How Long Are Express Entry Draws Paused, and When Will They Resume?
IRCC is pausing Express Entry invitation rounds after the new scoring rules take effect on November 3, 2026, while it recalculates every profile in the pool. It estimates the recalculation could take up to two weeks, and says rounds will restart once it's complete. IRCC hasn't announced an exact date for the first draw after the pause.
Why are draws paused?
From November 3, Express Entry adds the new Labour Market Integration factor, with extra points for Canadian work experience and job offers in high-wage occupations. Every profile has to be re-scored under the new rules before IRCC can fairly rank candidates again, so invitation rounds stop until that's done. Read the full November 3 changes.
How long will the pause last?
- IRCC's estimate: up to two weeks for the recalculation.
- IRCC describes this as an estimate, not a commitment.
- Rounds resume once the recalculation is complete.
We'll post the results of the first draw after the pause as soon as it happens.
The last draws before the pause
| 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 |
See our breakdown of the October 27 and 28 draws.
How the pause affects you
| Your situation | What it means |
|---|---|
| You already have an ITA | Not affected. Keep working on your application within your 60 days. Your invitation is assessed under the rules on the day you were invited. |
| You're in the pool | No invitations during the pause. Your score will be recalculated automatically. |
| You have a genuine job offer | Add it to your profile before November 3 so it's counted. |
| You're planning to create a profile | You can still submit one. It will be scored under the new rules. |
What to do during the pause
- Add any genuine job offer before November 3: here's how.
- Check whether your occupation is high-wage and estimate your new score.
- Keep your documents valid: language tests, ECAs, passports and work permits.
- Look at provincial options. A nomination adds 600 points once draws resume.
- Prepare your documents now so you're ready to move quickly if you're invited.
What to expect when draws resume
Candidates who gain new points will move up the rankings, so cut-off scores may look different from October's. Category draws, such as French-language, health care or trades, may also behave differently. It's best to wait for the first few draws before drawing conclusions.
Mistakes to avoid during the pause
- Holding an ITA to wait for new points. The new rules won't be applied to it.
- Letting your profile or test results expire while waiting.
- Making changes you can't support to boost your score. Every claim must match your documents.
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
How long will Express Entry draws be paused in November 2026?
IRCC estimates the recalculation could take up to two weeks after November 3, 2026. Rounds resume once it's complete. IRCC hasn't announced an exact date.
Will my CRS score be recalculated automatically?
Yes. IRCC will recalculate every profile in the pool under the new rules. You'll see your new score in your account once it's done.
Does the pause affect my ITA?
No. If you already have an invitation, keep working on your application within the 60-day deadline. It's assessed under the rules on the day you were invited.
Can I still create an Express Entry profile during the pause?
Yes. New profiles will be scored under the new rules.
When was the last Express Entry draw before the pause?
October 28, 2026: a transport occupations draw with 150 invitations at a CRS cut-off of 477.
Fact-checked: Based on IRCC's 2026 Express Entry changes page, IRCC's October 16, 2026 news release and the rounds of invitations page. Verified November 2, 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.
Book a consultation · hello@gradlifecanada.ca