Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) kicked off 2026 with a bang, issuing 8,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence to Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates on 7 January 2026. The draw is the second-largest CEC-only selection ever, surpassed only by the pandemic-era mega-draw in February 2021. Candidates needed a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 511 and an Express Entry profile created before 10 June 2025 to receive an invitation. ([cicnews.com](https://www.cicnews.com/2026/01/canada-holds-second-express-entry-draw-of-the-year-0164596.html))
The draw signals IRCC’s continued focus on applicants who are already contributing to the Canadian labour market. CEC candidates—most of whom hold work permits and Canadian employment experience—can transition to permanent residence quickly, often within six months, giving employers certainty that valued staff can stay. Employers in sectors facing skills shortages, such as information technology, health care and construction, stand to benefit immediately from the larger talent pool.
While awaiting an ITA—or simply planning the next step—candidates can lean on VisaHQ’s online platform (https://www.visahq.com/canada/) for up-to-date visa requirements, document checklists and application support, making it easier to secure or extend the temporary status needed to stay and work in Canada until permanent residence is finalized.
![Canada issues 8,000 invitations in second-largest Canadian Experience Class draw]()
For foreign workers already in Canada, the lower cut-off (511) compared with most 2025 draws is encouraging. Immigration lawyers advise eligible workers to update their Express Entry profiles promptly and ensure they have up-to-date language test results and educational credential assessments to capitalize on future rounds.
From a planning perspective, global mobility managers should prepare for faster conversion of work-permit holders to permanent residents. Permanent status removes employer compliance obligations attached to closed work permits and can improve retention of high-performing staff. Companies may also wish to review relocation policies, as employees granted PR may request family moves or housing support.
Finally, the size of the draw suggests Ottawa is front-loading admissions to meet its 2026 immigration targets despite an overall reduction in total landings (see separate story). More CEC and category-based draws are expected in the coming weeks, especially targeting French-speaking talent and health-care workers. ([cicnews.com](https://www.cicnews.com/2026/01/canada-holds-second-express-entry-draw-of-the-year-0164596.html))
The draw signals IRCC’s continued focus on applicants who are already contributing to the Canadian labour market. CEC candidates—most of whom hold work permits and Canadian employment experience—can transition to permanent residence quickly, often within six months, giving employers certainty that valued staff can stay. Employers in sectors facing skills shortages, such as information technology, health care and construction, stand to benefit immediately from the larger talent pool.
While awaiting an ITA—or simply planning the next step—candidates can lean on VisaHQ’s online platform (https://www.visahq.com/canada/) for up-to-date visa requirements, document checklists and application support, making it easier to secure or extend the temporary status needed to stay and work in Canada until permanent residence is finalized.
For foreign workers already in Canada, the lower cut-off (511) compared with most 2025 draws is encouraging. Immigration lawyers advise eligible workers to update their Express Entry profiles promptly and ensure they have up-to-date language test results and educational credential assessments to capitalize on future rounds.
From a planning perspective, global mobility managers should prepare for faster conversion of work-permit holders to permanent residents. Permanent status removes employer compliance obligations attached to closed work permits and can improve retention of high-performing staff. Companies may also wish to review relocation policies, as employees granted PR may request family moves or housing support.
Finally, the size of the draw suggests Ottawa is front-loading admissions to meet its 2026 immigration targets despite an overall reduction in total landings (see separate story). More CEC and category-based draws are expected in the coming weeks, especially targeting French-speaking talent and health-care workers. ([cicnews.com](https://www.cicnews.com/2026/01/canada-holds-second-express-entry-draw-of-the-year-0164596.html))
