IRCC Conducts Major Canadian Experience Class Draw – January 7, 2026
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 8,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) in Express Entry Draw #390, held on January 7, 2026.
This draw reflects IRCC’s continued strategy of prioritizing temporary residents already working in Canada for permanent residence, particularly those with recent Canadian skilled work experience.
Express Entry Draw #390 – Official Results
| Draw Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Program | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) |
| Invitations Issued | 8,000 |
| CRS Cut-Off Score | 511 |
| Rank Required | 8,000 or above |
| Draw Date & Time | January 7, 2026 at 15:20:33 UTC |
| Tie-Breaking Rule | June 10, 2025 at 15:59:25 UTC |
Where multiple candidates had a CRS score of 511, invitations were issued only to those who submitted their Express Entry profile before the tie-breaking date and time.
What This Means for Canadian Experience Class Candidates
This is one of the largest CEC-only draws in recent months, reinforcing IRCC’s focus on:
- Temporary foreign workers in Canada
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders
- Applicants with qualifying Canadian skilled work experience
Although a CRS score of 511 remains competitive, the issuance of 8,000 ITAs signals positive momentum for in-Canada candidates moving into early 2026.
Why the Tie-Breaking Rule Matters
IRCC applied a tie-breaking rule of June 10, 2025 at 15:59:25 UTC, which means:
- Candidates with CRS 511 who submitted their profile before this date received an ITA
- Candidates who submitted after this time were not invited, despite having the same CRS score
Maintaining an active and early-submitted Express Entry profile remains critical.
Express Entry Outlook for 2026
Based on recent draw patterns, Blue Iris Immigration anticipates:
- Continued CEC-focused rounds in early 2026
- Gradual CRS score fluctuations depending on pool composition
- Ongoing preference for candidates already contributing to Canada’s labour market
Applicants with CRS scores in the 500–510 range should ensure their profiles are accurate, up-to-date, and strategically optimized.
Received an ITA? Important Next Steps
If you were invited in Draw #390:
- You have 60 days to submit a complete PR application
- All documents must strictly meet IRCC standards
- Incomplete or inconsistent evidence can still result in refusal, even after receiving an ITA
Professional review before submission is strongly recommended.
How Blue Iris Immigration Can Help
At Blue Iris Immigration, we assist Canadian Experience Class applicants with:
- CRS score strategy and profile optimization
- ITA document preparation and review
- Employer reference letter compliance
- PR application submissions with legal precision
If you narrowly missed this draw or want to prepare for upcoming rounds, early planning can make a decisive difference.
