What CRS Score Do I Need for Express Entry Right Now?
There's no single CRS score you need. Each draw sets its own cut-off, and it depends on the draw type. Between September 28 and October 28, 2026, cut-offs ranged from 407 (French-language) and 476–477 (trades and transport) to about 519 (Canadian Experience Class) and 725–772 (Provincial Nominee Program, which includes 600 nomination points). Draws have been paused since the November 3 rule changes while scores are recalculated, so the next cut-offs may look different.
Recent cut-offs by draw type
| Date | Draw type | Invitations | CRS cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 28 | Transport occupations | 150 | 477 |
| Oct 27 | French-language proficiency | 5,000 | 407 |
| Oct 26 | Provincial Nominee Program | 792 | 761 |
| Oct 16 | French-language proficiency | 5,000 | 435 |
| Oct 15 | Canadian Experience Class | 2,500 | 519 |
| Oct 13 | Provincial Nominee Program | 752 | 772 |
| Oct 1 | Trades | 3,500 | 476 |
| Sep 28 | Provincial Nominee Program | 733 | 725 |
Source: IRCC's rounds of invitations page. No draws have been held since October 28.
Why there's no single number
- Category-based draws (French, healthcare, trades, transport and others) only invite candidates who qualify for that category, so their cut-offs are often much lower.
- CEC draws only invite candidates in the Canadian Experience Class.
- PNP draws only invite candidates with a provincial nomination, which adds 600 points. That's why their cut-offs are above 700.
- The cut-off is simply the score of the lowest-ranked person invited. It depends on how many invitations IRCC issues and who's in the pool that day.
What's changed since November 3
From November 3, 2026, Express Entry stopped awarding points for LMIA-supported job offers and added new labour market points. IRCC paused draws while it recalculates every profile. Cut-offs from before November 3 were set under the old rules, so treat them as a guide, not a target. Read more in our post on the November 3 changes.
How to read your own chances
- Check your score with IRCC's CRS tool, or in your profile.
- Work out which draws you qualify for: CEC, a category, or PNP.
- Compare your score to recent cut-offs for those draw types only.
- If you're well below, focus on what you can change: language scores, a provincial nomination, French, or more Canadian work experience. See how the CRS score is calculated.
Common mistakes we see
- Comparing to the wrong draw. A 761 PNP cut-off doesn't apply if you're not nominated.
- Assuming you qualify for a category. Category draws have their own work experience rules.
- Using pre-November 3 scores. Your score may have changed under the new rules.
- Waiting instead of improving. Retaking a language test is often the fastest gain.
Every situation is different. GLC Immigration Consulting can help in three ways:
- Consultation: a one-on-one session with Osaro Ezomo, RCIC, to review your situation and your options.
- Full representation: we prepare and submit your application and act as your authorized representative with IRCC, from start to finish.
- Pre-submission review: you prepare your own application, and we review it for errors, gaps and risks before you submit.
To request full representation or a pre-submission review, or for any other question, email us at hello@gradlifecanada.ca.
Frequently asked questions
What CRS score do I need for Express Entry in 2026?
There's no single score. Between late September and October 28, 2026, cut-offs ranged from 407 in a French-language draw to 772 in a PNP draw, depending on draw type.
What was the latest Express Entry draw?
As of November 5, 2026, the latest draw was October 28, 2026: a transport occupations draw inviting 150 candidates with a cut-off of 477. Draws have been paused since the November 3 changes.
Why are PNP cut-offs so high?
A provincial nomination adds 600 points, so nominated candidates usually have scores above 700.
What CRS score do I need for a CEC draw?
Recent CEC draws had cut-offs of about 518 to 521, including 519 on October 15, 2026.
Will CRS cut-offs change after November 3?
They may. IRCC is recalculating scores under the new rules, so the first draws after the pause could have different cut-offs.
Fact-checked: Draw results from IRCC's Express Entry rounds of invitations. Check your score with IRCC's CRS tool. Cut-offs change with every draw; check the latest results before deciding. Verified November 5, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only and is not legal or immigration advice. Immigration rules change often. For advice on your situation, speak with a licensed immigration professional.
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), licence #R711785. Osaro is the principal consultant at GLC Immigration Consulting in Calgary, Alberta, helping clients with Express Entry, provincial nomination, work and study permits and family sponsorship.
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