Express Entry CEC Draw Delivers Lowest CRS Cut-Off of the Year
IRCC issues 6,000 invitations as Canadian work experience remains a top priority
Canada’s immigration system delivered encouraging news for candidates with Canadian work experience as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a major Express Entry draw under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). The latest round resulted in a noticeable drop in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score, opening doors for thousands of applicants.
Key Highlights of the Latest CEC Draw
On January 21, IRCC issued 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the Canadian Experience Class.
To receive an invitation, candidates were required to:
- Hold a minimum CRS score of 509
- Have submitted their Express Entry profile before 4:35 a.m. UTC on October 29, 2025
This draw marks one of the most accessible CEC rounds in recent months, reflecting IRCC’s ongoing strategy to prioritize candidates already contributing to the Canadian workforce.
Express Entry Activity Picks Up in Early 2026
The first few weeks of 2026 have seen consistent Express Entry activity, with IRCC alternating between Canadian Experience Class and Provincial Nominee Program draws.
Express Entry Draws in January 2026
- January 21: Canadian Experience Class – 6,000 ITAs, CRS 509
- January 20: Provincial Nominee Program – 681 ITAs, CRS 746
- January 7: Canadian Experience Class – 8,000 ITAs, CRS 511
- January 5: Provincial Nominee Program – 574 ITAs, CRS 711
The steady frequency of draws suggests strong momentum toward meeting annual immigration targets.
IRCC’s Continued Focus on In-Canada Candidates
The 2026 draw pattern highlights a clear trend: candidates with Canadian work experience and provincial nominations are receiving priority.
So far this year:
- Two Canadian Experience Class draws have been held
- Two Provincial Nominee Program draws have been conducted
This approach supports IRCC’s objective of transitioning temporary residents, skilled workers, and provincial nominees into permanent residents more efficiently.
Invitation Numbers So Far in 2026
As of late January, IRCC has already issued a substantial number of invitations through Express Entry.
ITAs Issued in 2026 (So Far)
- Canadian Experience Class: 14,000 ITAs
- Provincial Nominee Program: 1,255 ITAs
- Total ITAs issued: 15,255
With CRS scores trending downward in CEC draws, candidates with Canadian experience are seeing improved chances of receiving an invitation early in the year.
What This Means for Express Entry Candidates
The drop in the CRS cut-off score to 509 signals a positive shift for candidates who may have narrowly missed previous draws. Those currently working in Canada or holding recent Canadian experience may benefit from continued CEC-focused selections in the coming months.
Applicants are encouraged to keep their profiles updated and ensure accuracy in work experience, language scores, and education credentials to maximize their ranking potential.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
