Canada has opened 2026 with one of the most impactful immigration announcements in recent history. On January 7, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a major Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Express Entry draw, issuing 8,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs), making it the second-largest CEC draw ever recorded.
This historic selection round reinforces Canada’s ongoing commitment to skilled professionals who already have hands-on experience working in the country.
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A Record-Setting CEC Draw to Start the Year
The scale of this draw places it firmly among the most significant moments in the Express Entry system. Only one CEC draw in the past, held during the pandemic period, has ever exceeded this number of invitations.
By issuing 8,000 ITAs in a single CEC round, IRCC has sent a strong message: temporary residents with Canadian work experience remain a top immigration priority in 2026.
Entry Requirements That Shaped the January 7 Selection
Candidates invited in this draw were required to meet the following conditions:
- Minimum CRS score: 511
- Express Entry profile submission deadline: Before June 10, 2025, at 3:59 PM (UTC)
The CRS threshold is especially noteworthy. The 511 cut-off is lower than any Express Entry draw seen throughout 2025, offering renewed optimism to candidates whose scores were previously just short of invitation levels.
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Early 2026 Express Entry Draws at a Glance
The January 7 CEC draw followed closely after a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw held on January 5, indicating a fast-paced start to the year.
Express Entry Invitations Issued in 2026 So Far
| Date | Program | CRS Score | Invitations |
| Jan 7, 2026 | Canadian Experience Class | 511 | 8,000 |
| Jan 5, 2026 | Provincial Nominee Program | 711 | 574 |
In just over a week, IRCC has already issued more than 8,500 ITAs, signalling an aggressive and well-planned immigration intake strategy.
Clear Preference for In-Canada Talent
All Express Entry activity in early 2026 has been focused on candidates who:
- Have Canadian work experience
- Are already employed or previously employed in Canada
- Have been nominated by a Canadian province
This approach allows IRCC to select applicants who can transition quickly into permanent residence while continuing to support the Canadian economy and labour market.
Why This Draw Is a Turning Point for 2026 Applicants
Several factors make the January 7 draw particularly important:
- It is the second-largest CEC draw in Express Entry history
- It features one of the lowest CRS scores seen in recent years
- It signals higher draw volumes early in the year
- It suggests a continued preference for temporary residents over overseas applicants
For many candidates, this draw has redefined what is achievable under the Canadian Experience Class in 2026.
January: A Strategic Month for Express Entry Invitations
January traditionally sees heightened Express Entry activity, and this year is no exception. IRCC often issues a large number of ITAs early in the year to align with Canada’s annual target for permanent resident admissions.
Since the time between receiving an ITA and officially becoming a permanent resident can extend beyond six months, early-year invitations are crucial to meeting yearly immigration goals.
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What CEC Candidates Should Do Next
With momentum clearly building, candidates under the Canadian Experience Class should:
- Keep their Express Entry profiles active and accurate
- Monitor CRS trends closely
- Explore options to boost CRS scores, such as language improvements or additional work experience
- Stay prepared for further large-scale draws in the coming months
Final Outlook
The January 7, 2026, Canadian Experience Class draw will be remembered as a defining moment in Canada’s immigration landscape. As the second-largest CEC draw in history, it reflects Canada’s strong reliance on skilled workers already contributing to its workforce.
For Express Entry candidates in Canada, this draw is more than just a statistic – it is a clear indication that 2026 has begun with opportunity, momentum, and renewed hope for permanent residence.
