IRCC CONDUCTED THE FIRST EXPRESS ENTRY DRAW OF 2026
Canada’s immigration system has officially inaugurated its 2026 operations with a targeted approach, issuing 574 new invitations to candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). With a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score of 711 points, this first draw of the year signals a notable adjustment, coming in 20 points lower than the previous PNP-specific round. This reduction reflects IRCC's continued flexibility in balancing high standards with the need to meet regional labour shortages.
The latest data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) underscores the federal government's renewed commitment to empowering Canada's provinces and territories. By prioritizing candidates who have already secured a provincial nomination, the system reinforces the vital role regional economies play in the national growth strategy, ensuring that new permanent residents are distributed effectively across the country to where they are needed most.
Key Express Entry Results for January 2026
Invitation round #389 recorded:
574 new Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued in the first draw of the year.
574 total invitations issued so far in 2026.
CRS cut-off score: 711 points, marking a 20-point decrease compared to the last PNP draw.
Tie-breaking rule: October 06, 2025, at 01:54:31 UTC.
High participation from candidates aligning with specific regional economic needs.
Category Performance and Statistics:
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
10,898 ITAs were granted to PNP candidates throughout 2025, setting a strong precedent for the current year.
Strategic focus remains on candidates who have demonstrated the specific skills required by local labour markets, effectively decentralizing immigration benefits.
Express Entry Pool Statistics
236,554 profiles were registered in the pool as of January 4, 2026, indicating sustained high demand for Canadian permanent residency.
58 invitation rounds were successfully completed in 2025, resulting in 113,998 total candidates invited last year.
The continued volume of profiles suggests that competition remains robust, though the PNP pathway provides a distinct advantage through the 600-point nomination bonus.
Sectors Driving Demand for PNP Candidates
The Government of Canada continues to benefit from the integration of candidates selected by provinces to address critical local shortages in:
Healthcare and Social Assistance: Provinces continue to heavily nominate nurses, physicians, and support workers to bolster local healthcare systems facing demographic pressures.
Technology and Innovation: Regional tech hubs in provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta are driving demand for software engineers and IT consultants via specific tech streams.
Skilled Trades and Construction: To support provincial housing targets and infrastructure development, there is an accelerated demand for electricians, carpenters, and welders. These draws align closely with regional immigration strategies that prioritize skilled workers capable of immediate economic contribution.
Why PNP Remains an Attractive Pathway for Skilled Workers
The Provincial Nominee Program offers distinct advantages for candidates in the pool:
✔ Guaranteed ITA: A provincial nomination adds 600 points to a candidate's score, effectively guaranteeing an invitation in the next round.
✔ Regional Stability: Provides a clear pathway to settle in specific communities with established support networks.
✔ Work Permit Support: Many streams offer letters of support for work permit extensions while PR is processing.
✔ Lower Core CRS Needs: Candidates with lower core human capital scores can still succeed if their skills match a specific provincial need.
✔ Tailored Streams: Immigration pathways aligned with niche industries and local labour demands.
This structure makes the PNP category the preferred choice for candidates who may not meet the high cut-offs of general rounds but possess skills highly valued by specific provinces.
Canada Enters 2026 with Strategic Immigration Momentum
With 574 new invitees and a fresh operational calendar, the Express Entry system is well-positioned for a dynamic 2026. IRCC’s decision to open the year with a PNP draw highlights the country’s focus on regional economic resilience and the critical need for skilled labour distributed across all provinces.
Global Opportunities can help evaluate your eligibility for Canada’s immigration pathways, identify the right provincial programs for your profile, and prepare a competitive application for the Express Entry system.