Canada’s immigration system has started 2026 with strong momentum, and the latest Express Entry draw clearly signals where priorities lie. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 681 new Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a draw focused exclusively on Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates, reinforcing the growing importance of provincial pathways in Canada’s permanent residence strategy.
This Express Entry draw for provincial candidates is the third draw of 2026 and the second PNP-specific draw this year, highlighting a consistent trend: IRCC is actively prioritising candidates already selected by provinces or with strong ties to Canada.
Latest Express Entry Draw: Key Details
The latest Express Entry draw was conducted on January 20, 2026, and it targeted only candidates with an active provincial nomination.
To qualify in this Express Entry draw, candidates needed
- A minimum CRS score of 746
- An Express Entry profile created before 4:09 a.m. (UTC) on November 19, 2025
- A valid provincial nomination, which adds 600 CRS points
This high CRS cut-off reflects the competitive nature of PNP-based Express Entry draws, where candidates benefit from provincial support but still face ranking thresholds.
Express Entry Draws in 2026 So Far (Snapshot)
| Draw Date | Draw Type | ITAs Issued | CRS Cut-Off |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 20, 2026 | Provincial Nominee Program | 681 | 746 |
| January 7, 2026 | Canadian Experience Class | 8,000 | 511 |
| January 5, 2026 | Provincial Nominee Program | 574 | 711 |
This table shows a clear pattern: IRCC is alternating between PNP draws and Canadian Experience Class draws, both of which heavily favour candidates already in Canada or backed by provinces.
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Why This Express Entry Draw Matters
This Express Entry draw for PNP candidates is important for several reasons:
- It confirms that provincial nominations remain one of the strongest routes to permanent residence
- It shows that IRCC is front-loading ITAs early in the year
- It reinforces that CRS scores for PNP draws remain high, even with a nomination
So far in 2026, IRCC has issued 9,255 ITAs through Express Entry, split across just two draw types.
ITAs issued in 2026 by draw type
| Draw Type | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class | 8,000 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 1,255 |
This means Express Entry draws in 2026 are heavily favouring in-Canada experience and provincial selection, rather than overseas-only profiles.
IRCC’s Strategy: In-Canada and Province-Backed Candidates First
The structure of Express Entry, as it stands in 2026, clearly reflects IRCC’s broader immigration strategy. The department has repeatedly stated that it aims to:
- Transition temporary residents already in Canada to permanent residence
- Support provincial and regional labour market needs
- Reduce settlement risk by selecting candidates with Canadian work experience or provincial backing
By running multiple PNP Express Entry draws, IRCC allows provinces to play a stronger role in shaping Canada’s future workforce.
Understanding the High CRS Cut-Off
Many candidates may wonder why the CRS cut-off of 746 is so high in this Express Entry draw.
Here’s why:
- A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points
- Most invited candidates already had base CRS scores in the 140–160 range
- Tie-breaking rules further limit invitations based on profile creation date
This makes timing critical. Even strong PNP Express Entry profiles can miss out if they are created too late.
Why January Is Always Busy for Express Entry
January has historically been one of the most active months for Express Entry draws, and 2026 is no exception.
Key reasons include:
- IRCC aims to issue ITAs early, so landings count toward annual immigration targets
- Most Express Entry applications take around six months to process
- ITAs issued in January often translate into PR landings later in the same year
This explains why Express Entry draws in January 2026 have already crossed 9,000 invitations in just three rounds.
What This Means for Express Entry Candidates
If you are in the Express Entry pool, this draw sends a strong message:
- PNP pathways are more important than ever
- Candidates without provincial nomination may find CRS cut-offs difficult to reach
- Canadian Experience Class and PNP draws are currently the most active
Smart next steps for candidates
- Explore Provincial Nominee Programs aligned with your occupation
- Keep your Express Entry profile updated
- Monitor draw patterns closely, especially PNP Express Entry draws
- Act early; tie-break rules can make or break your chances
Conclusion: Express Entry 2026 Is Off to a Fast, Focused Start
The latest Express Entry draw targeting provincial candidates confirms that 2026 will be shaped by PNP and in-Canada selection. With multiple Express Entry draws, high ITA volumes, and a clear focus on provincial nominations, IRCC is setting the tone early.
For serious applicants, the takeaway is simple: align your profile with provincial needs, or risk being left behind.
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How Visa Solutions 4u Can Help
Navigating Express Entry, CRS calculations, and Provincial Nominee Programs can be complex. Visa Solutions 4u supports candidates by:
- Identifying the right PNP options based on your profile
- Optimising Express Entry profiles for CRS improvement
- Assisting with PNP applications and documentation
- Providing end-to-end support until permanent residence approval
With expert guidance from Visa Solutions 4u, candidates can improve their chances in upcoming Express Entry draws and stay ahead in Canada’s competitive immigration system.
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