Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has started 2026 with strong momentum, issuing a large number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through the Express Entry system. In the most recent draw, IRCC invited 8,000 candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), making it the second-largest CEC draw ever recorded.
This major selection round highlights Canada’s continued focus on candidates who already have Canadian work experience and are actively contributing to the country’s labour market.
Key Details of the Latest CEC Draw
To receive an invitation in this draw, candidates were required to meet the following criteria:
- Minimum CRS score: 511
- Profile submission deadline: Before 3:59 p.m. (UTC) on June 10, 2025
- Program targeted: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The CRS cut-off of 511 is particularly significant, as it is lower than any Express Entry cut-off seen throughout 2025. This indicates a more inclusive approach toward skilled workers already residing in Canada.
Express Entry Draw Summary – January 2026
| Draw Date | Draw Type | CRS Cut-Off | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 7, 2026 | Canadian Experience Class | 511 | 8,000 |
| January 5, 2026 | Provincial Nominee Program | 711 | 574 |
With these two draws alone, IRCC has already issued over 8,500 invitations in the first full week of 2026.
Why This Draw Matters
This CEC round is only surpassed by the historic pandemic-era draw in 2021, when more than 27,000 candidates were invited. Compared to recent years, the lower CRS score signals renewed opportunities for candidates with Canadian experience.
Before this draw, the lowest CRS cut-off for a CEC round was 509 in September 2024, making the January 2026 selection one of the most accessible in recent times.
Canada’s Immigration Focus in Early 2026
IRCC’s early-year strategy clearly shows a preference for:
- Candidates with Canadian work experience
- Applicants already living and working in Canada
- Individuals nominated through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
So far in 2026, draw activity has been evenly split:
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class | 1 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 1 |
What This Means for Applicants
January is traditionally a busy month for Express Entry, as IRCC aims to issue invitations early in the year to meet its annual permanent resident admissions targets. Since there is usually a processing and landing delay of six months or more, early ITAs play a crucial role in meeting Canada’s immigration goals.
For candidates inside or outside Canada, this trend emphasizes the importance of profile optimization, accurate CRS calculation, and strategic planning.
How World Overseas Services Can Help
With Express Entry draws becoming more targeted and competitive, professional guidance can make a significant difference. World Overseas Services assists applicants with:
- Express Entry profile creation and optimization
- CRS score improvement strategies
- Program selection (CEC, PNP, category-based draws)
- End-to-end PR application support
As Canada continues to prioritize skilled talent, staying informed and prepared is key to success.