Canada Express Entry Draw: 6,000 ITAs Issued to CEC Candidates
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continues its strong start to 2026 with another significant Express Entry draw. On January 21st, 2026, the department issued 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). This draw underscores Canada’s commitment to welcoming skilled workers with Canadian experience.
Draw Details: January 21, 2026
| Draw Date | Draw Type | CRS Cut-off Score | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 21 | Canadian Experience Class | 509 | 6,000 |
This marks the third Express Entry draw of the year and the second large-scale selection specifically targeting CEC candidates. In just one month, IRCC has already issued a remarkable 14,000 ITAs to CEC candidates through these two draws. This high volume of invitations is reshaping the Express Entry candidate pool and leading to historically low Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score cutoffs.
Recent Express Entry Draw History (January 2026)
| Draw Date | Draw Type | CRS Cut-off Score | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 21 | Canadian Experience Class | 509 | 6,000 |
| January 20 | Provincial Nominee Program | 746 | 681 |
| January 7 | Canadian Experience Class | 511 | 8,000 |
| January 5 | Provincial Nominee Program | 711 | 574 |
Notably, both the January 21st draw and the preceding CEC draw featured the lowest CRS score cutoffs since September 2024. This is excellent news for candidates with lower CRS scores who may now have a greater chance of receiving an ITA.
2026 Express Entry Trends
So far in 2026, IRCC’s Express Entry draws have demonstrated a clear focus on candidates already present in Canada, particularly those with provincial nominations and valuable Canadian work experience. This trend suggests a continued prioritization of individuals who can quickly contribute to the Canadian economy.
Draw Statistics (2026 – Year to Date)
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class | 2 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 2 |
To date in 2026, IRCC has issued a total of 15,255 ITAs across these two draw types:
| Draw Type | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class | 14,000 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 1,255 |
Are you ready to take the next step towards Canadian immigration? Visit the official IRCC website to learn more about the Express Entry system and assess your eligibility. You can also calculate your CRS score to understand your chances of receiving an ITA.