Canada’s immigration scene hit a major milestone on January 7, 2026. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) ran its second Express Entry draw of the year. The draw gave out 8,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates. This became the second-biggest CEC-specific round ever. Only a pandemic-era draw that invited over 27,000 candidates stands ahead of it.
The draw caught everyone’s attention with its Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score of 511 points. This was the lowest threshold seen in any Express Entry draw since 2025. The previous low score for a CEC draw in 2025 was 509, which happened on September 19, 2024. IRCC used a tie-breaking rule dated June 10, 2025, at 15:59:25 UTC for candidates who got the minimum score.
This round came right after the year’s first draw – a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) selection on January 5, 2026. That draw, numbered #389, gave 574 ITAs to PNP candidates with a much higher CRS threshold of 711 points. The 200-point gap between these back-to-back draws shows PNP’s clear advantage through its automatic 600-point CRS boost.
IRCC has already sent out more than 8,500 invitations in 2026’s first week. This suggests a strong year ahead for Canadian immigration. The fast start looks even more impressive compared to 2024’s numbers – 98,803 ITAs across 52 draws. If IRCC keeps this pace up, this is a big deal as it means that they’ll easily beat last year’s figures.
The Express Entry system keeps changing to match Canada’s immigration needs. Last year’s draws showed big differences in both timing and CRS requirements. PNP draws needed between 663 and 816 points, while CEC draws ranged from 507 to 547. The latest draw’s 511 CRS score sits near the bottom of this range, making it available to more candidates.
This record-breaking draw gives us a clear picture of IRCC’s current priorities. The focus on CEC candidates shows IRCC’s steadfast dedication to keeping people who have already showed they can fit into Canada’s workforce and society.
The Express Entry pool stays competitive with 236,554 active profiles in early January 2026. These numbers prove that people worldwide still want Canadian permanent residency. They also explain why draws remain selective despite giving out many invitations.
Successful candidates from the January 7 draw now have 60 days to submit their complete permanent residence applications. IRCC typically processes these applications within their standard six-month timeframe.
IRCC Issues Highest Number of Express Entry Invitations Ever
IRCC set a new record in the first week of 2026 with an unprecedented Express Entry draw that issued 8,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates. This latest draw continues the upward trend we’ve seen in invitation volumes recently. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada ran 58 Express Entry draws and issued 113,998 ITAs in 2025, showing significant growth from 98,903 ITAs across 52 draws in 2024.
Total ITAs issued and comparison with previous draws
The numbers tell a compelling story of growth. IRCC issued 110,266 ITAs in 2023, followed by 98,903 invitations in 2024, and then 113,998 in 2025. These numbers reflect Canada’s strategic approach to meeting immigration targets through Express Entry. The pace of invitations in early 2026 points to a record-breaking year ahead. IRCC has already issued more than 8,500 ITAs through two separate draws in just the first week of January 2026. This aggressive start stands in stark contrast to the slower invitation pace we saw in early months of previous years.
Breakdown by program: CEC, PNP, FSWP, FSTP
The ITA distribution among programs highlights Canada’s economic immigration priorities. The Canadian Experience Class led with 47,749 invitations from the total 98,903 ITAs in 2024. The Federal Skilled Worker Program followed with 27,110, while the Provincial Nominee Program issued 24,038, and only 6 came through the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Category-based selection rounds made up 43% of all invitations with 42,475 ITAs.
The pattern shifted in 2025 as category-based selection gained more prominence. The 113,998 ITAs broke down as follows:
- French-language proficiency draws: 48,000 ITAs across 9 draws
- Canadian Experience Class: 35,850 ITAs across 15 draws
- Healthcare and social services: 14,500 ITAs across 7 draws
- Provincial Nominee Program: 10,898 ITAs across 24 draws
CRS score range and cut-off trends
Comprehensive Ranking System scores varied significantly by program. PNP-specific draws kept the highest thresholds in 2024, with CRS cut-off scores between 663 and 816 points (median = 716). These high scores stemmed from the automatic 600-point bonus that provincial nominations receive. French language proficiency draws had lower thresholds, ranging from 336 to 478 points.
The 2025 data shows continued CRS requirement differences by program type. French-language proficiency draws stayed at the lowest thresholds (379-481), while healthcare draws ranged from 462-510, and CEC draws needed between 515-547 points. An interesting pattern emerged mid-2025 when CEC draw cut-off scores stayed at 533 or 534 points for five consecutive draws, each offering exactly 1,000 invitations. This consistency suggests IRCC carefully calibrated invitation flows throughout the year.
Which Categories Dominated the Latest Express Entry Round?
Category-based selection has become a key feature of Express Entry draws in 2025 for Canadian immigration. The latest rounds of invitation show a clear ranking of preferred categories. Some pathways now provide substantially more opportunities than others.
