Many people believe that only candidates with perfect English, foreign experience, and high education can receive a Canadian PR invitation under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). That used to be true when scores were very high.
But things have changed in 2026.
From August to November 2025, CEC cut-off scores stayed very high, around 533 – 534. Because of this, thousands of candidates were stuck and unable to move forward. In January 2026, however, the cut-off dropped sharply, as low as 509.
This drop has opened doors for many people who were previously rejected or waiting for years. Even candidates with lower language scores, no foreign experience, less education, or short Canadian work history are now receiving invitations.
Below, we explain four types of candidates who can now realistically get a CEC Invitation to Apply (ITA), using simple examples and easy language.
Recent CEC Draws After Scores Started Falling
Date of draw | Cut-off score | ITAs issued
January 21, 2026 | 509 | 6,000
January 7, 2026 | 511 | 8,000
December 16, 2025 | 515 | 5,000
December 10, 2025 | 520 | 6,000
November 26, 2025 | 531 | 1,000
These numbers show one clear message: CEC is becoming more accessible again.
Example One: Candidates With Lower English Scores Can Still Win
Michael is 27 years old and works as a web developer. He studied both outside and inside Canada and has four years of Canadian work experience. His English level is CLB 7, which many candidates believe is “too low” for PR. He does not know French.
Despite this, Michael’s strong education, long Canadian work history, and foreign experience push his CRS score to 515.
Factors determining CRS score | Qualifications | Points accrued
Age | 27 years of age | 110
Education | Master’s degree | 135
Language proficiency | CLB 7 | 68
Canadian work experience | 4 years | 72
Skill transferability: Education (Canadian work experience + post-secondary degree) | 4 years Canadian experience + Master’s degree | 50
Skill transferability: Foreign work experience (Canadian + foreign work experience) | 4 years Canadian experience + 3 years foreign experience | 50
Additional factors: Post-secondary education in Canada | Two-year master’s degree | 15
Additional factors: Sibling in Canada | Brother in New Brunswick | 15
Total score | | 515
Why this matters: Many people spend years trying to increase their English scores. Michael proves that strong Canadian work experience and education can compensate for lower language scores.
Example Two: Candidates With No Foreign Work Experience
Cierra is 29 and studied in Canada. She has four years of Canadian work experience but zero foreign work experience, which usually lowers CRS scores.
However, her age, Canadian education, and steady work history helped her reach a CRS score of 511—enough to receive an invitation in recent draws.
Factors determining CRS score | Qualifications | Points accrued
Age | 29 years of age | 110
Education | 2 educational credentials | 128
Language proficiency | CLB 8 + NCLC 5 | 96
Canadian work experience | 4 years | 72
Skill transferability: Education (language + post-secondary degree) | CLB 8 + 2 educational credentials | 25
Skill transferability: Education (Canadian work experience + post-secondary degree) | 4 years Canadian work experience + 2 educational credentials | 50
Additional factors: Post-secondary education in Canada | 4-year bachelor’s degree in Alberta | 30
Total score | | 511
Why this matters: You do not always need foreign experience if your Canadian profile is strong.
Example Three: Candidates With Only One Year of Canadian Experience
Arjun has excellent education and strong language scores but only one year of Canadian work experience, which many believe is not enough.
Thanks to his high education level, strong English and French scores, and foreign experience, his CRS score reaches 524, well above recent cut-offs.
Factors determining CRS score | Qualifications | Points accrued
Age | 32 years of age | 94
Education | PhD in business administration | 150
Language proficiency | CLB 11 + NCLC 6 | 140
Canadian work experience | 1 year | 40
Skill transferability: Education (language + post-secondary degree) | CLB 11 + PhD | 50
Skill transferability: Foreign work experience (language + foreign work experience) | CLB 11 + 3 years foreign experience | 50
Total score | | 524
Why this matters: If your education and language scores are strong, even one year of Canadian experience can be enough.
Example Four: Candidates With Only a One-Year College Certificate
Malaya completed only a one-year Canadian certificate, which many people assume is not sufficient for PR. She also applied with her spouse, which usually reduces CRS points.
Even so, her strong English, Canadian work experience, and foreign experience brought her CRS score to 510, just above the latest cut-off.
Factors determining CRS score | Qualifications | Points accrued
Age | 30 years of age | 95
Education | One-year certificate | 84
Language proficiency | CLB 11 + NCLC 5 | 132
Canadian work experience | 3 years | 56
Spouse: Education | Two-year diploma | 7
Spouse: Language | CLB 7 | 12
Spouse: Canadian work experience | 4 years | 9
Skill transferability: Education (language + post-secondary degree) | CLB 11 + one-year certificate | 25
Skill transferability: Education (Canadian work experience + post-secondary degree) | 3 years Canadian experience + one-year certificate | 25
Skill transferability: Foreign work experience (language + foreign work experience) | CLB 11 + 3 years foreign experience | 50
Additional factors: Post-secondary education in Canada | One-year credential | 15
Total score | | 510
Why this matters: You do not need multiple degrees to qualify. Smart planning beats long schooling.
What This Means for You
If CEC cut-off scores stay low or drop further, many candidates who were previously rejected now have a real chance. Do not assume you are ineligible just because one area of your profile is weak.
Is CLB 7 or 8 really enough for PR now?
Yes. If you have strong Canadian work experience, education, or other factors, lower language scores can still work.
Do I need foreign work experience?
No. Many candidates are now being invited with only Canadian experience.
Is one year of Canadian work experience enough for CEC?
Yes. As long as you meet eligibility and your overall CRS score is competitive.
Does applying with a spouse reduce chances?
Not necessarily. A spouse can reduce points, but strong skills and experience can easily compensate.
Should I wait to improve my profile?
Not always. With lower cut-offs, waiting may cause you to miss an opportunity.
