Canadian Immigration Weekly Digest | January 3-10, 2026

lynn jin
Jan 11
3 min read

*Your trusted source for the latest Canadian immigration news and policy updates*

📊 THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS

🔥 **BREAKING**: Express Entry CEC Draw Issues 8,000 ITAs - Second-Largest CEC Draw in History!
⭐ **2026 First Draw**: PNP Express Entry Draw Invites 574 Candidates
🔹 **PEI 2026 Schedule**: 12 immigration draws planned, first on January 15, 2026
🔹 **LMIA Update**: 8 regions to resume low-wage LMIA processing in Q1 2026
🔹 **Strategy Guide**: Maximize PR prospects through multiple EOI systems

🔥 EXPRESS ENTRY UPDATES

Record-Breaking CEC Draw: 8,000 ITAs Issued with CRS 511

Date: January 7, 2026

Canada's Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted the first CEC (Canadian Experience Class) Express Entry draw of 2026 on January 7, issuing an impressive 8,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence. This marks the second-largest CEC draw in history!

The minimum CRS score required was just 511 points - the lowest CRS score seen throughout 2025. This massive draw presents an exceptional opportunity for applicants with Canadian work experience to pursue permanent residence.

Key Details: - ITAs Issued: 8,000 (second-largest CEC draw ever) - Minimum CRS Score: 511 (lowest in 2025) - Draw Category: Canadian Experience Class (CEC) - Target Applicants: Those with Canadian work experience

This historic draw demonstrates Canada's continued commitment to retaining skilled workers who have already integrated into the Canadian labor market. If you have Canadian work experience and meet the CRS threshold, this could be your pathway to permanent residence.

Official Source: [IRCC - Express Entry Rounds of Invitations](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/mandate/policies-operational-instructions-agreements/ministerial-instructions/express-entry-rounds.html)

First Express Entry Draw of 2026: PNP Category

Date: January 5, 2026

Kicking off the new year, IRCC held the first Express Entry draw of 2026 on January 5, targeting Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates. A total of 574 Invitations to Apply were issued with a minimum CRS score of 711 points.

Applicants with a provincial nomination certificate automatically receive 600 additional CRS points, making this draw particularly advantageous for provincial nominee holders.

Key Details: - ITAs Issued: 574 - Minimum CRS Score: 711 - Draw Category: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) - PNP Bonus: Automatic 600 CRS points for provincial nominees

Provincial Nominee Programs remain one of the most effective pathways to Canadian permanent residence, especially for candidates whose CRS scores fall below typical Express Entry thresholds.

🍁 PROVINCIAL NOMINEE PROGRAMS

Prince Edward Island Publishes 2026 Draw Schedule

Date: January 7, 2026

Prince Edward Island (PEI) has announced its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw schedule for 2026, planning a total of 12 draws throughout the year. The first draw is scheduled for January 15, 2026, providing prospective applicants with clear timelines for planning their Expression of Interest (EOI) submissions.

Key Points: - Total Draws in 2026: 12 opportunities - First Draw Date: January 15, 2026 - Planning Advantage: Applicants can strategically time their EOI submissions

This transparent schedule allows applicants to prepare their applications strategically and maximize their chances of receiving a provincial nomination from PEI.

Official Source: [CIC News - PEI 2026 Draw Schedule](https://www.cicnews.com/2026/01/prince-edward-island-publishes-its-immigration-draw-schedule-for-2026-0165383.html)

💼 WORK PERMITS & LMIA

Canada to Resume Low-Wage LMIA Processing in Eight Regions

Date: Q1 2026

The Canadian government has announced it will resume processing low-wage Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) in eight additional regions during the first quarter of 2026. The affected regions include major cities such as Vancouver, Winnipeg, and Halifax. This policy change will create more employment opportunities for both employers and foreign workers in lower-wage positions.

Key Details: - Affected Regions: Vancouver, Winnipeg, Halifax, and 5 other regions - Timeline: First Quarter of 2026 - Impact: More opportunities for low-wage employers and workers

This represents a significant shift in Canada's temporary foreign worker program, potentially opening doors for workers in sectors that have faced labor shortages.

Official Source: [CIC News - Low-Wage LMIA Processing](https://www.cicnews.com/2026/01/canada-to-start-processing-low-wage-lmias-in-eight-more-regions-in-q1-2026-0164611.html)

📞 Need Professional Immigration Advice?

If you're interested in learning more about Canadian immigration opportunities or need personalized immigration consultation, our team is here to help.

L Jin Immigration Consulting Ltd.

📧 Email: info@ljimmigration.ca 🌐 Website: www.ljimmigration.ca

Our regulated immigration consultants can help you navigate Canada's complex immigration system and develop a strategy tailored to your unique situation.

*Disclaimer: This content is compiled from publicly available information for reference purposes only. For official policies, please refer to the IRCC website.*

*Data Sources: IRCC Official Website, Provincial Immigration Authority Websites*

L Jin Immigration Consulting Ltd. 📧 info@ljimmigration.ca | 🌐 www.ljimmigration.ca