Express Entry Cutoff History 2015–2026 — Complete CRS Score Draw Results & Trends
Express Entry has held draws since January 2015. Over that time the CRS cutoff has ranged from as low as 413 points (November 2019, general draw) to as high as 875 points (PNP tie-breaking rounds). This page covers every major draw, yearly average scores, all category-based draw types introduced from 2023, and a fully searchable draw history table — so you can see exactly where CRS scores have been and where they are heading in 2026.
AEO Quick Answer — Express Entry cutoff history: The lowest Express Entry CRS cutoff score ever was 413 in November 2019 (general all-programs draw, 3,900 invited). The highest general-draw score was 568 (January 2021, post-pandemic backlog). The 2024 annual average was approximately 504. In 2026, general draws are averaging around 488–495. Category-based draws (healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, agriculture, French language) typically have lower cutoffs — ranging from 379 to 445. Source: IRCC Express Entry rounds of invitations.
Yearly CRS Cutoff Summary 2015–2026
CRS cutoff scores have fluctuated significantly since Express Entry launched in January 2015. The 2020–2021 period saw the highest scores due to the COVID-19 processing freeze, while 2019 featured the system's lowest general draw score. From 2023, category-based draws have kept general pool scores elevated by removing targeted candidates from the main pool.
📊 Average CRS Cutoff Score by Year — General Draws (2015–2026)
Source: IRCC Express Entry Rounds of Invitations. General draws only (all-programs draws). 2026 data to April.
Category-Based Express Entry Draws — CRS Cutoffs by Type
IRCC introduced category-based selection in February 2023, allowing targeted draws for specific occupations and French language proficiency. These draws have significantly lower CRS cutoffs than general draws because only candidates with relevant NOC codes or French proficiency are eligible. See the latest Express Entry draws for current results.
🏥 Healthcare Draws Category
CRS cutoff range: 426–476. Eligible NOC codes: Registered Nurses (31301), Physiotherapists (31202), Dentists (31110), Pharmacists (31120), Physicians (31100–31112). Healthcare draws are held monthly and typically invite 1,000–3,500 candidates per draw. Check current healthcare draw results.
💻 STEM Draws Category
CRS cutoff range: 481–500. Eligible NOC codes: Software engineers (21231), Systems analysts (21221), Database analysts (21223), Computer scientists (21210), Electrical engineers (22310). STEM draws have cutoffs closer to general draws due to large eligible pool.
🔧 Trades Draws Category
CRS cutoff range: 388–436. Eligible NOC codes: Electricians (72200), Plumbers (72300), Welders (72106), Heavy equipment operators (73400), Carpenters (72310). Trades draws typically have low cutoffs — 388 was the lowest non-French category draw in 2023.
🇫🇷 French Language Draws Category
CRS cutoff range: 379–436. Requires NCLC 7+ in all 4 French skills (TEF Canada or TCF Canada). The lowest Express Entry category draw cutoff is 379 — set in a French language draw in 2023. This is the most accessible draw for French speakers. See French language CRS guide.
🚚 Transport Draws Category
CRS cutoff range: 388–430. Eligible NOC codes: Transport truck drivers (73300), Bus drivers (73310), Air traffic controllers (72600), Aircraft mechanics (72406). Transport draws are held less frequently but typically have lower cutoffs.
🌾 Agriculture Draws Category
CRS cutoff range: 388–420. Eligible NOC codes: General farm workers (85100), Nursery workers (85103), Agricultural equipment operators (85102), Farm supervisors (82030). Agriculture draws occur less frequently and target Canada's labour shortages in food production.
Category draw strategy: If your NOC code qualifies for a category draw (healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, agriculture) or you have French language proficiency, your effective cutoff target can be 50–120 points lower than the general draw average. Use the Express Entry CRS Calculator to check your score against category draw requirements, and the PNP Calculator for provincial nomination options.
