Rounds are paused while IRCC recalculates scores
On November 3, 2026, IRCC changed how CRS points are awarded and began recalculating the score of every profile in the pool. It said this could take up to two weeks, and that invitation rounds are paused until the recalculation is complete.
All the rounds listed above were held under the previous points system, when the maximum score was 1,200. Because most scores have now changed, older cut-offs are only a rough guide to what future rounds will look like. We will add each new round here as IRCC publishes it.
How Express Entry rounds work
IRCC holds rounds of invitations throughout the year. In each round it sets how many candidates it will invite, ranks the eligible candidates by CRS score, and invites from the top down. The score of the lowest-ranked person invited becomes the cut-off for that round.
There are three kinds of round:
- General rounds invite the top-ranked candidates from all Express Entry programs.
- Program-specific rounds invite candidates from one program, such as the Canadian Experience Class or the Provincial Nominee Program.
- Category-based rounds invite candidates who meet a specific goal, such as French-language proficiency, or work experience in healthcare, trades or transport occupations.
Cut-offs differ widely between round types. Provincial Nominee Program rounds have cut-offs above 600 because a nomination adds 600 points. Category-based rounds often have lower cut-offs because fewer candidates are eligible.
The tie-breaking rule
If more than one candidate has the lowest score, IRCC uses the date and time each profile was submitted. Candidates who submitted earlier are invited first. If you are on the cut-off score, how long your profile has been in the pool can decide whether you are invited.
How your score compares
Use the CRS calculator to work out your score under the current rules. It shows the gap between your score and the most recent round, and the changes that would add the most points. Our guide on how to improve your CRS score explains each option.