[Published
06 Jan, 2026 | 06:50 AM]
About Author -
2 min read
562
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted the first Express Entry draw of the year. This is the PNP-specific Express Entry stream for candidates seeking Canadian PR.
Last month, IRCC issued two PNP-specific draws, inviting 1,522 candidates. In the previous year, they invited 10,898 candidates across 24 draws. In total, Canada issued 1,13,998 invitation to apply (ITAs) to applicants seeking Canadian PR.
Check Your Eligibility for Canada PR!
The Express Entry latest draw was announced on January 05, 2026. IRCC issued 574 ITAs through the PNP-specific draw, with a minimum CRS score of 711 to be eligible for an invitation.
If more than one candidate has the lowest score, the cut-off is determined by the date and time of their Express Entry profile submission.
For applicants, the first Express Entry draw of 2026 is a significant win, especially for those aligned with regional labour market needs. By focusing on the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), IRCC is providing candidates already nominated by provinces with a faster, more direct pathway to permanent residence.
This draw significantly benefits candidates by aligning with the new Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028, under which the PNP targets nearly doubled to 91,500 admissions in 2026.
A provincial nomination award gives candidates an additional 600 CRS points, which virtually guarantees an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in a PNP-specific Express Entry draw and reduces reliance on fluctuating general draw cut-offs.
This draw also reflects IRCC’s continued shift toward prioritizing “in-Canada” pathways. As the government works to reduce the temporary resident population to 5% by 2027, PNP draws are expected to focus on individuals who are already contributing to local economies.
For applicants, securing a provincial nomination in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, STEM, and skilled trades remains one of the most reliable pathways to permanent residence.
Source: canada.ca
Related Posts
Check Your Eligibility In 60 Seconds!
Comments
We welcome your feedback
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *