Entry draw #446 on September 29, 2026 invited 2,000 Canadian Experience Class candidates with a minimum CRS score of 518. That is one point lower than the previous CEC draw. If your score is below 518, improve your CRS, check category based draws, or explore a provincial nomination.
What Happened in Express Entry Draw #446?
On September 29, 2026, at 10:19:21 UTC, IRCC held Express Entry draw #446 for the Canadian Experience Class. It issued 2,000 Invitations to Apply. The minimum CRS score was 518. The tie-breaking rule was February 13, 2026, at 20:48:08 UTC.
This was the 17th CEC round of 2026. It was also the third CEC draw in September. The September 1 draw had a cut-off of 521. The September 15 draw dropped to 519. Today’s cut-off is one point lower than the previous CEC draw.
Why Is the CEC Cut-off Falling While Competition Grows?
The drop happened even as the crowd got bigger. There were 21,070 candidates with scores between 501 and 600 as of September 27. That is up from 20,784 on September 13. A lower cut-off does not mean an easier race. More strong candidates are waiting right behind you.
The pattern is remarkably consistent. IRCC has now issued exactly 2,000 invitations in three consecutive CEC draws. That brings the September total to 6,000. Predictable draw sizes let the cut-off move only a little at a time.
Figure 2. September CEC cut-offs eased slightly while draw sizes stayed steady.
How Many CEC Invitations Has IRCC Issued in 2026?
CEC candidates have now received 55,250 invitations this year. For comparison, IRCC has issued 67,195 invitations through category based draws. Together, these show how strongly Canada values people who already work and live here.
Canadian experience is a real advantage. These candidates already understand Canadian workplaces, communities and culture. That is why the CEC remains one of the most popular routes to permanent residence.
Source: Latest CEC Express Entry Draw #446 Update
Why Did CEC Invitations Slow Down After the First Quarter?
The first quarter was very generous. IRCC issued 30,250 CEC invitations across six draws. Cut-offs ranged from 507 to 511. The second quarter cooled to 11,000 invitations across four draws, with cut-offs from 514 to 518. The third quarter, including this draw, has issued 14,000 invitations across seven draws, with cut-offs from 516 to 523.
There is a sensible reason. Canada set a 2026 target of 109,000 admissions in the Federal High Skilled category. IRCC front loaded invitations early in the year. It is now looking ahead to 2027, when the notional target rises slightly to 111,000.
Processing is the other factor. CEC applications take about five months. As of September 3, 2026, about 58,900 CEC applications were already in process. Anyone invited now will likely become a permanent resident in 2027.
Figure 3. CEC invitations by quarter. Early 2026 was aggressive, then draws became smaller and steadier.
What Does This Mean for Your Express Entry Profile?
Your CRS score decides everything in the pool. If you are below 518, you still have real options. Retake your language test. Add French language results. Gain more eligible Canadian work experience. Improve your spouse or common law partner’s profile. Each step can add valuable points.
Check category based draws too. Depending on your occupation, French ability or education, you may be invited even with a lower score. Then consider a Provincial Nominee Program. An Express Entry linked nomination adds 600 CRS points.
If neither route fits yet, explore alternatives to Express Entry. Canada offers many pathways, and the right one depends on your profile.
How a Software Developer in Ontario Raised Her CRS Score
Illustrative scenario, anonymized. A 30 year old software developer in Ontario held a CRS score of 512. She had two years of Canadian work experience and strong English. She was just below the CEC cut-offs of that month.
Her ImmigCanada consultation plan was simple. First, retake the English test to lift two skills. Second, add French test results. Third, keep her profile fully updated. Within about eight weeks her score rose to 533. She entered the next CEC round above the cut-off and received an invitation. Her file was ready, so she submitted well before her deadline.
The lesson is practical. Small point gains, done in the right order, can move a profile from waiting to invited.
What Is Next for CEC Draws and Express Entry?
We expect CEC draws to continue through the end of 2026. Invitation numbers will likely stay modest, even if draws stay frequent. IRCC must balance them against next year’s target.
There is also a bigger change on the horizon. IRCC has announced plans for a major overhaul. If implemented, one federal high skilled program would replace the CEC, the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Canadian work experience is expected to keep its importance. Exact selection rules are not yet published, and draws could be temporarily affected during the transition.
Our advice is to act now. Build the strongest profile you can today. A ready candidate is always ahead of a hopeful one.
Frequently Asked Questions
The CEC draw on September 29, 2026 had a minimum CRS score of 518.
IRCC issued 2,000 Invitations to Apply to Canadian Experience Class candidates.
February 13, 2026 at 20:48:08 UTC.
CEC candidates have received 55,250 invitations so far this year across 17 draws.
About five months, so many candidates invited now may become permanent residents in 2027.
Retake language tests, add French results, gain eligible work experience, or improve your partner’s profile.
IRCC has announced plans to replace the CEC, FSWP and FSTP with one federal high skilled program. Timing is not yet confirmed.
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