The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of Canada (IRCC) has circulated the latest invitations to apply (ITAs) from its Express Entry system.
In the recent draw, which took place for the Physicians category, 391 ITAs were issued for those with Canadian work experience.
The candidates are expected to have :
- Minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score of 169
- Express Entry profile created before 3:25 a.m. UTC on January 3, 2026.
2026 Express Entry Draw Highlights
| Draw date | Draw Type | CRS cut-off score | ITAs issued |
| February 19 | Physicians with Canadian work experience | 169 | 391 |
| February 17 | Canadian Experience Class | 508 | 6,000 |
| February 16 | Provincial Nominee Program | 789 | 279 |
| February 6 | French-Language proficiency | 400 | 8,500 |
| February 3 | Provincial Nominee Program | 749 | 423 |
| January 21 | Canadian Experience Class | 509 | 6,000 |
| January 20 | Provincial Nominee Program | 746 | 681 |
| January 7 | Canadian Experience Class | 511 | 8,000 |
| January 5 | Provincial Nominee Program | 711 | 574 |
This is the second-largest Canadian Experience Class draw ever happened. Only in this draw were more than 27,000 candidates were invited during the pandemic.
This draw had a lower CRS cut-off score than any other Express Entry draw held in the past year of 2025
Earlier, the CRS score for a CEC draw was 509, which was recorded on September 19, 2024.
This Express Entry draw which is taking place this year, is the second one happening after a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw held on January 5.
IRCC started this year by continuing to give attention to candidates who are already staying in Canada. They must have one of the following :
- Canadian work experience
- Got a provincial nomination
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 4 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 3 |
| French-Language proficiency | 1 |
| Physicians with Canadian work experience | 1 |
Despite completing the first full week of 2026, Canada’s immigration department has already sent out more than 8,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs).
| Draw type | ITAs Issued |
| Canadian Experience Class | 20,000 |
| French-Language proficiency | 8,500 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 1,534 |
| Physicians with Canadian work experience | 391 |
Usually, January is the month that has more Express Entry activity happening. So at that time, IRCC will provide a large number of invites. These invites can contribute to its annual immigration targets under federal programs.
Due to the delay between getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and officially landing in Canada, admissions can be expected at least six months after an ITA is issued.
How Croyez Immigration Can Assist with Express Entry Applications
Recently, Express Entry draws have been prioritizing the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates. Applicants with Canadian work experience must have a good understanding of the eligibility requirements is mandatory.
The factors that might play a huge role in obtaining an Invitation to Apply (ITA) are :
- Comprehensive Ranking System scores
- Category preferred selection process
- Last date to submit the profile.
Croyez Immigration offers to provide skillful guidance to help applicants stay aware of policy updates and recent draw-related news. From improving CRS scores to identifying suitable provincial nomination pathways, the team helps in providing systematic help throughout the Express Entry process to ensure the applicants are well-prepared at every stage.
