Getting that golden invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence just got real for 681 more people.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) dropped fresh invitations on January 20, 2026, and this time, they’re going after Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates. If you’ve been refreshing your Express Entry profile hoping for good news, here’s what went down.
The Numbers That Matter
The latest draw wasn’t massive, but it was targeted. IRCC handed out 681 invitations to apply (ITAs) specifically to PNP candidates. But here’s the catch – you needed a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 746 or higher to make the cut.
That’s pretty steep, right? For context, PNP candidates get an automatic 600-point boost to their CRS score once nominated by a province. So even with that massive advantage, the competition remains tight.
There was another requirement too: candidates had to create their Express Entry profile before 4:09 a.m. UTC on November 19, 2025. This tie-breaker rule kicks in when multiple candidates have identical CRS scores.
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How 2026 Is Shaping Up
We’re barely three weeks into the year, and IRCC has already conducted three Express Entry draws. That’s actually encouraging if you’re waiting in the pool.
Here’s the breakdown so far:
- January 5: PNP draw invited 574 candidates with a CRS cutoff of 711
- January 7: Canadian Experience Class draw invited 8,000 candidates with a CRS cutoff of 511
- January 20: PNP draw invited 681 candidates with a CRS cutoff of 746
Total invitations issued in January? A solid 9,255 ITAs. Not bad for the first month.
Who’s Getting Priority?
IRCC is making it pretty obvious who they want: people already in Canada or those who’ve proven they can integrate into the Canadian job market.
Two out of three draws have targeted PNP candidates – folks who’ve already been vetted and nominated by a specific province. The other draw focused on Canadian Experience Class candidates who’ve already worked in Canada.
Zero draws for general Federal Skilled Worker candidates so far. If you’re applying from outside Canada without a provincial nomination, you might be waiting a while.
Why January Matters
January is historically a busy month for Express Entry. IRCC knows that most people who receive ITAs now won’t actually land in Canada until summer at the earliest.
There’s a processing lag – applications need to be submitted, documents verified, background checks completed. The whole process typically takes at least six months, sometimes longer depending on your country of residence and application complexity.
By issuing invitations early in the year, IRCC ensures these successful applicants count toward their 2026 immigration targets when they finally arrive in Canada.
What This Means for You
If you’re a PNP candidate: Keep your profile active and updated. With two PNP draws already this month and relatively high CRS cutoffs (711 and 746), having that provincial nomination is more valuable than ever. The rising cutoff scores suggest increased competition even among nominated candidates.
If you’re banking on Canadian Experience Class: The January 7 draw with 8,000 invitations and a 511 cutoff was generous. More CEC draws are likely coming throughout 2026, so keep building that Canadian work experience.
If you’re outside Canada: Consider provincial nomination programs seriously. Without that 600-point boost or Canadian work experience, it’s extremely tough to compete in 2026’s Express Entry landscape.
Looking Ahead
IRCC hasn’t announced specific draw schedules for 2026, but based on patterns from previous years and early 2026 trends, we can expect:
- More frequent draws in Q1 to meet annual targets
- Continued strong focus on PNP and CEC candidates
- Possible category-based draws for specific occupations in healthcare, trades, technology, or STEM fields
- Potentially higher CRS cutoffs as the Express Entry pool continues to grow
The immigration landscape changes fast. CRS cutoffs fluctuate based on how many candidates are in the pool and what IRCC’s priorities are for any given month.
Pro tip: Don’t wait for a general draw if you qualify for a provincial nomination. Most provinces have their own streams that align with Express Entry. Research which province matches your profile and apply directly to their PNP. Popular options include Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities Stream, British Columbia’s Tech draws, and Alberta’s Opportunity Stream.
2026 Immigration Targets
This year’s immigration levels plan targets significant numbers of new permanent residents, with a substantial portion coming through Express Entry and provincial programs. The competition is real, but so are the opportunities for qualified candidates.
Keep your documents ready, your profile polished, and your expectations realistic. That ITA could be just one draw away.
