January 7, 2026 – Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has launched the new year with its first Express Entry draw on January 5, 2026, issuing 574 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) exclusively to candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This marks the beginning of Express Entry selections under the stabilized 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, emphasizing targeted pathways for economic immigration.
Draw Details
- Date: January 5, 2026
- Draw Number: #389 (overall)
- Program: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)-specific
- Invitations Issued: 574
- Minimum CRS Score: 711
- Tie-Breaking Rule: Profiles submitted before October 6, 2025, at 01:54:31 UTC
The high CRS cutoff of 711 is typical for PNP draws, as a provincial nomination automatically adds 600 points to a candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, making nominated profiles highly competitive.
Why Start with a PNP Draw?
This opening draw aligns with Canada’s increased focus on the PNP in 2026. Under the new Immigration Levels Plan:
- PNP targets rise significantly to 91,500 nominations in 2026 (up from previous projections).
- Provinces gain more allocations to address local labor shortages, skills gaps, and regional economic needs.
Starting the year with a PNP-focused round signals IRCC’s commitment to provincial priorities while managing overall permanent resident admissions at a stable 380,000 annually.
Implications for Immigrants Already in Canada
For temporary residents and workers already in Canada the key demographic for many immigration services this draw underscores strong in-Canada pathways:
- Many PNP streams prioritize candidates with Canadian work experience, ties to the province, or job offers.
- Combined with anticipated Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws and one-time transitions for temporary workers, opportunities for transitioning to PR remain robust.
What to Expect Next in 2026 Express Entry Draws
IRCC is expected to continue category-based selections, with upcoming highlights including:
- Increased French-language proficiency draws to meet rising Francophone targets (9% outside Quebec in 2026).
- Launch of the new Physicians with Canadian work experience category in early 2026, targeting healthcare professionals.
- More frequent CEC and PNP rounds to support in-Canada applicants.
Total ITAs projected for 2026: Approximately 117,000, with a shift toward economic and skilled categories.
If you’re in the Express Entry pool or considering a profile, monitor CRS trends and explore PNP options. Invited candidates have 60 days to submit a complete PR application.
Let Worldbridge Immigration Services be your guide to a successful future in Canada
Contact us:
Website: www.theworldbridge.ca
Email: info@theworldbridge.ca
Phone/WhatsApp: +1-416-727-7766
Social media: @worldbridgeHQ
