In January 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted one of the largest Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws in Express Entry history, issuing 8,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to eligible candidates. This draw required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 511, with candidates needing to have created their Express Entry profile before 3:59 p.m. UTC on June 10, 2025.
Understanding The Record-Breaking CEC Draw
This CEC draw is the second-largest since the program began, surpassed only by the exceptional pandemic-era draw that invited over 27,000 candidates. Importantly, it also represents the lowest CRS cut-off score for any Express Entry draw in 2025, beating the previous low of 509 recorded on September 19, 2024.
The draw highlights IRCC’s continued focus on candidates with Canadian work experience, reinforcing the importance of pathways such as the Canadian Experience Class for temporary residents transitioning to permanent residence.
How This Draw Fits Into Canada’s 2026 Immigration Strategy
This was the second Express Entry draw of 2026, following a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw on January 5 that issued 574 ITAs. Together, these January draws account for 8,574 ITAs, with the vast majority allocated to CEC candidates.
IRCC has consistently indicated that it will prioritize applicants who are already in Canada or who have strong ties to the Canadian labor market. January is traditionally an active period for Express Entry, as the department works to meet annual admissions targets, knowing that actual landings usually occur six months or more after ITAs are issued.
This approach aligns with Canada’s broader immigration objectives, which emphasize economic integration, workforce stability, and faster transitions for temporary residents already contributing to the economy.
What This Means For Express Entry Candidates
For candidates in the Express Entry pool, this draw demonstrates that:
- Canadian work experience continues to be highly valued.
- CRS cut-offs for CEC draws can dip significantly during high-volume rounds.
- Being in Canada can substantially improve your chances of receiving an ITA.
Candidates are encouraged to regularly assess their CRS score and overall profile competitiveness using official IRCC tools and trusted immigration resources.
Key Takeaways
- IRCC issued 8,000 ITAs in a single Canadian Experience Class draw in January 2026.
- The minimum CRS score was 511, the lowest for any Express Entry draw in 2025.
- This was the second-largest CEC draw on record.
- January 2026 draws have issued a total of 8,574 ITAs, including PNP invitations.
- IRCC continues to priorities candidates with Canadian work experience or provincial nominations.
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