Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada has declared a New Express Entry Draw For CEC and issued 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for Canadian PR. This massive draw was solely for CEC candidates, thus showing Canada’s determination to keep the skilled workers who have Canadian work experience. The draw had a lowest CRS score of 509 which made it one of the least competitive CEC draws during the last few months. By prioritizing Canadian workers, IRCC is not only aiding in the labor market’s stability but also giving a clear path to permanent residency for the international students and the foreign skilled workers.
Highlights of the New Express Entry Draw For CEC
● Draw Date – 21 January 2026
● Program – Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
● Number of Invitations – 6000
● CRS Score – 509
Why This Express Entry CEC Draw Matters for Candidates
This New Express Entry Draw for CEC is extremely important for those candidates who are already in Canada and gainfully employed there. The high number of ITAs issued in
combination with the relatively low CRS cut-off indicates that IRCC is actively favoring those
applicants who are already nicely integrated into the Canadian job market. International
students, temp foreign workers, post-graduation work permit holders—this draw absolutely
fortifies their chances of getting permanent residency. Moreover, it also indicates strongly
that CEC-specific draws might stay a major part of Canada’s immigration strategy even in
2026.
What Should Candidates Do Next After This Draw?
Individuals who have received an ITA must now submit their whole application for permanent residency within sixty days. or Documents such as police clearance certificates, medical examinations, proof of skilled work experience, and language test results must, therefore, be verified, and updated if necessary. The invitational process should now focus on the improved profiles by getting more Canadian work experience, getting higher language scores, or applying under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) for better chances. In the forthcoming cut-off threshold draws, it obliges the applicants to keep a fresh profile.
Summary of Recent Express Entry Rounds
| Date | Number of Invitations | CRS Score | Draw Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 Jan 2026 | 6,000 | 509 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) |
| 20 Jan 2026 | 681 | 746 | Provincial Nominee Program |
| 07 Jan 2026 | 8,000 | 511 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) |
| 05 Jan 2026 | 574 | 711 | Provincial Nominee Program |
| 17 Dec 2025 | 6,000 | 399 | French Language Proficiency |