French-language proficiency guides ITA distribution
French language proficiency has dominated the Express Entry digital world throughout 2025 and into early 2026. IRCC issued 6,000 ITAs to French-speaking candidates with a minimum CRS score of 399 on December 17, 2025. A record 7,500 ITAs went to French-proficient candidates with a CRS requirement of just 379 on March 21, 2025. IRCC ran nine French language proficiency draws in 2025, which resulted in 48,000 ITAs – nowhere near what other categories received.
Canada’s strategic priorities shine through this strong preference for French-speaking candidates. The Official Languages Action Plan 2023-2028 set aside CAD 191.17 million over five years to boost Francophone immigration. This major investment helps fight the declining French-speaking populations across Canada. French proficiency gives candidates a strong edge with 50 additional points available to those who speak French as a second language.
Healthcare and STEM occupations gain momentum
Healthcare and social services occupations rank second in Express Entry selections. The most recent healthcare-focused draw invited 1,000 candidates with a CRS score of 476 on December 11, 2025. An earlier draw on November 14 issued 3,500 ITAs with a lower threshold of 462. IRCC conducted seven healthcare-specific draws in 2025, issuing 14,500 ITAs total.
STEM occupations stay relevant in Canada’s immigration strategy. IRCC’s 2024 year-end report shows just one STEM-specific draw that issued 4,500 ITAs. In spite of that, STEM remains on the current eligible categories list for 2025, along with healthcare and French language proficiency.
Trade and transport categories show mixed results
Trade occupations received modest attention. A draw on September 18, 2025, issued 1,250 ITAs at a CRS score of 505. Immigration experts say these category-based selections should continue through November 2025. Candidates should aim for a CRS score of 400 or higher to stay competitive based on recent patterns.
Transport occupations have seen little activity lately. The last transport-specific draw happened in 2024. This category seems less important now for IRCC’s targeted selections. Transport still appears on the official list of current eligible categories, alongside education, agriculture and agri-food occupations, and the new “physicians with Canadian work experience” category.
Who Benefited Most from the Latest Express Entry Invitations?
Distinctive patterns emerge from the demographic analysis of the latest express entry draw. The record-breaking draw favored certain candidate demographics by a lot when it came to age, education, language skills, and gender.
Age and education profile of invited candidates
IRCC still prefers younger skilled immigrants in the latest express entry draw. Candidates between 20-29 years old got the highest points – 110 points for singles and 100 points for married applicants. The system gave zero age-based points to candidates 45 and older. Young applicants now have a clear advantage in the Express Entry pool. Candidates with advanced education credentials led the invitation rounds. The CRS scores of eligible Express Entry profiles stayed mostly between 301-500 in 2024. Compared to previous years, candidates scoring between 501-550 grew four times. Canadian education became the top additional points category, with 36% of candidates claiming these points in 2024.
Language proficiency and Canadian work experience
Language skills played a crucial role in the latest express entry draw. Candidates who reached Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 9 gained a competitive edge through additional skill transferability points. The data shows candidates scoring CLB 9 or higher in reading, writing, speaking, and listening had better chances of receiving ITAs. French language abilities offered even more benefits, adding up to 50 extra points. The number of candidates qualifying for French-language points went up slightly (3%) in 2024. Canadian work experience proved valuable too. Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws dominated with 47,749 ITAs issued in 2024.
Gender and country of residence trends
The latest express entry draw shows consistent gender distribution patterns. Men submitted more Express Entry profiles (251,125) than women (216,784) in 2024, making up 54% and 46% respectively. Women’s share increased by 2% compared to 2023. Women submitted eligible profiles at rates 3-8 percentage points higher than men. Men received 57-58% of all invitations over recent years, while women got 42-43%. Category-based selections showed an even wider gender gap, with men making up 61.7% of eligible candidates. Men qualified more often for agriculture, STEM, trades, and transport categories. Healthcare remained the only field where women showed higher eligibility rates.
How Category-Based Selection Shaped the 2024 Draws
Canada’s Express Entry system took a new direction in 2024. The system now prioritizes immigration based on specific categories that match the country’s economic needs. This approach, which became the life-blood of the selection process in 2023, factored in 43% of all ITAs issued in 2024.
Overview of category-based selection system
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada now gives candidates the ability to receive invitations based on their skills, training, or language abilities that support Canada’s economic goals. The system focuses on six vital categories that help strengthen Canada’s economic scene. These categories in 2024 included French-language proficiency, healthcare occupations, STEM occupations, trade occupations, transport occupations, and agriculture and agri-food occupations. IRCC conducted 19 category-based selection rounds last year. The data shows 45% of eligible profiles qualified for at least one category.
Changes in eligible occupations and categories
Canada added a new education category with five eligible occupations in early 2025 and removed the transportation category completely. Other categories went through major changes. The healthcare category expanded to include social services occupations – eight new positions were added while six were removed. The STEM category gained six occupations but lost nineteen, and the trades category added nineteen new occupations while removing four. IRCC added another category called “Physicians with Canadian work experience” in December 2025. This category includes three eligible NOCs and requires at least 12 months of Canadian work experience.
