Canada’s immigration system keeps delivering opportunities for skilled workers. On January 21, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held Express Entry draw #392, a category-based invitation round targeting the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). This draw issued 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates with a CRS score cut-off of 509, signaling strong momentum for in-Canada applicants amid 2026 Canada PR targets
If you’re eyeing permanent residency (PR) through Express Entry, this update is crucial. Let’s break down the details, implications, and actionable steps to boost your profile for the next draw.
Key Highlights of Express Entry Latest Draw #392
This Canadian Experience Class draw focused exclusively on CEC-eligible profiles, prioritizing those with Canadian work experience. Here’s the full rundown:
- Invitation Round: #392
- Date of Draw: January 21, 2026, at 12:37:42 UTC
- Type of Draw: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- CRS Score Cut-Off: 509
- Number of ITAs Issued: 6,000
- Tie-Breaking Rule: October 29, 2025, at 04:35:24 UTC
The CRS score cut-off of 509 marks a competitive threshold, lower than some recent general draws but typical for CEC-targeted rounds. This reflects IRCC’s strategy to meet labor market needs in sectors like tech, healthcare, and trades key CEC advantages.
| Draw Detail | Value |
| Round # | 392 |
| Date | Jan 21, 2026 (12:37:42 UTC) |
| Category | CEC |
| Cut-Off Score | 509 |
| ITAs | 6,000 |
| Tie-Breaker | Oct 29, 2025 (04:35:24 UTC) |
Why This CEC Draw Matters for Indian Applicants and In-Canada Workers ?
For Indian professionals in Canada or planning to gain experience here via Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP), this Express Entry draw January 21 2026 CRS 509 is a green light. CEC doesn’t require a job offer or language benchmarks beyond CLB 7, making it accessible for those with 1+ year of skilled Canadian work. IRCC aims for 500,000+ new PRs in 2026, with Express Entry playing a pivotal role. CEC draws like #392 help retain talent already contributing to Canada’s economy, especially post-2025 policy tweaks favoring in-country applicants.
Pro Tip: If your CRS is near 509, a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination could add 600 points, securing an ITA in general or category draws.
How 509 Cut-Off Was Determined?
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores profiles out of 1,200 based on age, education, language, work experience, and more. A 509 cut-off favors CEC candidates with strong Canadian ties:
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Core Factors: Maximize with CLB 9+ language scores and 3+ years of skilled work.
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CEC Boost: Canadian experience adds up to 80 points.
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Tie-Breaker Impact: Only profiles submitted before October 29, 2025, 04:35:24 UTC, with exactly 509 points received ITAs.
Use IRCC’s CRS calculator to check your score. Recent trends show CEC cut-offs hovering 500-520, so aim higher for safety.
How to Prepare for the Next Canada PR Draw After #392?
Don’t wait ! Express Entry next draw predictions point to more CEC or PNP rounds soon. Here’s a step-by-step plan:
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Enter the Pool: Create/update your Express Entry profile with accurate details.
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Improve CRS: Retake IELTS/CELPIP for better scores; get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
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Gain CEC Eligibility: Secure 1 year of NOC TEER 0-3 work in Canada.
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Explore PNPs: Target Ontario, BC, or Alberta streams for nominations.
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Monitor Updates: Follow Future Fly Services for real-time Canada Express Entry latest draw alerts.
At Future Fly Services, our experts help optimize profiles many clients hit ITAs post-CEC draws like this.
Ready to boost your CRS score for the Canada Express Entry program or secure a Provincial Nominee Program 2026 nomination? Contact the best immigration consultants in Noida, Future Fly Services, for a free consultation today!