Historic Express Entry Draw: Canada Issues 8,000 Invitations to Canadian Experience Class Candidates

January 7, 2026 — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has started the new year with one of the most significant Express Entry draws in Canadian immigration history, issuing 8,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates.

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Draw #390: Key Details at a Glance

Today's landmark Express Entry draw marks a pivotal moment for skilled workers with Canadian experience seeking permanent residence:

Draw DetailsInformationDraw Number#390DateJanuary 7, 2026Draw TypeCanadian Experience Class (CEC)ITAs Issued8,000Minimum CRS Score511Tie-Breaking RuleJune 10, 2025 at 15:59:25 UTC

[](https://www.canadim.com/news/express-entry-draw-390/)​

Second-Largest CEC Draw in History

This draw represents the second-largest Canadian Experience Class draw ever conducted, surpassed only by the massive pandemic-era draw that invited over 27,000 candidates. More significantly, the CRS cut-off score of 511 is the lowest seen in any Express Entry draw throughout 2025, signaling enhanced opportunities for CEC candidates.[](https://www.cicnews.com/2026/01/canada-holds-second-express-entry-draw-of-the-year-0164596.html)​

Prior to today's draw, the lowest CEC cut-off score was 509, recorded on September 19, 2024. This reduction in the minimum score threshold demonstrates IRCC's commitment to prioritizing candidates with Canadian work experience and established connections to the Canadian labour market.[](https://www.cicnews.com/2026/01/canada-holds-second-express-entry-draw-of-the-year-0164596.html)​

What This Means for CEC Candidates

The substantial size of this draw, combined with the lower CRS threshold, creates unprecedented opportunities for skilled workers who have contributed to Canada's economy. Candidates who had CRS scores of 511 or higher and submitted their Express Entry profiles before June 10, 2025, at 3:59 p.m. UTC received invitations in this round.[](https://www.gands.com/express-entry-draws/)​

CEC Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Canadian Experience Class, applicants must meet specific criteria:[](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/who-can-apply/canadian-experience-class.html)​

Work Experience Requirements:

• At least 12 months (1,560 hours) of full-time skilled work experience in Canada
• Work experience must be obtained within the last 3 years before application
• Employment must fall under NOC TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3
• Work must have been performed while legally authorized to work in Canada

Language Proficiency:

• Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 for NOC TEER 0 or 1 occupations
• Minimum CLB 5 for NOC TEER 2 or 3 occupations
• Valid language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada)

Key Advantage: Unlike other Express Entry programs, CEC applicants are not required to demonstrate proof of settlement funds or meet minimum education requirements, though higher education credentials can improve CRS scores.[](https://pa-ic.com/blogs/express-entry/latest-canadian-experience-class-draw)​

Express Entry Activity in 2026

IRCC has commenced 2026 with robust Express Entry activity, having already issued 8,574 ITAs across two draws in the first week of January:[](https://www.gands.com/express-entry-draws/)​

Draw DateDraw TypeCRS Cut-offITAs IssuedJanuary 7Canadian Experience Class5118,000January 5Provincial Nominee Program711574

[](https://www.gands.com/express-entry-draws/)​

This pattern demonstrates IRCC's strategic focus on candidates already established in Canada—either through work experience or provincial nomination—aligning with Immigration Minister Marc Miller's emphasis on selecting individuals with deep understanding of Canadian economy, culture, and social systems.[](https://pa-ic.com/blogs/move-to-canada/canadian-experience-class)​

Understanding the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)

The CRS score determines a candidate's ranking in the Express Entry pool. Points are awarded based on multiple factors:[](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/check-score.html)​

• Age (maximum points awarded to candidates aged 20-29)
• Education level (including Educational Credential Assessment for foreign credentials)
• Language proficiency (in English and/or French)
• Canadian work experience
• Foreign work experience
• Provincial nomination (adds 600 points)
• Arranged employment (additional points for valid job offers)
• Spouse or partner factors (if applicable)

For CEC candidates, Canadian work experience provides substantial points advantages, and strong language proficiency can significantly boost overall scores.[](https://www.amirismail.com/calculate-your-express-entry-crs-score/)​

Strategic Outlook for 2026

January typically signals increased Express Entry activity as IRCC aims to meet annual immigration targets through federal economic pathways. The early momentum in 2026, with over 8,500 invitations issued in the first week alone, suggests a favorable immigration landscape for skilled workers.[](https://www.cicnews.com/2026/01/canada-holds-second-express-entry-draw-of-the-year-0164596.html)​

Historical trends from 2025 show that IRCC conducted 58 draws throughout the year, issuing 113,998 ITAs across various categories, with consistent attention to CEC candidates. The current trajectory indicates continued opportunities for candidates with Canadian experience throughout 2026.[](https://www.cicnews.com/2026/01/2025-express-entry-year-in-review-invitations-issued-major-developments-0164085.html)​

How JSR Immigration Can Help

At JSR Immigration, we specialize in guiding clients through every stage of the Canadian Experience Class application process. Our comprehensive services include:

✅ CRS Score Assessment – Detailed evaluation of your current score and strategic recommendations for improvement

✅ Eligibility Consultation – Expert analysis of your Canadian work experience and qualification under CEC requirements

✅ Profile Optimization – Strategic guidance to maximize your CRS points through language testing, education credentials, and additional qualifications

✅ Application Preparation – Complete support in compiling documentation, reference letters, and supporting evidence

✅ Post-ITA Services – Comprehensive assistance in preparing your permanent residence application after receiving an invitation

Our team of licensed immigration professionals stays current with every Express Entry draw and IRCC policy change to provide you with timely, accurate guidance tailored to your unique circumstances.

Take Action Today

If you have Canadian work experience and are considering permanent residence, now is an opportune time to create or update your Express Entry profile. With CRS cut-offs at historically competitive levels and substantial invitation volumes, qualified candidates have strong prospects for receiving ITAs in upcoming draws.

Contact JSR Immigration today for a comprehensive assessment of your eligibility and personalized strategy to achieve your Canadian permanent residence goals.

About JSR Immigration

JSR Immigration Ltd. (JSR Legals and Immigration) is a licensed immigration consulting firm based in Brampton, Ontario, led by Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCIC) and licensed paralegals. We provide expert guidance on Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, work permits, study permits, family sponsorship, and refugee protection claims.

📞 Contact us today at 647 286 4266 to schedule your consultation and begin your journey to Canadian permanent residence.

This post is general information about Canadian immigration and Ontario paralegal matters and is not legal advice. Rules change and every case is different — confirm current requirements for your own situation.