Canada continues to prioritize candidates nominated by provinces and territories to meet specific regional labour market needs. In the latest Express Entry round, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) focused exclusively on candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), one of the strongest pathways to permanent residence for skilled workers aligned with provincial priorities.
On January 20, 2026, IRCC conducted Express Entry Draw #391, issuing 681 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence to candidates who had received a provincial nomination. As expected for a PNP-only draw, the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score was high at 746, reflecting the additional 600 CRS points awarded through provincial nomination.
Express Entry Draw Results, January 20, 2026
Program: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Number of Invitations Issued: 681
Minimum CRS Score: 746
Rank Required: 681 or above
Date & Time of Round: January 20, 2026 at 12:31:58 UTC
Tie-Breaking Rule: November 19, 2025 at 04:09:11 UTC
Under IRCC’s tie-breaking rule, candidates with a CRS score of 746 were invited only if they had submitted their Express Entry profile on or before November 19, 2025, at 04:09:11 UTC.
Why This PNP Draw Matters
Provincial Nominee Program draws play a critical role in Canada’s immigration strategy by allowing provinces and territories to select candidates who best meet their economic and demographic needs. This draw helps to:
- Address specific regional and sectoral labour shortages
- Support balanced population growth across Canada
- Retain skilled workers already connected to provinces through employment or settlement ties
- Strengthen local economies with targeted talent selection
Candidates nominated through a province benefit from a significant CRS boost, making permanent residence through Express Entry highly achievable once a nomination is secured.
Express Entry Snapshot, Provincial Nominee Program
| Draw Date | Invitations Issued | Minimum CRS Score |
|---|---|---|
| January 20, 2026 | 681 | 746 |
This latest PNP draw reinforces IRCC’s continued reliance on provinces as key partners in selecting immigrants who can contribute immediately and long term to Canada’s economic growth.
🎉 Congratulations to the 681 candidates who received Invitations to Apply!
If you’re aiming for Canadian permanent residence and exploring provincial nomination options, aligning your profile with provincial labour market needs can be a game-changer.
