The Express Entry CEC Draw #390 held on January 7, 2026, marks a major milestone in Canada’s immigration system. In this Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada issued 8,000 Invitations to Apply, making it the second-largest CEC draw in Express Entry history. The CRS cut-off score was 511, one of the lowest seen for a CEC-specific round in recent years.

This draw follows closely after the Express Entry draw #389 on January 5, 2026, which targeted Provincial Nominee Program candidates. Together, these selections signal a strong start to the 2026 immigration year.

Key Details of the January 7, 2026 Express Entry CEC Draw #390

Candidates were eligible for this draw if they met two requirements:

• Minimum CRS score of 511
• Express Entry profile created before June 10, 2025, at 03:59 PM UTC

Draw snapshot:

Draw Feature	Details
Draw date	January 7, 2026
Program	Canadian Experience Class
ITAs issued	8,000
CRS cut-off	511
Tie-breaking rule	June 10, 2025, 03:59 PM UTC

This draw stands out not only for its size, but also for its comparatively accessible CRS threshold.

Why This Is the Second-Largest CEC Draw Ever

Only one CEC draw in history has exceeded this volume. During the pandemic period, IRCC issued over 27,000 invitations in a single CEC round. Outside that exceptional event, the January 7, 2026, draw is the largest ever conducted under normal conditions.

It also features a lower CRS cut-off than any Express Entry draw held in 2025, where CEC thresholds remained consistently higher.

Express Entry Activity So Far in 2026

Despite being only the first full week of the year, IRCC has already conducted two Express Entry draws and issued more than 8,500 ITAs.

Express Entry draws in 2026 to date:

Draw Date	Draw Type	CRS	ITAs
January 7	Canadian Experience Class	511	8,000
January 5	Provincial Nominee Program	711	574

This early momentum reflects IRCC’s practice of issuing invitations early in the year to support annual admissions targets.

IRCC’s Continued Focus on In-Canada Candidates

Both Express Entry draws conducted in 2026 so far have targeted candidates already in Canada. This aligns with recent federal immigration strategies that prioritize:

• Canadian work experience
• Provincial nominations
• Faster integration into the labour market

CEC candidates typically include international graduates and temporary foreign workers who have already established themselves in Canada.

Why January Draws Matter in Express Entry

January often sees increased Express Entry activity because of processing timelines. From ITA issuance to final landing, applications typically take six months or longer to complete.

Issuing invitations early in the year allows IRCC to meet annual permanent residence targets within the same calendar year.

What CEC Candidates Should Do After Receiving an ITA

Candidates invited in this draw now have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application. Preparation is critical.

Applicants should ensure:

• Work experience documents are accurate
• Language test results remain valid
• Police certificates and medical exams are ready
• Missing or incorrect documents can delay processing or lead to refusal.

What This Means for Express Entry Candidates in 2026

This draw sends a clear signal that CEC candidates remain a priority in 2026, particularly those already contributing to Canada’s economy.

Candidates without Canadian work experience may need to explore provincial nomination options or focus on improving CRS scores through language results or additional credentials.

The Express Entry draw of January 7, 2026, stands out for its size, lower CRS threshold, and strong focus on Canadian Experience Class candidates. With early-year momentum already established, 2026 is shaping up to be an active year for Express Entry selections. If you received an ITA or are planning your Express Entry strategy for 2026, working with a certified Canadian immigration consultant can help you avoid costly errors. ImmigCanada immigration consulting services, led by Eivy Joy Quito, provide personalized guidance to help candidates prepare strong Express Entry and CEC applications with confidence.