On 29 September, IRCC conducted Express Entry draw #446, issuing 2,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence to Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 518. The latest selection maintains Ottawa’s strategy of leveraging in-country talent—foreign nationals who have already gained at least one year of skilled Canadian work experience—while overall permanent-resident admissions remain capped at 500,000 for 2026. Although the cut-off score fell by just one point compared with the previous CEC-only draw on 15 September, immigration advisers note that scores have been trending downward for several months, signaling slightly easier access for workers who stayed in Canada during the post-pandemic temporary-resident slow-down. Successful applicants have 60 days to submit electronic applications, including medicals, police certificates and proof of funds where required. Those whose work permits are expiring can apply for Bridging Open Work Permits to maintain authorization while their PR file is processed, a crucial option for employers who depend on these staff to address ongoing labour shortages in tech, health care and construction. Mobility teams should review foreign-worker inventories to flag CEC employees who now meet or exceed the 518 CRS threshold. Proactive filing can reduce compliance risk and long-term costs associated with closed work permits, while also improving retention by offering a clear pathway to permanent residence.
Source: CIC News
