IRCC holds the second-largest CEC draw in history with 8,000 ITAs (Historic CEC Express Entry Draw). Explore BC’s latest immigration pool stats and the PEI PNP 2026 draw schedule.
Major Milestone: IRCC Issues 8,000 ITAs in Historic CEC Express Entry Draw
The first full week of 2026 has delivered one of the most significant moments in recent immigration history. With a massive federal draw targeting experienced workers in Canada and new schedules released for provincial pathways, the momentum for Permanent Residence Canada is stronger than ever.
Historic CEC Draw: 8,000 Invitations Issued – Historic CEC Express Entry Draw
On January 7, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted Draw #390, marking the second-largest Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw in Express Entry history.
Key Highlights of Draw #390:
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Invitations Issued (ITAs): 8,000
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CRS Cut-off Score: 511 points (a 4-point drop from the previous CEC round).
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Tie-breaking Rule: June 10, 2025, at 15:59:25 UTC.
This draw is a clear signal that IRCC is prioritizing candidates with existing Canadian work experience. So far in 2026, Canada has already issued 8,574 invitations across just two draws, showing a robust start to the new immigration year.
British Columbia (BC PNP) Statistics: Pool Reaches 11,210
As of January 6, 2026, British Columbia has released fresh data regarding its Skills Immigration registration pool. The pool currently holds 11,210 active profiles, with a high concentration of candidates in the competitive 90-109 score range.
BC PNP Pool Breakdown:
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Top Tier (150+ points): 91 highly competitive candidates.
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Mid-High Tier (100-109 points): 2,161 candidates.
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Mid Tier (90-99 points): 2,048 candidates.
This transparency allows Skilled Workers to better gauge their chances and take steps—such as improving language scores—to move into higher brackets.
PEI PNP: 2026 Draw Schedule Released
Prince Edward Island has officially published its invitation schedule for 2026. For those planning to settle in the Atlantic region, these monthly rounds are essential for Canada Immigration Programs.
Upcoming PEI PNP Draw Dates:
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January 15, 2026
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February 19, 2026
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March 19, 2026
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April 16, 2026 (Full monthly schedule continues through December 17, 2026)
Crisis Alert: PGWP Refusals Due to System Limitations
A growing number of international graduates are facing Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) refusals. The issue stems from the GCKey system lacking a specific field for language test results, despite IRCC making these tests mandatory.
Officers have been refusing applications without requesting missing documents, leading to a massive petition from students. If you are applying for a Study Permit or transitioning to a PGWP, ensuring your “Client Information” section includes merged PDFs of all required documents is now a critical step to avoid refusal.
Why Choose Go Canada Services?
Go Canada Services is a premier Canadian Incorporation (est. 2004) providing comprehensive Academic, Immigration, and Legal expertise. We specialize in protecting your status and maximizing your PR chances.
Our Core Services:
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Permanent Residence Canada: Strategic planning for CEC and Provincial Nominee Programs.
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Study Permits: From initial visa to PGWP success, we handle the details.
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Family Sponsorship: Secure pathways to bring your family home to Canada.
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Free Immigration Assessment: Evaluate your CRS score and PNP eligibility.
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Contact Our Experts: Specialized legal support for PGWP refusals and appeals.
Essential Resources:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Historic CEC Express Entry Draw
1. What was the cut-off score for the 8,000 ITA CEC draw?
The CRS cut-off score for the January 7, 2026, Express Entry draw (#390) was 511 points.
2. Is the January 7 draw the largest CEC draw ever?
It is the second-largest CEC draw in history, surpassed only by the massive 27,000-ITA draw during the pandemic.
3. When is the next PEI PNP draw scheduled?
The next Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program draw is scheduled for January 15, 2026.
4. Why are PGWP applications being refused recently?
Many applications are being refused because the IRCC online system does not clearly provide a slot for language test results, causing students to omit them.
5. How many candidates are in the BC PNP registration pool?
As of January 6, 2026, there are 11,210 candidates registered in the British Columbia Skills Immigration pool.
6. What should I do if my PGWP was refused for missing language tests?
You should Contact Our Experts immediately to discuss a request for reconsideration or judicial review, as there are strict timelines.
7. How many invitations has IRCC issued so far in 2026?
As of January 7, 2026, IRCC has issued a total of 8,574 invitations through the Express Entry system.
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Secure Your Canadian Future Today
With record-breaking draws and system glitches causing refusals, navigating immigration alone is risky. Let the experts at Go Canada Services guide you.