Canada continues to strengthen its economy by prioritizing candidates with proven Canadian work experience through the Express Entry system. In the latest round of invitations, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a major Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw, targeting candidates already contributing to Canada’s labour market.
On January 21, 2026, IRCC issued 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence under Ministerial Instructions #392. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score was 509, making this one of the most accessible CEC draws in recent months and a positive sign for candidates with Canadian work experience.
Express Entry Draw Results – January 21, 2026
Program: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Number of Invitations Issued: 6,000
Minimum CRS Score: 509
Rank Required: 6,000 or above
Date & Time of Round: January 21, 2026 at 12:37:42 UTC
Tie-Breaking Rule: October 29, 2025 at 04:35:24 UTC
Under IRCC’s tie-breaking rule, candidates with a CRS score of 509 were invited only if they had submitted their Express Entry profiles on or before October 29, 2025, at 04:35:24 UTC.
Why This CEC Draw Is Important
Canadian Experience Class draws remain a cornerstone of Canada’s immigration strategy, focusing on individuals who have already integrated into Canadian society through work and study. This draw helps to:
- Retain skilled workers with Canadian work experience
- Support employers facing persistent labour shortages
- Accelerate permanent residence for temporary foreign workers and international graduates
- Strengthen economic stability through candidates already settled in Canada
CEC applicants also benefit from faster processing times and are not required to show proof of settlement funds, making this pathway especially attractive for those already living and working in Canada.
Express Entry Snapshot – Canadian Experience Class
| Draw Date | Invitations Issued | Minimum CRS Score |
|---|---|---|
| January 21, 2026 | 6,000 | 509 |
This latest CEC draw highlights IRCC’s continued focus on transitioning temporary residents into permanent residents, reinforcing Canada’s long-term economic growth and labour market resilience.
🎉 Congratulations to the 6,000 candidates who received Invitations to Apply!
If you are working in Canada and planning your next step toward permanent residence, the Canadian Experience Class continues to be one of the most reliable and efficient pathways to achieving your goal.
