Canada continues to prioritize provincially nominated candidates through the Express Entry system, reinforcing the important role provinces and territories play in meeting regional labour market needs. In the first Express Entry draw of 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)–specific round of invitations.
On January 5, 2026, IRCC issued 574 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence under Ministerial Instructions #389. As expected for a PNP-only draw, the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off was high, reflecting the 600-point boost awarded to candidates nominated by a Canadian province or territory.
Express Entry Draw Results – January 5, 2026
Program: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Number of Invitations Issued: 574
Minimum CRS Score: 711
Rank Required: 574 or above
Date & Time of Round: January 05, 2026 at 13:51:42 UTC
Tie-Breaking Rule: October 06, 2025 at 01:54:31 UTC
Under IRCC’s tie-breaking rule, candidates with a CRS score of 711 were invited only if they had submitted their Express Entry profile on or before October 06, 2025, at 01:54:31 UTC.
Why This Provincial Nominee Program Draw Matters
Provincial Nominee Program draws remain a cornerstone of Canada’s economic immigration strategy. By selecting candidates already nominated by provinces, IRCC ensures newcomers are well-positioned to integrate quickly into regional labour markets.
This draw helps Canada to:
- Address specific provincial and regional labour shortages
- Support economic growth outside major metropolitan areas
- Strengthen province-led immigration planning
- Retain skilled workers with strong ties to local communities
- Align federal immigration selection with regional priorities
The CRS cut-off of 711 is consistent with recent PNP-only draws, where most invited candidates rely on their provincial nomination to secure an ITA.
Express Entry Snapshot – Provincial Nominee Program
| Draw Date | Invitations Issued | Minimum CRS Score |
|---|---|---|
| January 5, 2026 | 574 | 711 |
This round highlights IRCC’s continued use of program-specific Express Entry draws to balance federal and provincial immigration objectives while maintaining a targeted approach to permanent residence selection.
Congratulations to the 574 candidates who received invitations!
Your provincial nomination has brought you one step closer to becoming a Canadian permanent resident.