Impact of public consultations and labor market needs
Public input shaped Express Entry priorities significantly. IRCC held consultations with 4,780 stakeholder organizations across Canada from July to August 2023. These discussions, combined with labor market analysis and government partner feedback, helped the Minister establish the six categories for 2024. The French-language proficiency category emerged as the leader, which supported the federal government’s goal of increasing Francophone immigration outside Quebec. Healthcare and social services became priority sectors due to critical staff shortages. The largest longitudinal study identified trades as an area with ongoing labor shortages, which kept its status as a priority category for 2025.
What This Means for Future Express Entry Candidates
Recent Express Entry draws are setting new records in 2026. These changes have created a new digital world for prospective candidates. The latest draws give vital information to future applicants who plan their Canadian immigration trip.
Rising CRS cut-offs and competitiveness
Express Entry cut-off scores changed substantially across programs throughout 2025. Most draw types showed higher thresholds compared to previous years. CEC draws displayed an unusual pattern where scores stayed fixed at 533-534 points for five consecutive rounds. Currently, scores under 530 have almost no chance of receiving a CEC invitation. Candidates should expect continued competition as IRCC manages invitation volumes against immigration targets.
Importance of French and Canadian experience
French language skills have become a major advantage that offers up to 50 extra CRS points. Candidates earn 25 points with simple English when they achieve NCLC 7+ in all French skills. This increases to 50 points with CLB 5+ English scores. Canadian experience offers another path through the Canadian Experience Class, with processing completed in about 5 months. The In-Canada Focus category makes up about 66% of all planned admissions.
Tips to improve Express Entry profile in 2025
Candidates should prioritize these actions:
Getting Canadian education to earn up to 30 extra points Improving language skills, particularly in French Building Canadian work experience to maximize foreign experience value Obtaining provincial nominations for an automatic 600-point boost
Note that IRCC eliminated job offer points in March 2025, which has altered the scoring system substantially.
Final Takeaways from the Record-Breaking Express Entry Draw
A record-breaking 8,000 ITAs went to Canadian Experience Class candidates in the January 7, 2026 Express Entry draw. The CRS threshold dropped to 511 points, its lowest since 2025. This exceptional start suggests major changes in immigration patterns ahead. Canada has already issued over 8,500 invitations in 2026’s first week, showing a bold departure from previous years’ numbers.
Category-based selection has revolutionized the Express Entry landscape. French language proficiency dominated throughout 2025 with 48,000 ITAs across nine draws. Healthcare and social services emerged as the second priority sector, reflecting Canada’s steadfast dedication to filling crucial labor gaps. Our team at Joshua Slayen now offers more targeted guidance based on client qualifications and Canada’s economic needs.
Recent draws show clear preferences for younger applicants with higher education and better language skills. French-speaking candidates get up to 50 bonus points, even as second language speakers. Canadian work experience proves valuable, especially for Canadian Experience Class applicants who saw their applications processed in about five months during 2025.
Future candidates should prepare for tough competition as CRS cut-offs stay high across most categories. They face a strategic choice: pursue category-based eligibility or build competitive CRS scores above 530 points for general draws. While job offer points disappeared in March 2025, candidates can still improve their profiles through Canadian education, better language skills, and provincial nominations that add 600 automatic points.
The remarkable beginning of 2026 shows Canada’s strong commitment to economic immigration despite recent target adjustments. Category-based selection targets people whose skills match Canada’s economic priorities. Prospective immigrants must adapt their strategies to this new reality and focus on categories where they have competitive advantages. French language skills offer a great chance to boost scores substantially, particularly for those with existing French knowledge.
Express Entry keeps evolving to balance Canada’s economic needs with quick immigration processing. Candidates who understand these trends and update their profiles will position themselves better for success in this competitive environment. Despite higher thresholds across most categories, qualified candidates still have many opportunities, especially those who fit Canada’s priority sectors and language requirements.
Key Takeaways
Canada’s latest Express Entry draw marks a pivotal moment in immigration policy, offering crucial insights for prospective immigrants planning their Canadian journey.
• Record-breaking 8,000 ITAs issued to Canadian Experience Class candidates with lowest CRS cut-off (511 points) since 2025, signaling aggressive 2026 immigration targets.
• French language proficiency dominates with 48,000 ITAs in 2025 alone, offering up to 50 additional CRS points and representing the fastest pathway to Canadian residency.
• Category-based selection reshapes competition – healthcare, STEM, and trades occupations receive targeted invitations while general draws require CRS scores above 530 points.
• Canadian experience provides significant advantage through faster processing (5 months average) and dedicated CEC draws, making in-country pathways increasingly valuable.
• Strategic profile optimization essential – candidates must focus on Canadian education (30 points), enhanced language skills, or provincial nominations (600 points) to remain competitive.
The aggressive start to 2026 with over 8,500 ITAs in the first week demonstrates Canada’s commitment to meeting economic immigration needs through targeted selection, making strategic preparation more critical than ever for success.