Full Searchable Express Entry Draw History Table (2024–2026)
The table below covers all Express Entry draws from January 2024 through April 2026. Use the search box to filter by draw type or year, and sort by CRS cutoff to find the lowest recent scores. For older draws (2015–2023), see the historical summary below. For the most current draws, visit Express Entry Draw Results or the official IRCC rounds of invitations page.
| Draw # | Date | Draw Type | CRS Cutoff | Invitations | Trend |
|---|
Data sourced from IRCC official rounds of invitations. Updated to April 2026. Some minor draws (PNP tie-breaking) may not be listed.
Historical Express Entry Draw Highlights 2015–2023
2015 — First Express Entry Draws (CRS Range: 453–886)
Express Entry launched in January 2015. The first draw on January 31, 2015 had a CRS cutoff of 886 — very high because only a small pool existed. By year-end, cutoffs had settled to 453–472 as the pool grew. Only Federal Skilled Worker and CEC candidates were eligible in the early draws.
2016–2017 — Stabilisation (CRS Range: 415–470)
CRS scores stabilised as the candidate pool matured. The lowest 2016 draw was 457, and 2017 saw scores as low as 415 (March 2017, 3,923 invited). PNP candidates began receiving 600-point nominations, creating a two-tier draw structure — general draws for PNP candidates at very high scores, and all-programs draws around 440–460. Use the PNP Calculator to check if provincial nomination is your fastest pathway.
2018–2019 — Record Low General Draws (CRS Range: 413–456)
This period featured the lowest-ever general draw cutoff: 413 on November 28, 2019 (3,900 invited). IRCC held large draws with low cutoffs as immigration targets increased. 2018 and 2019 were excellent years for candidates with scores between 430–450. The CRS score required for Canada PR was at its most accessible during this period.
2020–2021 — COVID-19 Impact (CRS Range: 440–568)
The COVID-19 pandemic caused IRCC to pause in-person processing in 2020, resulting in a backlog. When draws resumed at full scale, CRS scores rose sharply. January 2021 saw a record general draw cutoff of 568 — the highest ever for an all-programs general draw. Candidates needing medical exams were trapped in the system, inflating pool size and driving up scores.
2022 — Backlog Clearing (CRS Range: 491–557)
IRCC ran numerous large draws in 2022 to clear the COVID backlog. Scores remained elevated at 491–557. IRCC introduced tech sector draws for the first time. Use the CRS improvement guide for strategies that worked during this high-cutoff period.
2023 — Category-Based Draws Introduced (CRS Range: 379–511)
February 2023 marked the launch of category-based selection — the most significant Express Entry change since 2015. IRCC began holding separate draws for healthcare workers, STEM professionals, trades workers, transport sector, agriculture workers, and French language proficient candidates. The lowest draw of 2023 was 379 (French language draw, May 2023). General draws averaged 496 in 2023. See the full 2023 draw results.
What CRS Score Do You Need in 2026?
There is no single CRS score guarantee for an ITA (Invitation to Apply). Cutoffs change every draw based on pool size, IRCC targets, and which programs are included. However, historical trends give a reliable guide:
- General all-programs draw (2026 avg): ~488–495 — aim for 491+ for consistent competitiveness
- CEC-only draw: ~491–521 — higher than general draws as CEC pool is strong
- Healthcare category draw: ~430–476 — aim for 440+ to be safe
- STEM category draw: ~481–500 — similar to general draw
- Trades category draw: ~388–436 — aim for 420+ for good odds
- French language draw: ~379–436 — aim for 400+ with NCLC 7+ French
- Transport / Agriculture: ~388–430 — aim for 410+
- PNP nomination (+600 pts): 600+ pts — essentially guaranteed ITA once nominated
Use the CRS Calculator to check your current score, and the CRS cutoff scores tracker for the most recent draw cutoffs. To see if you are close to the current threshold, try the Express Entry CRS Calculator.
If your score is 460–490: You are in the competitive range for category draws. Focus on: (1) your language score — going from CLB 8 to CLB 9 adds 32 pts, (2) a second official language (adds up to 24 pts), (3) your education credential assessment, or (4) a PNP nomination (+600 pts). See the complete CRS improvement guide.
