Canada Issues One of the Largest Canadian Experience Class Draws on Record

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has once again issued a large number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through the Express Entry system, this time targeting candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

In this draw, 8,000 ITAs were issued. Candidates needed 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.

Latest Draw Details 

• Draw Date: January 7, 2026
• Draw Type: Canadian Experience Class
• Number of Invitations: 8,000
• Minimum CRS Score Required: 511

Express Entry Draws List 2026

This round is remarkable as it is the second-largest CEC draw ever, second only to the pandemic-era draw that invited over 27,000 candidates. Notably, the CRS cut-off score in this draw is the lowest seen for any Express Entry selection in 2025. Previously, the lowest CEC cut-off was 509, recorded on September 19, 2024.

This is also the second Express Entry draw of 2026, following a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw on January 5. By prioritizing candidates already in Canada, particularly those with Canadian work experience or provincial nominations, IRCC continues to focus on skilled workers who can contribute immediately to the Canadian labour market.

Number of Draws by Category in 2026

ITAs issued by category in 2026

Even in the first full week of 2026, more than 8,500 ITAs have been issued. January is traditionally a busy month for Express Entry as IRCC works to meet its annual immigration targets. Keep in mind, due to processing times, successful candidates usually become permanent residents at least six months after receiving their ITA.

Connect with us