In a significant development for Canadian immigration candidates, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 6,000 invitations to apply (ITAs) in a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw on January 21, 2026, with the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score dropping to just 509 points—one of the lowest scores seen in over a year.
Latest Express Entry Draw Details: January 21, 2026
IRCC’s newest CEC-specific Express Entry draw invited 6,000 candidates with Canadian work experience to apply for permanent residence. To receive an invitation in this draw, candidates needed to meet the following criteria:
- Minimum CRS score: 509 points
- Profile creation deadline: Before 4:35 a.m. UTC on October 29, 2025
- Eligibility: Canadian Experience Class candidates only
This marks the second major CEC draw of 2026 and represents a continuation of IRCC’s focus on candidates already working in Canada.
CRS Score Drops to Lowest Level Since September 2024
The CRS cut-off score of 509 is particularly noteworthy for Express Entry candidates. This score represents one of the lowest thresholds the program has seen in recent memory, matching similarly low scores from earlier in January and marking the lowest cut-offs since September 2024.
For context, CRS scores in category-based and general draws have historically ranged much higher, often exceeding 520-540 points. The drop to 509 signals increased opportunities for candidates with Canadian work experience who may have previously fallen short of invitation thresholds.
Complete Summary of Express Entry Draws in 2026
As of January 21, 2026, IRCC has conducted four Express Entry draws in the new year:
| 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 |
Key Statistics for 2026 Express Entry Draws
Within just the first three weeks of 2026, IRCC has issued 15,255 invitations to apply across two distinct draw categories:
By Draw Type:
- Canadian Experience Class: 14,000 ITAs (2 draws)
- Provincial Nominee Program: 1,255 ITAs (2 draws)
The overwhelming majority of invitations have gone to CEC candidates, representing IRCC’s clear prioritization of candidates with Canadian work experience.
What These Numbers Mean for Express Entry Candidates
IRCC’s Clear Focus on Inland Candidates
The 2026 Express Entry draw pattern reveals a strategic shift toward prioritizing candidates already living and working in Canada. Both draw types conducted this year have exclusively targeted:
- Provincial nominees: Candidates with provincial nominations from specific provinces and territories
- Canadian Experience Class candidates: Individuals with at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada
This inland-focused approach aligns with broader immigration policy adjustments announced in recent months and addresses concerns about supporting temporary residents already contributing to the Canadian economy.
Dramatic Changes to the Express Entry Candidate Pool
The two large CEC draws in January, totaling 14,000 invitations, have significantly altered the composition of the Express Entry candidate pool. With thousands of CEC-eligible candidates receiving ITAs, the pool now likely contains:
- Fewer high-scoring CEC candidates
- A higher proportion of candidates without Canadian work experience
- Potentially more candidates waiting for provincial nominations
These shifts could influence the timing and structure of future draws throughout 2026.
What CEC Candidates Should Know
Who Qualifies for Canadian Experience Class?
To be eligible for CEC draws, candidates must:
- Have at least 12 months of skilled work experience in Canada (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) within the past three years
- Have gained this experience legally while holding temporary resident status
- Meet minimum language requirements (CLB 7 for NOC TEER 0 or 1 jobs; CLB 5 for NOC TEER 2 or 3 jobs)
- Plan to live outside Quebec
How to Improve Your CRS Score
With CRS scores dropping to 509, candidates currently scoring in the 480-510 range should focus on boosting their scores through:
- Improving language test scores: Additional points in IELTS or CELPIP can significantly increase your CRS score
- Gaining additional Canadian work experience: More work experience increases your CRS points
- Obtaining a provincial nomination: Adds 600 points to your CRS score, virtually guaranteeing an ITA
- Completing Canadian education: A Canadian degree or diploma provides additional points
- Securing a valid job offer: A qualifying job offer from a Canadian employer adds points
What to Expect from Express Entry in 2026
Based on current trends, CEC candidates can expect:
Continued CEC-Focused Draws
The two substantial CEC draws in January suggest IRCC will continue prioritizing candidates with Canadian work experience throughout 2026. This aligns with government commitments to support temporary residents already contributing to the Canadian economy.
Potentially Lower CRS Scores
If IRCC maintains the current pace of large CEC draws, CRS cut-off scores could remain relatively low compared to historical averages, creating opportunities for a broader range of candidates.
Regular Draw Frequency
With four draws in just three weeks, IRCC appears committed to maintaining regular selection rounds, providing predictability for candidates monitoring their eligibility.
Next Steps for Express Entry Candidates
If you’re pursuing Canadian permanent residence through Express Entry:
- Create or update your profile: Ensure your Express Entry profile is current and accurate
- Check your CRS score: Use IRCC’s CRS calculator to determine where you stand
- Focus on improvable factors: Work on language scores, additional work experience, or provincial nomination pathways
- Stay informed: Monitor Express Entry draw results to understand trends and timing
- Prepare your documents: Have all required documentation ready for when you receive an ITA
For CEC candidates scoring near 509, the recent draws represent a significant opportunity. With proper preparation and strategic profile optimization, permanent residence through Express Entry may be more accessible than it has been in months.
The Bottom Line
The January 21 Express Entry draw demonstrates IRCC’s commitment to welcoming candidates with Canadian work experience. With 14,000 CEC invitations issued in just the first month of 2026 and CRS scores dropping to 509, opportunities for inland candidates are expanding significantly.
As Canada continues to prioritize temporary residents already contributing to its economy and labor market, CEC candidates can expect continued opportunities throughout 2026. For those with Canadian work experience and competitive CRS scores, now is an excellent time to ensure your Express Entry profile is optimized and ready for the next invitation round.
Ready to apply through Express Entry? Make sure your profile is complete and competitive to maximize your chances in upcoming draws
