If you’re already in Canada, working hard, gaining experience, and hoping permanent residence is next—this is the kind of update you’ve been waiting for.
On January 7, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 8,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through the Express Entry Canadian Experience Class (CEC) stream.
This wasn’t just another draw—it was one of the largest CEC draws ever, and it came with a lower CRS score than we’ve seen in a long time.
At Swift Immigration, we see this as a very positive sign for candidates already living and working in Canada.
Why This Express Entry Draw Is a Big Deal
Let’s be honest—over the past few years, Express Entry has felt stressful for many applicants. CRS scores stayed high, draws were inconsistent, and timelines felt uncertain.
That’s why this draw matters.
To be invited, candidates needed:
- A minimum CRS score of 511
- An Express Entry profile created before 3:59 p.m. (UTC) on June 10, 2025
While 511 is still competitive, it’s lower than any CEC cut-off score seen in 2025, which tells us something important:
👉 IRCC is actively making room for skilled workers who are already contributing to Canada’s economy.
One of the Largest CEC Draws Ever
This draw wasn’t small by any measure.
In fact, it’s now the second-largest Canadian Experience Class draw in Express Entry history, second only to the extraordinary pandemic-era draw that invited more than 27,000 candidates at once.
That sends a clear message:
Canada continues to value applicants who already have Canadian work experience, understand the labour market, and are settled here long term.
Express Entry Draws So Far in 2026
We’re only into the first full week of the year, yet IRCC has already issued more than 8,500 ITAs.
Here’s a quick snapshot:
| Draw Date | Draw Type | CRS Cut-Off | ITAs Issued |
| January 7 | Canadian Experience Class | 511 | 8,000 |
| January 5 | Provincial Nominee Program | 711 | 574 |
Both draw clearly focus on in-Canada applicants, whether through Canadian work experience or provincial nomination.
What IRCC’s Early 2026 Strategy Tells Us
So far, IRCC has only selected candidates from:
- Canadian Experience Class
- Provincial Nominee Program
No general draws yet. No overseas-focused selections.
This strongly suggests that IRCC is continuing to prioritize:
- Temporary foreign workers
- International graduates
- Skilled professionals already working in Canada
- Candidates with strong provincial ties
For many Express Entry applicants, this is encouraging news—and a reminder that being in Canada can make a real difference.
Why January Is Always Busy for Express Entry
January is usually one of the most active months for Express Entry, and there’s a good reason for that.
After an ITA is issued, it typically takes at least six months or more for:
- Application processing
- Final approval
- Landing as a permanent resident
By issuing large numbers of ITAs early in the year, IRCC is planning ahead to meet its 2026 permanent residence targets later in the year.
What This Means for You
If you’re currently in the Express Entry pool, here’s what this draw tells us:
- Canadian Experience Class remains a top priority
- Large draws are continuing into 2026
- CRS scores can drop when more ITAs are issued
- Canadian work experience is extremely valuable
This is a great time to:
- Review and update your Express Entry profile
- Add recent work experience or education
- Explore provincial nominee options
- Make sure your documents and information are accurate
At Swift Immigration, we often see small updates lead to big improvements in CRS scores.
Conclusion
The January 7, 2026, Express Entry draw is a strong and encouraging start to the year. By issuing 8,000 ITAs to CEC candidates, IRCC has shown that skilled workers already in Canada remain a top priority.
If this trend continues, 2026 could be a very promising year for many Express Entry candidates.
If you’re unsure where you stand or want help strengthening your profile, the team at Swift Immigration is here to guide you every step of the way.