Canada has continued its strong start to immigration selections in 2026 with the second Express Entry draw of the year. The latest Canada Express Entry draw shows Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) ongoing focus on selecting skilled workers who are already living and working in the country.
As Canada faces labour shortages in many sectors, IRCC is using Express Entry to retain workers who are already contributing to the economy. This approach helps employers, supports economic growth, and allows workers to move from temporary status to permanent residence more smoothly.
Details of the Draw
Date of the draw: January 07, 2026
Type of draw: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Number of ITAs issued: 8,000
Minimum CRS score required: 511
Tie-breaking rule applied: Yes
Tie-breaking date and time: June 10, 2025, at 3:59 p.m. (UTC)
Eligible candidates: CEC applicants with Canadian work experience
Overview of the Draw
This was a program-specific draw focused on the Canadian Experience Class. CEC candidates are usually temporary foreign workers or international graduates who have already gained skilled work experience in Canada.
By selecting CEC candidates, IRCC is prioritising people who are familiar with Canadian workplaces and communities. These candidates often settle faster and continue working without disruption, making them a strong fit for Canada’s labour market needs.
Impact on Immigration
With more than 8,500 invitations issued in the first week of 2026, IRCC has signalled a busy start to the year. Issuing invitations early helps ensure that permanent residence applications are processed in time to meet annual immigration targets.
For candidates already in Canada, this draw highlights the importance of Canadian work experience in Express Entry.
It also shows that IRCC is continuing to prioritise workers who can immediately support the economy.
From an employer’s point of view, large CEC draws help reduce staff turnover and allow businesses to retain skilled employees who might otherwise be on time-limited work permits.
Why This Was the Second-Largest CEC Draw
This draw is notable because it is the second-largest Canadian Experience Class draw ever conducted.
Only one earlier draw during the pandemic issued more invitations under the CEC category.
The largest Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw was held on February 13, 2021, during the pandemic with (Number of ITAs issued : 27,332)
That draw remains the biggest CEC-only selection in Express Entry history.
The size of this current draw shows IRCC’s strong focus on moving temporary residents to permanent status.
By doing so, Canada can meet labour needs while reducing pressure on settlement services, as many of these workers are already established in the country.
The January 7, 2026 Express Entry draw marks an important step in Canada’s immigration plans for the year. By issuing 8,000 invitations to Canadian Experience Class candidates, IRCC has reinforced its focus on retaining skilled workers already in Canada.