Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has held one of the largest Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws in history, issuing 8,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through the Express Entry system on January 7, 2026.
This draw marks the second-largest CEC selection since the program’s inception, surpassed only by a pandemic-era draw in 2021 that invited over 27,000 candidates. To be eligible in the latest round, candidates were required to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 511 and to have submitted their Express Entry profile before 3:59 p.m. UTC on June 10, 2025.
The January 7 draw sets an aggressive tone for Canada’s immigration strategy in 2026, indicating a strong focus on candidates with recent Canadian work experience. Notably, the CRS cut-off score of 511 is lower than any score used in Express Entry draws throughout 2025, suggesting a slight softening of selection thresholds for qualifying CEC candidates.
This is the second Express Entry draw of 2026, following a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw on January 5, which issued 574 ITAs to candidates with a CRS score of 711 or higher. With both early draws emphasizing either Canadian work experience or provincial nomination, IRCC appears to be prioritizing candidates who have established connections to Canada and who are more likely to integrate quickly into the workforce.
In just the first full week of 2026, more than 8,500 ITAs have already been issued through the Express Entry system. This rapid start could indicate that Canada is aiming to meet or exceed its ambitious annual immigration targets, particularly given the ongoing population growth needs and labour market gaps across the country.
The latest trajectory mirrors IRCC’s broader immigration goals: to attract skilled workers who are already familiar with Canadian society and economy. By targeting Canadian Experience Class applicants, the government is reinforcing its commitment to transitioning temporary residents into permanent ones — a strategy that aligns with Canada’s long-term demographic and economic priorities.
More Express Entry draws are expected in the coming weeks, and stakeholders will be watching closely to see if this trend of large-scale selections continues into the rest of the year.