Canadian
Experience Class Draw Issues 8,000 ITAs with CRS Cut-Off of 511
Canada continued its strong start to 2026 with Express Entry
Draw #390, held on January 7, 2026, just two days after the first draw of the
year. This draw targeted Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates and
resulted in 8,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) being issued, with a minimum CRS
score of 511.
This was the second Express Entry draw of 2026 and marked
the largest draw since August 2024, both in terms of the number of invitations
issued and the low CRS cut-off, signaling a major opportunity for candidates
with Canadian work experience.
Key Highlights of Express Entry Draw #390
● Draw Number: 390
● Draw Date: January
7, 2026
● Program: Canadian
Experience Class (CEC)
● ITAs Issued: 8,000
● CRS Cut-Off Score:
511
The size of this draw made it one of the most significant
CEC-focused Express Entry draws in recent history.
A Major CEC Draw to Start 2026
With 8,000 ITAs issued, Express Entry Draw #390 became the largest draw
since August 2024, demonstrating IRCC’s renewed focus on transitioning
temporary residents and skilled workers already in Canada to permanent
residence.
The CRS cut-off of 511 was notably lower compared to recent
all-program and PNP draws, offering relief to many CEC candidates who have been
waiting for larger, more inclusive rounds. And IRCC Reinforces the Importance
of Canadian Work Experience. IRCC emphasized the value of candidates who:
● Have Canadian work
experience
● Are already
integrated into the labour market
● Can quickly
contribute to Canada’s economy
CEC draws remain a key tool for retaining international graduates and foreign workers, especially amid ongoing labour shortages across multiple sectors.
For candidates pursuing Canadian PR in 2026, Express Entry Draw #390 delivered
several important takeaways:
● CEC candidates
gained a significant advantage early in the year
● Large-volume draws
can quickly lower CRS cut-offs
● Maintaining valid
status and Canadian work experience remains critical
● 2026 may see more
frequent and targeted CEC draws
Candidates outside Canada or without Canadian work
experience may still benefit by improving CRS scores, gaining skilled
experience, or exploring PNP and regional pathways.
