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Canada has conducted its second-largest Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw ever, issuing 8,000 invitations to apply through the Express Entry system, as immigration authorities continue to prioritize candidates with Canadian work experience in early 2026.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 8,000 invitations to apply (ITAs) in a major Express Entry draw targeting Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates. The draw, held on January 7, 2026, marks the second-largest CEC selection in the history of the Express Entry system.
To be eligible for this round, candidates were required to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 511 and must have created their Express Entry profile before 3:59 p.m. (UTC) on June 10, 2025.
This draw is surpassed only by the exceptional pandemic-era CEC draw, which invited more than 27,000 candidates. Notably, the CRS cut-off score of 511 is lower than any Express Entry draw recorded in 2025. Prior to this, the lowest CEC cut-off was 509, issued in September 2024.
The January 7 draw follows another Express Entry selection earlier in the year. On January 5, IRCC conducted a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw, issuing 574 invitations with a CRS cut-off score of 711.
With just two draws conducted so far in 2026, IRCC has already issued more than 8,500 ITAs. This early momentum reflects Canada’s ongoing strategy to prioritize applicants who are already in the country, have Canadian work experience, or hold provincial nominations.
January is traditionally a period of heightened Express Entry activity, as invitations issued early in the year contribute toward Canada’s annual immigration admissions targets. Due to processing timelines and settlement procedures, new permanent resident landings typically occur at least six months after an ITA is issued.
The latest draw highlights Canada’s continued focus on strengthening its workforce by retaining skilled talent already integrated into the Canadian labour market.
