Canada’s Express Entry system continued its steady pace in early 2026 with another targeted draw aimed at Provincial Nominee Program candidates. On January 20, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a program-specific round of invitations, reinforcing the government’s focus on addressing regional labour shortages through province-led immigration selection.
This latest draw follows a series of strategic selections earlier in the month, reflecting IRCC’s dual approach of retaining skilled workers already in Canada while allowing provinces to nominate candidates aligned with local economic needs. Together, these draws highlight how Express Entry remains a key pillar of Canada’s economic immigration strategy in 2026.
Details of the January 20, 2026, Express Entry Draw
Draw date: January 20, 2026
Program targeted: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued: 681
Minimum CRS score: 746
Tie-breaking rule: Candidates needed to have submitted their Express Entry profile before November 19, 2025
This marked the third Express Entry draw of 2026 and the second PNP-specific round held this year. Earlier in January, IRCC conducted a PNP draw on January 5, issuing 574 ITAs with a CRS cut-off of 711, followed by a major Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw on January 7 that invited 8,000 candidates with a significantly lower CRS cut-off of 511.
Overview of the Draw
The January 20, 2026, Express Entry draw was held specifically to invite candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program, reinforcing IRCC’s strategy of supporting province-led immigration selection.
This draw aimed to prioritise individuals who had already been identified by Canadian provinces and territories as meeting critical regional labour market needs. By issuing invitations exclusively to PNP candidates, IRCC ensured that skilled workers aligned with local economic priorities could transition to permanent residence more efficiently.
The high CRS cut-off reflects the additional points awarded for provincial nominations, highlighting the importance of this pathway in addressing workforce gaps and promoting balanced economic growth across Canada.
Purpose Behind the PNP-Focused Selection
Provincial Nominee Program draws are designed to give provinces and territories greater control over immigration outcomes. Through nomination streams tailored to local needs, provinces can directly select candidates for sectors facing acute shortages, including healthcare, construction, skilled trades, transportation, technology, and manufacturing.
This province-driven approach works alongside federal programs such as the Canadian Experience Class, which focuses on retaining temporary residents already contributing to the Canadian economy.
By alternating between PNP and CEC draws, IRCC can address both immediate labour shortages and long-term regional workforce planning objectives, ensuring immigration levels remain responsive and targeted.
Impact on Canada’s Immigration Landscape
The January 20 draw highlights several trends shaping Canada’s immigration system in 2026:
Provincial nominations continue to be one of the strongest pathways to permanent residence under Express Entry, particularly for candidates whose core CRS scores may not be competitive in general or category-based draws. The continued use of high-volume CEC draws alongside PNP-specific rounds also suggests IRCC is maintaining flexibility in how it meets annual immigration targets.
Large CEC draws help reduce the backlog of temporary residents seeking permanent status, while PNP draws ensure provinces remain competitive in attracting skilled workers aligned with regional needs. As higher-scoring candidates exit the Express Entry pool after receiving invitations, competition within the pool may gradually ease, potentially improving prospects for mid-range candidates in upcoming draws.
With Canada continuing to rely on economic immigration to support growth and address demographic pressures, further Express Entry activity is expected throughout 2026, with targeted selections remaining central to the system.