Express Entry Draws October 2026: Recap and Analysis
- 4 draws, 11,752 ITAs in October 2026.
- CEC held steady at 519 (2,500 ITAs), in line with the 518–521 range since September.
- French (435) and Trades (476) remained the easiest routes for eligible candidates.
- The November 3, 2026 CRS changes may shift cut-offs from next month.
All October 2026 draws
| # | Date | Type | ITAs | Cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 450 | Oct 16 | French-language proficiency | 5,000 | 435 |
| 449 | Oct 15 | Canadian Experience Class | 2,500 | 519 |
| 448 | Oct 13 | Provincial Nominee Program | 752 | 772 |
| 447 | Oct 1 | Trade occupations | 3,500 | 476 |
How October compares with September
| Date | Type | ITAs | Cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 29 | CEC | 2,000 | 518 |
| Sep 28 | PNP | 733 | 725 |
| Sep 16 | Senior managers | 250 | 389 |
| Sep 15 | CEC | 2,000 | 519 |
| Sep 14 | PNP | 576 | 734 |
| Sep 4 | Healthcare | 3,500 | 475 |
| Sep 3 | Physicians | 229 | 198 |
| Sep 1 | CEC | 2,000 | 521 |
CEC cut-offs moved within a tight 518–521 band, even with the larger 2,500-ITA draw in October. If your score is in the low 500s, Canadian experience is the clearest lever: one more year adds up to 40+ points. See how →
What it means for you
- CEC candidates: you likely need about 519+. Check your score and see the fastest ways to add points.
- French speakers: NCLC 7 in all four abilities made a 435 score enough. CRS points for French.
- Trades workers: cut-offs around 476. Check FST eligibility.
- Everyone else: a provincial nomination (+600) is the most reliable path below 500. Ontario's OINP calculator.
What to watch in November
From November 3, 2026, CRS scoring changes for job offers and adds points for high-wage Canadian experience. Many CEC candidates in high-wage occupations will gain 20–70 points, which could push CEC cut-offs up. Read the full breakdown, then recalculate your score with the new rules.
FAQ
How many Express Entry draws were there in October 2026?
Four draws between October 1 and October 16, 2026, issuing 11,752 invitations to apply: Trades (476), PNP (772), CEC (519) and French (435).
What was the lowest CRS cut-off in October 2026?
435, in the French-language proficiency draw on October 16, 2026, which invited 5,000 candidates.
Source: IRCC rounds of invitations. Live data on our Express Entry draws page.