How to Improve Your CRS Score When Below the Cutoff
1. Improve Your Language Score (Highest Single Impact)
IELTS CLB 8 → CLB 9 adds 32 CRS points. CLB 9 → CLB 10 adds 12 more points. A 32-point jump can move you from below the French category draw cutoff to above the general draw cutoff. Use the IELTS to CRS Calculator to model this.
2. Get a Provincial Nomination (+600 pts)
A PNP nomination instantly adds 600 CRS points — making any current cutoff irrelevant. Most provincial streams have their own points system. Check the Ontario CRS, Alberta CRS, and BC PNP Calculator for your eligibility.
3. Add French Language for Category Draw Eligibility
French language proficiency at NCLC 7+ makes you eligible for French language draws where cutoffs are as low as 379 — over 100 points below the general draw average. TEF Canada or TCF Canada tests are accepted. See the language test guide for TEF Canada score requirements.
4. Gain Canadian Work Experience (CEC)
Even 1 year of Canadian work experience in a NOC 0/A/B job adds 40 CRS points and qualifies you for Canadian Experience Class draws. Use the CEC Calculator to see your CEC-eligible score.
Calculate Your CRS Score and Compare Against Current Cutoffs
See exactly how your score compares to 2026 draw cutoffs. Check which category draws you qualify for and what actions would push your score above the threshold.
Full CRS Calculator → Latest Draw Results →What is the lowest Express Entry CRS score ever?
The lowest Express Entry CRS cutoff score in a general all-programs draw was 413, set on November 28, 2019, when IRCC invited 3,900 candidates. For category-based draws (introduced 2023), the lowest cutoff was 379 in a French language draw in May 2023.
What is the highest Express Entry CRS score ever?
The highest CRS cutoff in a general draw was 568 in January 2021. However, PNP-specific tie-breaking rounds have seen cutoff scores as high as 875, as nearly all PNP candidates score 600+ due to their provincial nomination. These very high scores only apply to PNP-stream draws.
What is the current Express Entry CRS cutoff in 2026?
In 2026 (through April), general all-programs draws have had cutoffs ranging from approximately 485–497, with an average around 491. Category draws (healthcare, STEM, trades, French) have significantly lower cutoffs — French language draws typically cut at 379–430. Check the latest draw results for the most current cutoff.
How often does IRCC hold Express Entry draws?
IRCC typically holds Express Entry draws every two weeks — approximately 26 general draws per year, plus additional category draws. In some years (2022), IRCC held more frequent draws to clear the COVID backlog. The official IRCC draw results page lists all draws.
Are category-based draw cutoffs lower than general draw cutoffs?
Yes — significantly lower. General draws in 2025–2026 average around 491–495 CRS. Category draws range from 379 (French language) to 500 (STEM). Healthcare draws typically cut at 426–476. Trades and transport draws at 388–436. If your NOC code qualifies, category draws offer a major advantage. See the Express Entry calculator to check eligibility.
Why did CRS scores spike in 2020–2021?
COVID-19 caused IRCC to halt in-person biometric and medical processing from March to July 2020. Candidates who received ITAs could not complete their applications, creating a backlog. When processing resumed, a large number of high-scoring candidates remained in the pool, pushing cutoffs to record highs — peaking at 568 in January 2021.
Does Express Entry draw cutoff change every draw?
Yes. Each draw has a unique CRS cutoff score that depends on (1) the number of invitations IRCC decides to issue, (2) the size and composition of the Express Entry pool at that moment, and (3) whether the draw is general or category-based. No two draws have the same cutoff. Historical trends help predict ranges, but there are no guarantees.
How do I know if my score is competitive for an Express Entry draw?
Compare your CRS score to the recent 6–12 month average for the relevant draw type (general, CEC, healthcare, etc.). If your score is within 10–15 points of recent cutoffs, you are likely to receive an ITA in the near term. Use the CRS Calculator and cutoff score tracker to assess your position.
Disclaimer: CRS cutoff data is sourced from IRCC official rounds of invitations and is believed accurate to April 2026. Historical data may be subject to minor corrections. This page is for informational purposes only — consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) before making immigration decisions.