Canada has kicked off Express Entry 2026 with a powerful signal for in-Canada workers. On January 7, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted the first Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw of the year, issuing a massive 8,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs).
This draw is now officially the second-largest CEC draw in Express Entry history, making it a landmark moment for candidates with Canadian work experience.
Key Highlights of Express Entry CEC Draw #390
The January 7, 2026 draw stands out not only for its size but also for its comparatively lower CRS requirement.
- Program: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Invitations issued: 8,000
- Minimum CRS score: 511
- Tie-breaking rule: June 10, 2025 at 03:59 PM UTC
This CRS score is one of the lowest seen in recent years for a CEC-specific draw and significantly lower than most CEC cut-offs in 2025.
Why This CEC Draw Is a Big Deal
Outside of the exceptional pandemic-era draw in 2021, IRCC has never issued this many invitations under the Canadian Experience Class in a single round.
Large-volume draws like this tend to reach deeper into the Express Entry pool, which can help stabilize or gradually reduce CRS cut-offs over time. This is especially encouraging for candidates who are close to the cut-off score.
How This Draw Compares to 2025
The first CEC draw of 2025 invited only 1,350 candidates with a CRS cut-off of 542. In contrast, the first CEC draw of 2026:
- Invited nearly six times more candidates
- Had a CRS cut-off 31 points lower
- Strongly prioritized in-Canada workers early in the year
This shift suggests a more aggressive approach by IRCC in inviting eligible candidates already contributing to Canada’s labour market.
IRCC’s Growing Focus on In-Canada Applicants
Both Express Entry draws held so far in 2026 have targeted candidates already in Canada:
- January 5, 2026: Provincial Nominee Program draw
- January 7, 2026: Canadian Experience Class draw
This aligns with Canada’s broader immigration strategy. The federal government has allocated 33,000 permanent residence spaces for in-Canada applicants across 2026 and 2027, and CEC draws are one of the most efficient ways to meet this goal.
What This Means for CEC Candidates
If you are eligible under the Canadian Experience Class, this is a strong reminder to ensure your Express Entry profile is accurate and fully updated. Even small changes can impact your CRS score.
Candidates close to the cut-off may benefit from:
- Updating work experience
- Retaking language tests to improve scores
- Reviewing education credentials
- Ensuring all personal details are current
Those who received an ITA now have 60 days to submit a complete and well-documented permanent residence application.
What to Expect from CEC Draws in 2026
The biggest question moving forward is whether IRCC will maintain this high-volume approach or return to smaller, more frequent CEC draws.
If large draws continue:
- CRS scores may stabilize or gradually decline
- More in-Canada workers may receive invitations quickly
If draws become smaller or less frequent:
- CRS cut-offs could remain competitive due to a strong pool
Updates on how IRCC plans to use the 33,000 in-Canada PR spaces will be critical in shaping the rest of the year.
Final Thoughts
The Express Entry CEC draw of January 7, 2026 sets a strong and optimistic tone for the year ahead. With a historic number of invitations and a lower CRS threshold, IRCC has clearly shown that Canadian work experience remains a top priority.
CEC candidates should stay proactive, keep their profiles updated, and be ready to act quickly. Large draws like this can happen with little warning, and preparation is key.
If you’re unsure how this Express Entry draw affects your profile or want expert guidance on improving your CRS score, Yoke Immigrations is here to help. Our experienced immigration professionals provide personalized advice tailored to your unique situation.
