6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) have been issued in the recent Canada Express Entry draw 2026. The draw, conducted on January 21, 2026, had the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 509, a score that has been favourable to many applicants. It highlights the immigration plans of Canada, which align with labour market requirements and focus on the transition of temporary residents already contributing to the economy to PR.
In the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) conducted in January 2026, 681 candidates were invited, and the CRS cut-off was 746. The draw shows the increasing role of provinces in the selection of candidates in addressing the regional labour shortages. This year IRCC has issued over 14,000 ITAs. Even though it shows an active start to Canada’s 2026 immigration intake, it has its challenges. For instance, the Express Entry application backlog raises the concerns of delayed processing.
The immigration plan for 2026 is beneficial for candidates with Canadian work experience or provincial nominations. The recent draws shows how IRCC is continuing to prioritize candidates with Canadian work experience and provincial nominations. As competition continues to be strong, candidates should be careful to maintain their updated profiles.
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