02/23/2026
๐ข Express Entry Update: CRS Cutoff May Drop in 2026
Canada has introduced a key change to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada category-based Express Entry draws that could lower CRS cut-off scores in 2026.
On February 18, 2026, Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab announced that the work experience requirement for category-based draws has increased from 6 months to 12 months in a specific eligible occupation.
What This Means
The Express Entry profile requirement remains unchanged: candidates still need 12 months of skilled work experience (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) to enter the pool.
However, to qualify for category-based draws, candidates must now have 12 months of experience in that specific occupation category.
Why CRS Scores Could Drop
With the requirement increasing to 12 months, fewer candidates will qualify for category-based draws. If invitation numbers remain similar, competition will decrease, meaning CRS cut-off scores may drop so that enough candidates can receive invitations.
Who Benefits
Candidates who already have 12 months or more experience in category-eligible occupations may have a better chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Who Must Wait
Candidates with 6โ11 months of category-specific experience will need to wait until they reach 12 months before they can qualify for category-based draws.
๐ Important: If invitation numbers are reduced in proportion to the smaller pool, CRS scores may remain stable.
