Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially started the new year by conducting its first Express Entry draw of 2026. This initial draw, held on January 5, 2026, specifically targeted candidates who have received a nomination from a Canadian province.
Summary of the Draw
Here are the key details from the January 5, 2026 Express Entry draw:
- Invitations Issued: 574
- Program: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score: 711
What Does This Update Mean?
Kicking off the year with a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) specific draw signals IRCC’s continued reliance on provincial partnerships to meet regional labour market needs. The high CRS cut-off of 711 is directly linked to the nature of this draw. Candidates with a provincial nomination automatically receive 600 bonus points, meaning their base score was as low as 111. This underscores the immense value of the PNP pathway for Express Entry candidates looking to secure an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Who Is Affected?
- Express Entry Candidates with a Provincial Nomination: The 574 candidates who received an ITA are now eligible to apply for permanent residence in Canada.
- Express Entry Candidates in the General Pool: Candidates under the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), or Federal Skilled Trades (FST) programs who do not have a provincial nomination were not included in this draw. They must wait for future all-program or category-based draws.
- Prospective Immigrants: This draw serves as a clear indicator that exploring Provincial Nominee Programs should be a primary strategy for anyone hoping to immigrate to Canada through the Express Entry system in 2026.
What Can You Do About It?
Your next steps depend on your current situation:
- If you received an ITA: Congratulations! You now have 60 days to submit your complete application for permanent residence to IRCC. It is crucial to ensure all your documents are prepared, accurate, and submitted before the deadline.
- If you are in the Express Entry pool without a PNP: This is a strong signal to enhance your profile. Proactively research the various Provincial Nominee Programs across Canada. Identify streams where your occupation is in demand or where you meet the specific criteria. Applying for and securing a provincial nomination is the most powerful way to increase your CRS score.
- If you are planning to create an Express Entry profile: As you prepare your profile, simultaneously investigate which provinces are seeking candidates with your skills, work experience, and education. Tailoring your immigration strategy to include a PNP application from the start can significantly increase your chances of success.
Stay tuned for more updates on the latest Express Entry draws and Canadian immigration news throughout 2026.