Insights from Susan Gong, CPA, CA, RCIC — Founder & CEO of Altec Global Inc.
On January 21, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted the fourth Express Entry draw of January, targeting candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
A total of 6,000 candidates were invited, with a minimum CRS score of 509, representing a further 2-point drop from the previous CEC draw. While the decrease may appear modest, it continues a record-setting downward trend, following the lowest CRS score seen in recent years.
What This Draw Tells Us About the Current Trend
Since the resumption of all-program and category-based draws in July 2022, Express Entry scores have shown increasing divergence across different draw types. Category-based invitations—especially those tied to specific occupations—have consistently produced lower CRS thresholds, often below 500.
In this latest CEC draw, two trends stand out:
- High invitation volume remains steady, with 6,000 invitations issued
- CRS scores continue to ease, even if gradually
According to Susan Gong, sustained high-volume CEC draws signal IRCC’s continued priority on candidates with Canadian work experience, even as overall competition remains strong.
Current Express Entry Pool Snapshot
As of this draw, the Express Entry candidate pool includes 237,120 profiles.
- Candidates with CRS above 500: 17,018
- This represents a decrease of 4,554 high-scoring candidates compared to the previous pool snapshot
This shift suggests that candidates around the 500 CRS range should begin preparing proactively, while those not yet in the pool should prioritize entry and profile optimization. Candidates already in the pool are strongly advised to keep their documents and scores up to date to avoid missed opportunities.
Category-Based Priorities for 2026
IRCC has also clarified its direction for category-based Express Entry invitations in 2026. Following updates announced in December 2025, a new category for doctors with Canadian work experience will be introduced.
The priority categories for 2026 currently include:
- Doctors
- Healthcare and social service occupations
- Skilled trades
- French-language proficiency
- Education-related occupations
Candidates working in these sectors may have a higher likelihood of receiving invitations, though official category lists and details should continue to be monitored closely.
Altec Global Insight
While CRS scores have trended downward, Express Entry remains highly competitive, and short-term fluctuations are impossible to predict. In the near term, CRS cutoffs are still expected to hover above 500.
As Susan Gong emphasizes, candidates without strong language scores (such as IELTS 8777) or advanced academic credentials may find Express Entry increasingly challenging. In such cases, it is wise to explore alternative pathways with lower entry thresholds and faster processing times, including:
- Caregiver and home support pathways
- French-language immigration streams
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
With professional guidance, these pathways can offer more realistic and efficient routes to permanent residence.
At Altec Global Inc., we help clients assess not only whether Express Entry is viable, but also which combination of programs best aligns with their background and long-term goals.
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