6,000 ITAs Issued in Latest Express Entry CEC Draw 2026
Latest Express Entry Draw: 6,000 ITAs Issued to Canadian Experience Class Candidates
- IRCC issued 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in the latest Express Entry draw
- Draw targeted Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates with a minimum CRS score of 509
- Profiles needed to be submitted before October 29, 2025, at 4:35 a.m. UTC
- Total ITAs issued in 2026 so far: 15,255
- CEC and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws remain the focus in early 2026
- CRS cut-offs have varied between 509 and 711 depending on the draw type
It’s been a busy start to 2026 for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and if you’re following the Express Entry system, there’s some exciting news. On January 21st, IRCC held its fourth draw of the year, inviting 6,000 Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates to apply for permanent residency. Let’s break down what this means and what you should know if you’re hoping to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) this year.
What Happened in the Latest Express Entry Draw?
The spotlight this time was on Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates. These are individuals who already have skilled work experience in Canada, making them strong contenders for permanent residency under the Express Entry system.
To receive an ITA in this round, candidates needed to have:
- A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 509
- Submitted their Express Entry profile before 4:35 a.m. UTC on October 29, 2025
This draw continues the trend of prioritizing candidates who are already contributing to the Canadian economy and labour market. It’s a great sign for those currently working or studying in Canada.
How 2026 Is Shaping Up for Express Entry
Now that we’re a few weeks into the new year, we’re seeing a clear pattern: IRCC is focused on candidates with strong ties to Canada, particularly through the CEC and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams. Here’s a quick look at all the Express Entry draws so far in 2026:
| Draw Date | Draw Type | CRS Cut-Off Score | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 5 | Provincial Nominee Program | 711 | 574 |
| January 7 | Canadian Experience Class | 511 | 8,000 |
| January 20 | Provincial Nominee Program | 681 | 746 |
| January 21 | Canadian Experience Class | 509 | 6,000 |
So far, IRCC has held four draws this year—two targeting CEC candidates and two for PNP nominees. The draws are showing slightly lower CRS cut-offs for the CEC compared to PNP, which is expected since provincial nominees already receive an additional 600 CRS points.
Total ITAs Issued in 2026 (So Far)
Here’s a breakdown of the total number of Invitations to Apply that have been handed out through Express Entry in 2026:
| Draw Type | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class | 14,000 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 1,255 |
That brings the total to 15,255 ITAs issued in just the first few weeks of the year. If this pace keeps up, we could be looking at a very active year ahead for Express Entry hopefuls.
Why This Matters for Applicants
If you’re currently living, studying, or working in Canada, these CEC-focused draws are a golden opportunity. They underscore the government’s commitment to integrating skilled individuals who’ve already proven they can contribute to Canadian society and the economy.
And if you’re looking at immigration options via a provincial route, don’t forget to explore the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). Provincial nominations continue to play a vital role in Canada’s immigration strategy and can significantly boost your CRS score.
Tips for Staying Competitive
With CRS cut-offs hovering around the 500 mark for CEC candidates, keeping your profile competitive is key. Here are a few tips:
- Improve your language scores — even a small bump in IELTS or CELPIP scores can make a difference
- Gain additional Canadian work or study experience if possible
- Consider a provincial nomination to add 600 points to your profile
- Keep your profile up to date in the Express Entry system
Not sure how you stack up? Use an Express Entry calculator to see where you stand and what might improve your score.
Final Thoughts
It’s shaping up to be a busy year for Express Entry, especially for those already in Canada through work, study, or nomination. With more than 15,000 ITAs already issued and the government showing a strong preference for CEC and PNP candidates, now’s a great time to strengthen your profile and stay ready for the next draw.
Curious about your chances? Check how competitive your Express Entry profile is and explore what steps you can take to boost your score.
And if you’re interested in provincial options, don’t miss our guide to the Manitoba PNP — it might be the perfect fit for your immigration journey.
Stay tuned for more Express Entry updates, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest in Canadian immigration news.
