IRCC Issues 6,000 Invitations in Major Canadian Experience Class Draw

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 6,000 invitations to apply (ITAs) in a massive new Express Entry draw targeting the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the second such draw of 2026.

The draw, held on January 21, 2026, required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 509.

This invitation round marks a continued effort by the federal government to prioritize temporary residents currently living and working in Canada, transitioning them to permanent residence to meet 2026 immigration targets.

CEC Focus Returns with High Volume

This draw (#392) is exclusively for candidates eligible under the Canadian Experience Class. By targeting this specific pool, IRCC is focusing on individuals who already possess Canadian work experience, a strategy often used to retain talent already integrated into the Canadian economy.

The number of invitations—6,000—represents a significant intake, suggesting that IRCC is moving aggressively to fill its admission targets early in the year.

CRS Score and Tie-Breaking Rule

The minimum CRS score for this draw was 509. While competitive, this score reflects the high caliber of candidates currently in the Express Entry pool, particularly those with Canadian education and work experience which provide additional points.

IRCC applied a tie-breaking rule with a timestamp of October 29, 2025, at 04:35:24 UTC. This means that if multiple candidates had a score of exactly 509, only those who submitted their Express Entry profiles before this date and time received an invitation.

Ministerial Instructions

The Ministerial Instructions for this round were signed by the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Lena Metlege Diab. The instructions confirm that the invitations are valid for the period beginning January 21, 2026, and ending January 22, 2026.

Candidates who received an ITA in this round now have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence.

Express Entry Draw #392 Results: January 21, 2026