IRCC issues 423 invitations in latest PNP Express Entry draw

IRCC issues 423 invitations in latest PNP Express Entry draw

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted another round of invitations under the Express Entry system, continuing its 2026 pattern of draws targeting candidates with provincial nominations or Canadian work experience.

The January draw saw 423 invitations to apply (ITAs) issued to candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), marking the fifth Express Entry selection of the year. Candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 749 and needed to have submitted their profile before 10:30 p.m. UTC on December 16, 2025.

• 423 invitations issued through the Express Entry PNP stream
• Minimum CRS score: 749
• Profiles created before December 16, 2025, at 10:30 p.m. UTC
• Fifth Express Entry draw of 2026
• IRCC continues focus on in-Canada and nominated candidates
• Total of 19,478 ITAs issued so far this year

Overview of the 2026 Express Entry draws

Since the start of 2026, IRCC has held five Express Entry draws, alternating between the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and the PNP categories. The latest round continues a trend of prioritising candidates with a strong connection to Canada through either provincial nomination or domestic work experience.

Earlier draws this year included two CEC rounds and two PNP rounds, with cut-off scores ranging from 509 to 746. The largest draw so far occurred on January 21, when 6,000 CEC candidates were invited.

Summary of recent draws

Focus on provincial and Canadian-based candidates

IRCC’s early 2026 draw pattern reflects a continued emphasis on candidates already contributing to the Canadian economy, either through provincial nomination or established work experience. Each provincial nomination adds 600 points to a candidate’s CRS score, significantly increasing the likelihood of receiving an invitation.

Provinces such as Manitoba, through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), continue to nominate candidates aligned with local labour market needs. These nominations are then processed through the federal Express Entry system for permanent residence consideration.

Distribution of invitations to date

Across the five draws held this year, IRCC has invited 19,478 candidates. The majority—14,000 invitations—were extended under the Canadian Experience Class, while 1,255 went to PNP candidates.

Background on the Express Entry system

Express Entry is Canada’s online system for managing skilled worker immigration applications under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class. Provincial nominees who meet the criteria for these streams can also be considered through aligned draws.

Applicants are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System, which evaluates age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. Regular draws invite top-ranked candidates to apply for permanent residence.

Ongoing immigration priorities

The 2026 draw schedule appears consistent with IRCC’s broader approach to maintain immigration levels while addressing regional labour shortages. Provinces continue to use their nominee programs to target high-demand sectors, with the federal department issuing invitations accordingly.

While category-based draws were a feature of 2025, early 2026 has focused exclusively on PNP and CEC candidates, indicating an operational emphasis on processing in-country applicants and provincial nominees.

Public significance

These draws are central to Canada’s strategy for admitting skilled workers who are already integrated into provincial or national labour markets. By maintaining regular selection rounds, IRCC ensures that provinces such as Manitoba, Ontario, and Alberta can align immigration with workforce requirements.

Further Express Entry draws are expected to continue throughout 2026, with invitations issued according to Canada’s annual immigration levels plan.

For additional updates on federal and provincial immigration draws, explore related coverage in the Canadian immigration news section.