The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently held a significant draw through the Express Entry system. This event resulted in the issuance of 8,000 invitations to apply (ITAs) specifically for candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Historic Second-Largest CEC Draw
This draw is notable as it represents the second-largest issuance of ITAs for the CEC, surpassed only by a pandemic-era draw that extended invitations to over 27,000 candidates. Candidates needed to meet a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 511 to qualify. Additionally, they were required to create their Express Entry candidate profile before 3:59 p.m. UTC on June 10, 2025.
Details of the Draw
- Draw Date: January 7, 2026
- Draw Type: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- CRS Cut-off Score: 511
- ITAs Issued: 8,000
The recent draw also showcased a lower CRS cut-off score compared to previous draws in 2025. The lowest CRS score for a CEC draw prior to this was 509, recorded on September 19, 2024. Additionally, this marks the second Express Entry draw for the year, following another draw for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) on January 5.
Immigration Trends in January
As of January 2026, Canada’s immigration department has issued over 8,500 ITAs. These are broken down as follows:
| Draw Type | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class | 8,000 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 574 |
Historically, January sees increased activity in the Express Entry system as IRCC aims to meet its admissions targets for the year. It is important to note that the timeline from ITA issuance to actual immigration can take at least six months, considering processing and wait times.
This ongoing focus on Canadian residents and those with local work experience reflects IRCC’s commitment to enhancing the country’s labor market through strategic immigration pathways.
