Key Takeaways:
- Canada conducted its second Express Entry draw of 2026, issuing 8,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 511 points.
- This draw represents the largest CEC-specific round in years, highlighting Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) commitment to transitioning temporary residents to permanent residency.
- The current record for ITAs issued in a year is 114,431, set in 2021, with 113,998 ITAs issued in 2025.
- Employers can recruit foreign workers by securing an LMIA or nomination under provincial nomination programs (PNPs), while candidates can increase their chances of receiving an ITA by securing an approved offer of employment.
Introduction to Express Entry Draws
The Canadian government has conducted its second Express Entry draw of the year, issuing a substantial 8,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) on January 7, 2026. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required for this round was 511 points. This draw represents the largest CEC-specific round in years and follows a targeted Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw earlier in the week. The significant volume of invitations highlights Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) ongoing commitment to transitioning temporary residents already working in Canada to permanent residency.
Express Entry Draws in 2026
So far in 2026, the following draws have been conducted: a PNP draw on January 5, 2026, which issued 574 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 711, and the recent CEC draw. The frequency and volume of these draws demonstrate the Canadian government’s efforts to meet its immigration targets and address labor market needs. The Express Entry system has been instrumental in helping the government achieve its immigration goals, and it is expected to continue playing a crucial role in the coming years.
Express Entry Draws in 2025
In 2025, Canada conducted a total of 50 draws, including 24 PNP draws, 15 CEC draws, 9 French language proficiency draws, 2 education occupation draws, 7 healthcare and social services occupation draws, and 1 trade occupation draw. The total number of ITAs issued in 2025 was 113,998, narrowly missing the all-time annual record. This followed 110,266 ITAs in 2024 and 110,266 in 2023. The current record remains 114,431 ITAs set in 2021. The data suggests that the Canadian government is actively using the Express Entry system to meet its immigration targets and address labor market needs.
Tie-Breaking Rule
The latest draw implemented a tie-breaking rule date of June 10, 2025, at 15:59:25 UTC. If more than one candidate had the minimum CRS score of 511, only those who submitted their Express Entry profiles before this specific timestamp received an invitation. This was the 2nd round of invitations under Express Entry in 2026 and the 390th overall. Candidates who received an ITA now have a 60-day window to submit their full application for permanent residence. The tie-breaking rule ensures that candidates who submitted their profiles earlier are given priority, promoting fairness and transparency in the Express Entry system.
Recruiting Foreign Workers
Employers are encouraged to consider securing an LMIA or nomination under provincial nomination programs (PNPs) to ensure long-term retention of employees. At immigration.ca, we provide Canadian employers with unparalleled immigration legal services and can help with the recruitment of foreign nationals. We bring qualified candidates to Canada in the shortest time possible. Employers in a wide range of industries can directly benefit from our unique position as one of Canada’s leading immigration firms to meet both their recruitment and immigration requirements. Interested employers wishing to seek our assistance are invited to contact us for further information.
Next Steps for Candidates
Securing an approved offer of employment is highly recommended as one of the best pathways to guaranteeing an ITA in the next round of invitations. Find out whether you qualify for Canada by completing our free online evaluation. We will provide you with your evaluation results within 1-2 business days. Candidates can increase their chances of receiving an ITA by improving their language proficiency, gaining more work experience, and securing an approved offer of employment. By taking these steps, candidates can enhance their profiles and increase their chances of being selected in future Express Entry draws.
