Latest PNP Express Entry Draw Invites 681 Candidates in 2026
Express Entry Update: 681 Provincial Nominee Program Candidates Invited in Latest Draw
- IRCC invited 681 PNP candidates to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry
- Candidates needed a minimum CRS score of 746 to qualify
- This was the third Express Entry draw of 2026 and the second focused on PNP
- IRCC has issued a total of 9,255 ITAs in January 2026 so far
- Major focus remains on Canadian Experience Class and Provincial Nominee Program candidates
- More Express Entry draws are expected as IRCC works toward 2026 immigration targets
It’s been a busy start to the year for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and the latest Express Entry draw continues that momentum. On January 8, 2026, IRCC invited 681 candidates through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)-specific draw — a sign that the government is continuing to prioritize candidates who already have ties to Canadian provinces and the labour market.
If you’re interested in Canadian immigration and wondering how these Express Entry draws affect your chances, let’s walk through everything you need to know about this latest round, what it means for the rest of the year, and how it ties into broader immigration trends.
Details of the January 8 Express Entry Draw
In this most recent draw, IRCC issued 681 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to PNP candidates. In order to be eligible, candidates had to:
- Have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 746
- Have created their Express Entry profile before 4:09 a.m. UTC on November 19, 2025
This draw continues the trend of higher CRS cut-offs when it comes to PNP-specific draws. Why so high? Well, candidates nominated by a province receive an additional 600 points added to their CRS score — giving them a considerable advantage in the pool.
Express Entry Draws So Far in 2026
This PNP draw is already the third Express Entry draw of the year, and the second one to focus specifically on Provincial Nominee Program candidates. Here’s a quick overview of how Express Entry activity has shaped up in January 2026:
| Draw Date | Draw Type | CRS Cut-off Score | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 7 | Canadian Experience Class | 511 | 8,000 |
| January 5 | Provincial Nominee Program | 711 | 574 |
| January 8 | Provincial Nominee Program | 746 | 681 |
So far, IRCC has issued a total of 9,255 ITAs this year. The breakdown looks like this:
| Draw Type | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class | 8,000 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 1,255 |
This early activity is a strong indicator that 2026 is shaping up to be an active year in immigration — especially for those who already live or work in Canada, or who have been nominated by a province.
Why Are PNP and CEC Draws Being Prioritized?
IRCC’s focus on Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Program draws isn’t random. These categories target candidates who are more likely to integrate smoothly into Canadian society and the workforce. Here’s why they’re getting attention:
- CEC candidates already have Canadian work experience, which means they’ve proven they can succeed in the Canadian labour market.
- PNP candidates have been selected by a province based on local labour needs, making them a strategic fit for regional economic goals.
Plus, with immigration targets continuing to grow, IRCC is aiming to land more permanent residents who are already in Canada or well-positioned to succeed once they arrive.
What This Means for Express Entry Candidates
If you’re in the Express Entry pool or considering applying soon, this draw gives a few clues about what to expect:
- High CRS scores are still needed for PNP draws — largely because of the 600-point provincial nomination boost.
- CEC draws might offer lower CRS thresholds (like January 7’s draw at 511), so having Canadian work experience can be a valuable asset.
- January is a busy month — traditionally, IRCC ramps up invitation activity early in the year to hit annual landing targets.
It’s also worth noting that there’s usually a lag between when an ITA is issued and when a candidate actually becomes a permanent resident. This timeline includes preparing and submitting your application, getting it processed, and then officially landing in Canada. That whole process can take six months or more.
Considering the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?
If your CRS score isn’t quite high enough to get an ITA through a general draw, looking into a PNP might be a great move. Each province has its own programs and criteria, and many are actively seeking skilled workers in key sectors like healthcare, tech, and trades.
For example, if you’re interested in moving to Manitoba, you can use our Manitoba PNP points calculator to check your eligibility and see how competitive you are.
Final Thoughts: Stay Ready and Informed
With more Express Entry draws expected in the coming weeks, now’s the time to make sure your profile is up to date and as competitive as possible. Whether you’re already in Canada or applying from abroad, understanding which programs you qualify for — and how to boost your CRS score — can make all the difference.
Ready to see where you stand? Use our internal tools to assess your profile and start planning your path to permanent residence.
Check your Express Entry eligibility now
And don’t forget to keep an eye on our blog for the latest updates on Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, and all things Canadian immigration.
