Canada’s First 2026 Express Entry Draw Stuns With 711 CRS — Is This Your Shortcut to PR?

On January 5, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its first Express Entry draw of the year, issuing 574 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence. This draw specifically targeted candidates with provincial nominations, reflecting Canada’s ongoing emphasis on regional immigration and labour market needs.

Let’s examine the key details of this draw, what the latest CRS score trends suggest about competition, and how the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) can provide a vital pathway to permanent residence in Canada.

First Express Entry Draw of 2026 Focuses on PNP Candidates

The first Express Entry draw of 2026 was conducted on January 5 and invited 574 candidates who had Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nominations. This draw continued Canada’s strategic approach of encouraging region-specific immigration through provincial partnerships.

Here is the official breakdown of the draw:

Field	Details
Program	Provincial Nominee Program
Date	January 5, 2026
Lowest CRS score	711
Number of ITAs issued	574
Tie-breaking rule	October 6, 2025 at 01:54:31 UTC

This was a targeted draw for candidates who already had a provincial nomination, which automatically grants 600 additional CRS points. The fact that the cut-off CRS was 711 means that some invitees had a base CRS score as low as 111—further proving how impactful a provincial nomination can be in Canada’s immigration process.

CRS Score Distribution Reveals Competitive Trends

Canada’s Express Entry pool continues to be highly competitive, particularly in the 451–500 CRS range. The latest pool statistics from January 4, 2026 vs December 14, 2025 show significant movement in key score bands:

CRS Range	Jan 4, 2026	Dec 14, 2025	Change
601-1200	559	390	+169
501-600	21,013	21,792	-779
451-500	70,523	68,700	+1,823
491-500	12,873	12,315	+558
481-490	12,499	12,149	+350
471-480	15,435	14,859	+576
461-470	14,881	14,535	+346
451-460	14,835	14,842	-7
401-450	65,120	66,948	-1,828
351-400	52,469	52,574	-105
301-350	18,745	18,829	-84
0-300	8,125	8,069	+56
Total	236,554	237,302	-748

The 70,000+ candidates in the 451–500 range face intense competition. For these candidates, without a nomination, getting an ITA in general draws can be extremely challenging.

However, the 601+ CRS band, which includes PNP nominees, is growing. This signals the strategic importance of provincial nominations as a way to rise above the dense mid-range competition.

Why Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) Matter More Than Ever

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) remains one of the most important routes to Canadian permanent residence in 2026. Through this program, Canadian provinces and territories (except Quebec and Nunavut) can nominate skilled immigrants to fill local labour shortages.

Key Benefits of the PNP Route:

• 600 extra CRS points (guaranteed boost)
• Faster processing through Express Entry PNP streams (~6 months)
• Targeted selection based on local employer needs
• Settlement support from provincial agencies

Two Types of PNP Streams: What You Need to Know

PNP pathways are generally divided into two types:

Stream Type	Description
Express Entry-linked	For candidates already in the Express Entry pool who get nominated.
Non-Express Entry	Direct applications to the province, outside of Express Entry.

The Express Entry-linked PNP is faster, and once nominated, the 600-point boost practically ensures an ITA in the next PNP-specific draw.

PNP Allocations for 2025–2026: Bigger Than Ever

According to Canada’s 2025 Immigration Levels Plan, 91,500 allocations have been reserved for PNPs. This makes the PNP the largest economic immigration pathway in Canada.

For candidates with lower CRS scores or occupation-specific skills in demand at the regional level, PNPs are the key to success.

Step-by-Step Guide to Secure a Provincial Nomination

Here’s how you can increase your chances of securing a nomination:

1. Research Provinces and Their PNP Streams

Identify where your occupation is in demand.
Examples:

• Alberta’s Opportunity Stream
• Ontario Human Capital Priorities Stream
• BC Tech Pilot

2. Check Eligibility Requirements

Most PNPs require:

• Work experience under NOC 0, A, or B
• Language proficiency (CLB 4–7)
• Settlement funds
• Ties to the province (job offers, education, or relatives)

3. Choose the Right Path

• Express Entry-linked for faster processing
• Non-linked streams if you have strong provincial ties

4. Submit an Application to the Province

You may need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) or a direct application with:

• Updated resume
• Language test (IELTS/CELPIP)
• ECA (Education Credential Assessment)
• Proof of ties (job offer, relatives, study)

5. Receive a Nomination

Once approved, you receive a Nomination Certificate.

6. Apply for Permanent Residence

With a nomination, submit your ITA application via IRCC and wait for processing.

Processing Times at a Glance

Stage	Approximate Timeline
PNP Nomination	1–6 months (varies by province)
PR through Express Entry	~6 months post-ITA

Why This Draw Matters for 2026 Aspirants

The January 5, 2026 draw sent a strong message: If your CRS is low, a provincial nomination could be your ticket to Canada.

With CRS scores in the general pool hovering above 470–500, the only realistic option for many applicants is securing a nomination—where even a score of 111 can become 711 with a nomination.

This draw also reflects IRCC’s shift toward regionally responsive immigration, ensuring local labour markets are supported.

FAQs

1. What was the CRS cut-off in the January 5, 2026 Express Entry draw?

The CRS cut-off was 711, and only candidates with provincial nominations were invited.

2. Can I get invited to Express Entry with a CRS score below 470?

Yes, with a provincial nomination adding 600 points, even candidates with low CRS scores (e.g., 111) can receive an ITA.

3. How long does it take to get PR after receiving a PNP nomination?

The process can take approximately 6 months after receiving the nomination and submitting your PR application through Express Entry.

4. What are the benefits of applying through a PNP?

PNPs offer a 600 CRS boost, targeted selection for your occupation, faster processing, and local settlement support.

5. Which provinces have active PNPs under Express Entry?

Most provinces, including Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan, have Express Entry-linked PNP streams.