The short answer: CRS cut-offs in early 2026 are significantly lower than 2023 highs — but only in specific streams. French speakers, healthcare workers, trades, STEM, transport and agriculture are clearing in the low 400s. General CEC draws still hover around 522–542. PNP draws stay at 700+. The "drop" is real, but it's selective. Pick your stream, then optimize for it.

Last year you needed 540+ to be safe. This April, candidates with 379 got invitations in a French-language draw. Same Express Entry pool, totally different math. Here's exactly what changed and how to respond if your profile has been sitting unselected.

What Actually Changed

Three things shifted between 2023 and 2026:

1. Category-based selection. IRCC now runs draws targeting French speakers, healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, and agriculture/agri-food. Eligibility filters do the work, so CRS thresholds can be lower.
2. 2025–2027 Levels Plan reduced PR targets. Economic class targets were trimmed, but draw cadence stayed roughly bi-weekly through Q1 2026.
3. PNP-only draws stay high. When the 600-point nomination boost is included, cut-offs above 700 are normal — that's not a "score drop," that's the structure.

Recent CRS Cut-Offs (Q1 2026)

Indicative ranges from IRCC published rounds, January–April 2026. Always verify the exact latest round on the official Express Entry rounds page.

What This Means For You

If you're a French speaker (CLB 7+ in French)

This is the easiest path right now. A profile with CLB 7 French as a second language earns 25 bonus points; CLB 9+ earns 50. Combined with French-only draws clearing in the low 400s, many candidates with weaker overall profiles get ITAs here that they'd never get in a general round. Take the TEF or TCF if you have any French at all.

If you work in healthcare, trades, STEM, transport or agriculture

Confirm your NOC code is on the current category list (it changes — IRCC updated categories in February 2025). Use our NOC Code Lookup to verify your TEER and check the current eligibility list on canada.ca/express-entry. Six months of continuous full-time work in a listed NOC within the last 3 years usually qualifies.

If you have a provincial nomination

You're effectively at 600+ points before counting your base CRS. PNP-only draws are smaller but very predictable — if you've been nominated, an ITA is essentially guaranteed within a few rounds.

If you're in the general pool with 480–520

This is the hardest position in 2026. General CEC draws clear at 522+, you're not in a category, and you don't have a nomination. Your moves: chase a category eligibility (start French, change NOCs if possible), pursue a PNP nomination, or improve language scores. Use the CRS Calculator to model exact point gains before spending money on tests.

Common 30-Point Wins

• IELTS retake to CLB 9 in all four abilities: +24 points (single applicant).
• French as second language CLB 7+: +25 to +50 points.
• Spousal language test (if applicable): +5 to +20 points.
• Spousal Canadian education credential: +2 to +10 points.
• Additional year of Canadian work experience: +13 to +29 points.
• Provincial nomination: +600 points (changes the math entirely).

What To Do This Week

• Check our Express Entry Draw Tracker for the most recent rounds and trends.
• Re-run your score with the CRS Calculator — point values for some factors changed in 2024.
• Confirm your NOC against the current category list using NOC Code Lookup.
• If you're shy on funds, model your post-arrival cost first with PR Application Cost Breakdown.

Official rounds, category eligibility, and current criteria are published by IRCC at canada.ca/express-entry rounds. Always verify there before acting.