Big 2026 Express Entry CEC Draw: 8,000 ITAs Issued by IRCC
Canada Issues 8,000 ITAs in Major Canadian Experience Class Express Entry Draw
- IRCC issued 8,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Express Entry draw on January 7, 2026
- Minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 511
- This is the second-largest CEC draw ever—topped only by the 2021 pandemic-era draw
- Early 2026 draws are focusing on candidates already in Canada or nominated by a province
- Total of 8,574 ITAs issued so far in 2026 across two draws
- January is traditionally a busy month for Express Entry invitations
It’s been a big start to the year for immigration hopefuls in Canada! On January 7, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its second Express Entry draw of the year—and this one made waves. A total of 8,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued to Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 511.
If you’re already in Canada or have work experience here, these early-year draws are a great sign that IRCC continues to prioritize candidates with ties to the Canadian labour market.
What You Need to Know About the January 7, 2026 Draw
This draw targeted only candidates under the Canadian Experience Class—one of the three main categories under Express Entry. To receive an invitation in this round, you had to:
- Have a CRS score of at least 511
- Have submitted your Express Entry profile before 3:59 p.m. UTC on June 10, 2025
That CRS requirement is notable—it’s lower than any Express Entry draw from 2025, and just slightly higher than the lowest-ever CEC cutoff, which was 509 back in September 2024.
Second-Largest CEC Draw in History
This January 7 draw marks the second-largest CEC draw in Express Entry history, coming in behind the record-breaking pandemic-era draw which invited over 27,000 people at once.
Here’s a quick look at the first two Express Entry draws of 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 |
This strong start suggests that IRCC is aiming to hit the ground running in 2026—particularly by inviting candidates who are already working in Canada or those nominated through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Why Is January So Busy for Express Entry?
January has historically been a high-activity month for Express Entry draws. The reason? IRCC wants to start filling its annual immigration targets early by issuing ITAs that count toward federal permanent resident admissions for the year.
There’s often a lag time between when someone receives an ITA and when they actually land in Canada as a permanent resident. That’s why many invitations issued in January won’t result in landings until mid-2026 or later—due to application processing times and other logistics.
Breakdown of 2026 Express Entry Activity (So Far)
Even though we’re only a week into the new year, 2026 is already off to a fast start:
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class | 1 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 1 |
And in terms of actual invitations:
| Draw Type | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class | 8,000 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 574 |
That brings us to a total of 8,574 ITAs issued in just the first week of January!
What This Means for Express Entry Candidates
If you’re already in Canada and have at least one year of skilled work experience here, now’s a great time to check if you qualify under the Canadian Experience Class. With IRCC focusing on candidates who are already integrated into the Canadian workforce, your chances may be better than ever.
Not in Canada yet but interested in increasing your Express Entry score? You might consider pursuing a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which can boost your CRS with an automatic 600 points. For instance, the Manitoba PNP is one option to explore if you have ties to the province.
Check Your CRS Score and Get Ready
With draws resuming and ITAs being issued in high numbers, now’s the perfect time to make sure your Express Entry profile is up to date and competitive. Not sure where you stand?
Check your CRS score and see if you’re likely to receive an invitation in upcoming draws. You can also explore ways to boost your ranking—whether that’s improving your language test scores, getting additional work experience, or looking into provincial nomination options.
Final Thoughts
Canada’s Express Entry system is off to a strong start in 2026, with big numbers and a clear focus on candidates with Canadian experience or provincial nominations. Whether you’re already in Canada or planning your pathway here, staying informed and proactive is key.
Want to improve your chances of receiving an ITA? Explore provincial programs like the Manitoba PNP, keep your Express Entry profile updated, and monitor upcoming draw trends.
And if you’re just getting started, don’t worry—it’s never too late to build a solid immigration strategy. Learn more about Express Entry and how to apply.
Let’s make 2026 the year of your Canadian immigration success!
