Express Entry
Express Entry Draw #390 Brings Massive Relief as Canada Invites 8,000 CEC Candidates with CRS 511
Canada has opened 2026 with a powerful and hopeful move for skilled workers already living in the country. Express Entry Draw #390 has delivered one of the biggest opportunities ever seen for Canadian Experience Class candidates. On January 7, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada issued 8,000 Invitations to Apply in a single CEC round. The CRS cut off stood at 511, making this draw one of the most welcoming for in-Canada candidates in recent years.
For thousands of international graduates and temporary workers, this draw is more than a number. It is a clear signal that Canada values those who are already contributing to its workforce, communities, and economy. It also sets a very positive tone for the rest of the immigration year. This is not just another draw. This is momentum. This is confidence. This is Canada saying yes to experience gained on its soil.
Express Entry Draw #390 Marks a Turning Point for CEC Candidates
The scale of Express Entry Draw #390 is what truly sets it apart. Outside the exceptional pandemic year, no regular CEC draw has come close to inviting this many candidates in a single round. With 8,000 ITAs issued, this draw has become the second-largest CEC draw in Express Entry history.
Here is a quick snapshot of the January 7, 2026 draw:
| Feature | Details |
| Draw Date | January 7, 2026 |
| Program | Canadian Experience Class |
| ITAs Issued | 8,000 |
| CRS Cut Off | 511 |
| Profile Cut Off | June 10, 2025 at 03:59 PM UTC |
This combination of volume and score has created one of the most accessible CEC rounds in years. Even more encouraging is the CRS cut-off of 511. Throughout 2025, CEC scores remained noticeably higher, creating pressure for many candidates stuck in the low five hundreds. This January draw has broken that pattern. It shows flexibility. It shows planning. It shows intent. Canada is clearly focused on filling labour gaps with people who already understand Canadian workplaces, culture, and systems. That is smart immigration. That is efficient settlement. That is good for everyone.
January 2026 Starts Strong for Express Entry
The January 7 draw came just two days after another Express Entry round on January 5, which targeted Provincial Nominee Program candidates. Together, these two draws have already issued more than 8,500 invitations in the first week of the year. This early activity is not random. It is strategic. From ITA to final approval, applications take months to process. By issuing invitations early, IRCC gives itself the best chance to meet annual permanent residence targets within the same calendar year.
Why Canada Is Focusing on In-Canada Talent
Both Express Entry draws held in 2026 so far have targeted candidates already in Canada. This is not a coincidence. It reflects a clear federal direction.
Candidates with Canadian work experience integrate faster. They require less settlement support. They already contribute to taxes. They already fill critical roles. By inviting CEC candidates in large numbers, Canada is strengthening its labour market while rewarding those who choose to build their future here.
What CEC Candidates Should Do Right Now
If you received an invitation in Express Entry Draw #390, your next sixty days are crucial. This is the stage where strong preparation makes all the difference.
- Your work experience letters must match your declared roles.
- Language results must still be valid.
- Your Police certificates and medicals must be ready.
Even small mistakes can cause delays or refusals. That is why expert guidance matters. For those who did not receive an ITA this time, do not lose hope. This draw proves that lower CRS thresholds are possible. It also shows that 2026 is shaping up to be active and generous, especially for candidates already in Canada.
What This Means for Your Express Entry Strategy in 2026
If your score is close to the five-hundred range, stay ready. If you are building experience, keep going. If you are considering provincial pathways, this is the right time to explore them.
With 8,000 invitations and a CRS cut-off of 511, Express Entry Draw #390 has created real hope for thousands of skilled workers across Canada. It confirms that Canadian experience matters. It confirms that early-year draws are strong. It confirms that 2026 is already moving in the right direction.
For candidates dreaming of permanent residence, this draw is a reminder that timing, preparation, and the right guidance can change everything. If you received an ITA or are planning your Express Entry journey for 2026, now is the time to act smart. Stay connected with Canada Immigration News for real time updates, expert insights on every major immigration development.
