First Express Entry Draw Of 2026 Issues 574 PR Invitations

Last Updated On 5 January 2026, 2:58 PM EST (Toronto Time)

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted the first Express Entry draw of 2026 on January 5.

This draw issued 574 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence, targeting candidates with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 711.

For aspiring immigrants worldwide, this event underscores the competitive nature of Canada’s Express Entry system, where core CRS scores as low as 111 with strategic pathways like provincial nominations (an additional 600 points) can make all the difference.

In this comprehensive article, we’ll break down the details of the draw and the latest CRS score distribution in the pool and provide an in-depth guide to the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), including how to secure a nomination that could skyrocket your chances of success.

Detailed Breakdown of January 5 Express Entry Draw

Program: Provincial Nominee Program
Date and time: January 5, 2026
CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 711
Number of invitations issued: 574
Rank needed: 574 or above
Tie-breaking rule: October 06, 2025 at 01:54:31 UTC

If multiple candidates shared the lowest score, invitations went to those who submitted their profiles earliest, with the cutoff set at October 6, 2025, at 01:54:31 UTC.

Let’s hope for a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Express Entry draw tomorrow.

Changes To CRS Score Distribution In The Pool

To give you a clearer picture, here’s the CRS score distribution in the Express Entry pool as of January 4, 2026, just a day before the draw and comparison:

CRS score range	Number of candidates (Jan 4, 2026)	Number of candidates (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
441-450	14,139	13,992	147
431-440	14,285	14,244	41
421-430	12,816	12,750	66
411-420	12,442	12,367	75
401-410	11,438	13,595	-2,157
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

Looking at the distribution, over 70,000 candidates are in the 451-500 range, forming a competitive mid-tier.

The 559 in the 601-1200 bracket likely include many with nominations, as a PNP adds 600 points instantly.

The Provincial Nominee Program: A Game-Changer for Express Entry

The PNP allows Canadian provinces and territories (except Quebec and Nunavut) to nominate immigrants who meet their specific economic needs, such as skilled workers or entrepreneurs willing to settle there.

This program addresses regional labour shortages, from Alberta’s energy sector to Nova Scotia’s fisheries.

Essentially, the PNP is a partnership between federal and provincial governments. Provinces set their own criteria and nomination quotas, nominating candidates who can contribute to local economies.

Once nominated, you gain a massive advantage in Express Entry: 600 additional CRS points, often pushing scores into the higher range and virtually guaranteeing an ITA.

There are two main streams: Express Entry-linked and non-Express Entry-linked.

In the linked stream, you apply to a province while in the Express Entry pool; nomination boosts your CRS instantly.

The non-linked stream involves direct application to the province, followed by a separate federal PR application.

Benefits are immense. Beyond the points boost, a nomination ties you to a province, offering targeted job opportunities and settlement support.

It also fast-tracks processing—Express Entry PNPs take about six months. For regions like British Columbia or Ontario, PNPs fill gaps in tech, healthcare, and trades.

Eligibility varies by province but generally requires skills aligning with local demands, work experience, education, language proficiency, and intent to reside there.

For example, you might need a job offer or ties to the province.

Provinces select based on economic priorities, using points systems or first-come-first-served.

Recent data shows PNPs accounting for a growing share of economic immigrants, with over 91,500 nominations allocated under Canada’s levels plan for 2025.

As of January 2026, no major updates have altered the core structure, though processing times may extend due to high volumes.

How to Get a Provincial Nomination: Step-by-Step Guide

Securing a provincial nomination isn’t automatic, but with strategy, it’s attainable. Here’s how to navigate the process:

Research Provinces and Streams: Start by identifying provinces where your skills fit. Use official websites to explore programs. For instance, Alberta’s Opportunity Stream targets workers already in the province, while Saskatchewan’s International Skilled Worker category uses a points grid.
Check Eligibility: Review requirements. Most demand at least one year of skilled experience (NOC level 0, A, or B), language skills (CLB 4-7 varying by stream), and settlement funds. Some, like Manitoba’s Skilled Worker Overseas, prioritize connections like family.
Choose Your Path: Decide between Express Entry-linked (faster, points boost) or non-linked (direct to province). For linked, ensure you qualify for a federal program first.
Apply to the Province: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) or direct application. Provide documents like resumes, language tests, ECAs, and proof of ties. Fees range from $0 to $1,500 per province.
Await Nomination: Provinces review and nominate suitable candidates. If selected, you’ll receive a nomination certificate.
Apply for PR: With ITA in hand, submit your full application to IRCC, including police certificates and medicals.

Tips for success: Tailor your application to show economic impact. Build connections—attend job fairs or use platforms like LinkedIn.

Monitor openings, as some streams fill quickly. Avoid common pitfalls like incomplete documents or mismatched skills.

Processing times: Expect 1-6 months for nomination, then 1-6 months at the federal stage under Express Entry.

The first Express Entry draw of 2026, issuing 574 ITAs at a CRS of 711, sets an exciting tone. While competitive, pathways like PNP offer hope.

By understanding the system and pursuing nominations, you can join Canada’s vibrant mosaic.

Start today—create your profile, research provinces, and aim high. Your Canadian future awaits.

PNP Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can a provincial nomination be revoked after it is issued?

Yes, provinces can withdraw a nomination if they discover misrepresentation, false documents, or if the applicant no longer meets program conditions. Common triggers include quitting a job tied to the nomination, failing to show intent to reside in the nominating province, or providing inconsistent information between provincial and federal applications.

Does accepting a provincial nomination legally bind me to live in that province forever?

Yes and No, a nomination reflects intent at the time of application, not a permanent legal obligation. After becoming a permanent resident, mobility rights under the Canadian Charter apply. However, moving immediately after landing can raise concerns if authorities believe the original intent was misrepresented.

Are PNP selection decisions influenced by federal immigration targets?

Indirectly, yes, while provinces set their own criteria, federal nomination allocations cap how many candidates each province can nominate annually. When allocations are tight, provinces tend to prioritize candidates with stronger economic impact, such as higher wages, in-demand occupations, or long-term settlement potential.

Satinder Bains

Satinder brings expertise, knowledge, and experience related to internal work flows at IRCC. She worked at Canadian Consulate in Chandigarh before moving to Canada. Her articles on “Chinook – An internal IRCC tool used to bulk process temporary applications” was one of the notable work on our news website