In a strong start to the new year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted the first Express Entry draw of 2026 on January 5, 2026, focusing exclusively on candidates nominated under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). In this targeted round, 574 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued to eligible provincial nominees.
Check Your Skilled Assessment & Eligibility
Key Highlights of the January 5, 2026 Express Entry PNP Draw:
- Program Targeted: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Date and Time of Draw: January 5, 2026
- Number of Invitations Issued: 574
- CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate: 711
- Rank Required: 574 or above
- Tie-breaking Rule Applied: October 06, 2025 at 01:54:31 UTC
If more than one candidate had the lowest CRS score, invitations were issued based on the date and time they submitted their Express Entry profiles.
This draw reinforces IRCC’s continued reliance on provincial nominations to meet specific regional labour market needs across Canada.
What Is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?
The Provincial Nominee Program allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate skilled workers who can contribute to their local economies. Candidates nominated through a PNP stream receive an additional 600 CRS points, which almost guarantees an ITA in the next Express Entry draw.
PNP pathways are ideal for candidates who:
- Have skills and work experience in demand in specific provinces
- May not have high CRS scores under regular Express Entry draws
- Are willing to live and work in the nominating province
Check Your Skilled Assessment & Eligibility
Why Is This Draw Important?
This first draw of 2026 is significant because:
- It sets the tone for the year with a clear focus on provincial nominations
- A CRS cut-off of 711 reflects the added value of a PNP nomination
- It highlights ongoing opportunities for candidates who align with provincial labour shortages
- It signals stable and structured Express Entry activity early in the year
What’s Next for Express Entry Candidates?
Candidates who received an ITA now have 60 days to submit their complete permanent residence application. Those who missed this round should:
- Explore PNP options to boost their CRS score
- Keep their Express Entry profile updated with new work experience or test results
- Stay alert for upcoming draws, including PNP and category-based selections
Check Your Skilled Assessment & Eligibility
Need Help with Your Express Entry or PNP Application?
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