Express Entry Draw #392: January 21, 2026 CEC Draw Invites 6,000 Candidates with CRS 509

Canada has continued its strong focus on in-Canada immigration candidates with a major Canadian Experience Class selection. In Express Entry Draw 392, held on January 21, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada issued 6,000 Invitations to Apply to candidates under the Canadian Experience Class. The draw recorded a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score of 509, marking one of the lowest CEC cut-offs seen since late 2024.

To be eligible, candidates were required to have created an Express Entry profile before 4:35 a.m. UTC on October 29, 2025. This draw represents the third Express Entry round of 2026 and the second large CEC-focused draw this year.

Why Express Entry Draw #392 Matters

The January 21 draw is significant not only for its size but also for what it signals about IRCC’s selection strategy in 2026. With 6,000 invitations issued in a single round, IRCC has now invited 14,000 Canadian Experience Class candidates within the first month of the year.

This rapid pace has already reshaped the Express Entry pool, reducing pressure among mid-range CRS candidates with Canadian work experience and improving prospects for temporary residents already contributing to the labour market.

CEC Scores Hit Recent Lows

Both CEC draws in 2026 have produced notably lower CRS thresholds. The 509 cut-off in Draw 392 follows a 511 score in the January 7 CEC round, making these the lowest CEC scores since September 2024.

For candidates with Canadian work experience, this trend highlights a more accessible pathway to permanent residence compared with the highly competitive all-program draws seen in previous years.

Express Entry Draws So Far in 2026

IRCC has conducted 4 Express Entry draws this year, split evenly between two program types:

• Canadian Experience Class: 2 draws
• Provincial Nominee Program: 2 draws

As of late January, a total of 15,255 ITAs have been issued:

• CEC candidates: 14,000
• Provincial nominees: 1,255

This distribution confirms IRCC’s emphasis on candidates already residing and working in Canada.

Why IRCC is Prioritizing in-Canada applicants

The 2026 draw pattern reflects broader federal policy goals. By selecting candidates with Canadian work experience or provincial nominations, IRCC is prioritizing individuals who:

• Are already integrated into the labour market
• Require fewer settlement supports
• Can transition quickly to permanent status

This approach also aligns with adjustments under the 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan, which emphasises economic contribution and system sustainability.

What Candidates Should Do Next

CEC candidates with CRS scores near the 500 range should remain attentive to upcoming rounds. Maintaining valid work permits, updating Express Entry profiles, and monitoring draw trends will remain essential throughout 2026.

Wondering if your Express Entry score is competitive in 2026?

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