Canada Starts 2026 with Its First Express Entry Draw
Canada has officially opened the 2026 immigration year by conducting its first Express Entry draw. In this round, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada issued 681 Invitations to Apply to candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program.
The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score required for this draw was 746, reflecting the highly competitive nature of Provincial Nominee Program selections. This draw highlights Canada’s continued focus on meeting regional labour market needs through provincial nominations.
This draw, known as Draw 391, applied a tie-breaking rule based on profile submission date. Candidates with the same CRS score were only invited if they had submitted their Express Entry profiles before 19 November 2025 at 04:09:11 UTC.
Invited candidates now have 60 days to submit their complete permanent residence applications. Most applications under Express Entry are processed within the standard six-month timeframe once submitted.
Why CRS Scores Are High in PNP Draws
Provincial Nominee Program draws usually have higher CRS cut-off scores because candidates receive an automatic 600-point boost after securing a provincial nomination. As a result, these draws are more targeted and selective compared to general Express Entry rounds.
Key highlights from this draw include:
• Date: 20 January 2026
• Program: Provincial Nominee Program
• Invitations issued: 681
• CRS cut-off score: 746
Immigration experts expect Canada to resume general Express Entry draws and category-based selections in the coming weeks, following this targeted start to the year.
What This Means for Employers
Canadian employers facing labour shortages are encouraged to explore Provincial Nominee Programs or Labour Market Impact Assessment pathways to recruit and retain foreign workers. These options provide stronger long-term workforce stability and improve chances of permanent residence for skilled employees.
What Candidates Should Do Next
For candidates in the Express Entry pool, securing a provincial nomination or a valid job offer remains one of the most effective ways to increase CRS scores and receive an invitation. Preparing documents early and choosing the right immigration pathway can make a significant difference in success.