Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Department has recently issued a significant number of invitations to apply (ITA) through the Express Entry system.
The latest draw targeted candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program, with a total of 8,000 ITAs issued. To qualify for this draw, candidates were required to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 511 and had to create an Express Entry profile before the specified deadline.
Summary of Express Entry Draws in 2026
| Draw Date | Draw Type | CRS Cut-off Score | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 7 | Canadian Experience Class | 511 | 8,000 |
| January 5 | Provincial Nominee Program | 711 | 574 |
The recent draw marked one of the largest CEC draws, with a lower CRS cut-off score compared to previous draws. This draw follows the first Express Entry selection of the year and a Provincial Nominee Program draw.
The Immigration Department has prioritized candidates with Canadian experience or provincial nominations, evident from the number of draws conducted so far in 2026.
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class | 1 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 1 |
Within the first week of the year, over 8,500 ITAs have already been issued, reflecting Canada’s commitment to welcoming skilled immigrants.