Canada has kicked off 2026 with its first Express Entry draw, issuing 574 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) category. The draw, held on January 5, 2026, required a minimum CRS score of 711. This first round highlights IRCC’s continued focus on category-based selection and the important role provinces play in meeting regional labour market needs.
Instead of starting the year with a general draw, IRCC began 2026 with a PNP-focused round, showing how provincial nominations are key to shaping Canada’s immigration intake. The move reflects the government’s approach to bringing in skilled workers who can settle quickly and contribute where they are needed most.
Details of the Express Entry draw #389
Draw date: January 5, 2026
Draw type: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
ITAs issued: 574
Minimum CRS score: 711
Tie-breaking rule: October 6, 2025, at 1:54 a.m. UTC
Eligible candidates: Express Entry profiles with an active provincial nomination
Candidates with provincial nominations automatically receive 600 extra CRS points, which helps them rank at the top of the Express Entry pool.
Purpose and overview of the draw
The draw aimed to invite candidates who already had provincial nominations, allowing provinces and territories to fill labour shortages and meet local workforce needs.
By prioritising PNP candidates, IRCC ensured that skilled workers selected through Express Entry were ready to settle and start working immediately.
Provinces choose candidates based on their economic priorities, which can include sectors like healthcare, construction, technology, education, and transportation.
By conducting a PNP-specific draw, IRCC ensures immigration aligns with real, on-the-ground needs.
Impact on Canada’s Immigration Landscape
This draw shows a shift toward targeted immigration rather than general selection. Over the past year, IRCC has increasingly relied on category-based draws and provincial nominations to ensure newcomers are a good match for the labour market.
For candidates, this highlights the advantage of securing a provincial nomination. PNP candidates have a clearer, more competitive path to permanent residence compared with general Express Entry applicants.
For provinces, it gives greater control over which skilled workers settle locally.
Why a PNP Draw was the First choice for 2026
Starting the year with a PNP draw was strategic. Provinces had ongoing labour shortages and fresh nominations ready, making it practical to invite candidates who were already vetted regionally. These candidates are typically job-ready and well-prepared to integrate into local economies.
Opening the year with a PNP draw also allows IRCC to manage Express Entry inventory effectively before conducting other category-based or general draws. It signals that provincial pathways will continue to play a central role in Canada’s immigration system throughout 2026.
As the year progresses, IRCC is expected to alternate between PNP, category-based, and general draws, based on labour market needs and immigration targets. The first draw of 2026 sends a clear message: provincial nominations remain one of the strongest routes to Canadian permanent residence.