Canada has conducted its second Express Entry draw of the year, issuing a substantial 8,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) on January 7, 2026.
The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required for this round was 511 points.
This draw represents the largest CEC-specific round in years and follows a targeted Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw earlier this week. The significant volume of invitations highlights Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) ongoing commitment to transitioning temporary residents already working in Canada to permanent residency.
The most recent draw prior to this was the year’s opening PNP draw on January 5, 2026, which issued 574 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 711.
Express Entry Draws in 2026
So far in 2026, the following draws have been conducted:
- 1 PNP draw
- 1 CEC draw
Express Entry Draws in 2025
In 2025, Canada conducted a total of 50 draws including:
- 24 PNP draws
- 15 CEC draws
- 9 French language proficiency draws
- 2 Education occupation draws
- 7 Healthcare and social services occupation draws
- 1 Trade occupation draw
Canada issued 113,998 ITAs through Express Entry in 2025, narrowly missing the all-time annual record. This followed 110,266 ITAs in 2024 and 110,266 in 2023. The current record remains 114,431 ITAs set in 2021.
Tie-Breaking Rule
The latest draw implemented a tie-breaking rule date of June 10, 2025 at 15:59:25 UTC. If more than one candidate had the minimum CRS score of 511, only those who submitted their Express Entry profiles before this specific timestamp received an invitation.
This was the 2nd round of invitations under Express Entry in 2026 and the 390th overall. Candidates who received an ITA now have a 60-day window to submit their full application for permanent residence.
What Can Employers Do To Recruit Foreign Workers?
Employers are encouraged to consider securing an LMIA or nomination under provincial nomination programs (PNPs) to ensure long-term retention of employees.
At immigration.ca, we provide Canadian employers with unparalleled immigration legal services and can help with the recruitment of foreign nationals. We bring qualified candidates to Canada in the shortest time possible. Employers in a wide range of industries can directly benefit from our unique position as one of Canada’s leading immigration firms to meet both their recruitment and immigration requirements.
Interested employers wishing to seek our assistance are invited to contact us here for further information.
What Should Candidates Do Next?
Securing an approved offer of employment is highly recommended as one of the best pathways to guaranteeing an ITA in the next round of invitations.
Find out whether you qualify for Canada by completing our free online evaluation. We will provide you with your evaluation results within 1-2 business days.
