Key Takeaways
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 8,000 invitations to apply (ITAs) through the Express Entry system for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates.
- Candidates needed to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 511 and created an Express Entry candidate profile before June 10, 2025.
- This draw features a lower CRS cut-off score than any Express Entry draw in 2025, with a score of 511.
- IRCC has started the year by prioritizing candidates in Canada and those with experience in the Canadian labour market or nominated by a province.
- Over 8,500 ITAs have been issued in the first week of 2026, with more expected to be issued throughout the year.
Introduction to Express Entry Draws
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued a significant number of invitations to apply (ITAs) through the Express Entry system, specifically for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates. This draw saw 8,000 ITAs issued to candidates who met the eligibility criteria, including having a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 511 and creating an Express Entry candidate profile before June 10, 2025. This is a notable development, as it marks the second-largest CEC draw ever, surpassed only by the massive pandemic-era draw that invited over 27,000 candidates.
Eligibility Criteria and Draw Details
To be considered in this draw, candidates needed to meet specific eligibility criteria. Firstly, they needed to have a minimum CRS score of 511, which is a competitive score that takes into account various factors such as age, education, language proficiency, and work experience. Additionally, candidates needed to have created an Express Entry candidate profile before 3:59 p.m. Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on June 10, 2025. This ensures that only candidates who have been in the pool for a certain period are considered for the draw. The draw itself is a significant one, with 8,000 ITAs issued to CEC candidates. This is a substantial number, and it highlights the importance of the Express Entry system in Canada’s immigration strategy.
Comparison to Previous Draws
The CRS cut-off score for this draw is notable, as it is lower than any Express Entry draw in 2025. The previous lowest cut-off score for a CEC draw was 509, which was seen on September 19, 2024. This suggests that IRCC is prioritizing candidates with a range of skills and experience, rather than just those with the highest CRS scores. The draw also marks the second Express Entry selection of the year, following a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw on January 5. This indicates that IRCC is actively working to meet its admissions targets for the year, and is using the Express Entry system to select a diverse range of candidates.
Express Entry Activity in 2026
January is typically a busy month for Express Entry activity, as IRCC looks to issue more invitations that can count towards its admissions targets for the year. Due to lag times from ITA issuance to an immigrant landing in Canada, admissions are usually anticipated a minimum of six months after an ITA is delivered. This means that IRCC needs to issue a significant number of ITAs in the first few months of the year to meet its targets. With over 8,500 ITAs issued in the first week of 2026, it is clear that IRCC is prioritizing Express Entry activity. This is likely to continue throughout the year, with more draws expected to take place in the coming months.
Prioritization of Candidates
IRCC has started the year by prioritizing candidates in Canada and those with experience in the Canadian labour market or nominated by a province. This is reflected in the draw types, with one Canadian Experience Class draw and one Provincial Nominee Program draw taking place so far in 2026. The Canadian Experience Class is designed for candidates who have already gained experience in the Canadian labour market, while the Provincial Nominee Program allows provinces to nominate candidates who meet specific criteria. By prioritizing these candidates, IRCC is recognizing the importance of their skills and experience in contributing to Canada’s economy and society.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the recent Express Entry draw is a significant development in Canada’s immigration strategy. With 8,000 ITAs issued to CEC candidates, it marks the second-largest CEC draw ever. The draw features a lower CRS cut-off score than any Express Entry draw in 2025, and highlights the importance of the Express Entry system in selecting a diverse range of candidates. As IRCC continues to prioritize candidates in Canada and those with experience in the Canadian labour market or nominated by a province, it is likely that we will see more draws take place throughout the year. With over 8,500 ITAs issued in the first week of 2026, it is clear that IRCC is actively working to meet its admissions targets for the year.
