681 ITAs issued with CRS Cutoff of 746

On January 20, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)-only Canada PNP Express Entry Draw 2026 issuing 681 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence.

This draw once again highlights a key trend for early 2026: provincial nominations are one of the fastest and most reliable pathways to Canadian permanent residence.

Key Details of the Canada PNP Express Entry Draw 2026

• Program: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

• Date & Time: January 20, 2026

• Invitations Issued: 681

• Minimum CRS Score: 746

• Tie-Breaking Rule: November 19, 2025 at 04:09:11 UTC

Why Was the CRS Cutoff So High?

At first glance, a CRS score of 746 may seem extremely high. However, it is important to understand how PNP-only draws work.

• A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points to a candidate’s Express Entry profile.

• This means the actual minimum core CRS score (without nomination points) was approximately 146.

In simple terms, the high cutoff reflects nomination points, not unusually high human capital scores. This is why PNP draws consistently show CRS cutoffs well above regular Express Entry rounds.

Strong Signals for 2026: PNP Is a Priority Pathway

This draw confirms that Canada’s permanent residence system is increasingly favoring candidates aligned with provincial labour market needs.

For many applicants in 2026, success will not come solely from improving age points, education, or language scores. Instead, it will come from:

• Targeting the right provinces

• Meeting provincial nomination criteria

• Being prepared for short intake windows and sudden Notifications of Interest (NOIs)

Once nominated, the additional 600 CRS points effectively fast-track candidates to the top of the Express Entry pool.

CRS Score Distribution in the Express Entry Pool

(As of January 20, 2026)

Total candidates in the pool: 236,443

Note: Candidates with CRS scores above 600 are typically those holding provincial nominations.

What to Expect Next in Canada PNP Express Entry Draw 2026

There is growing anticipation of a French-language proficiency Express Entry draw, expected as early as January 21, 2026. IRCC has already signaled strong federal support for French-speaking immigration outside Quebec in 2026.

Common Reasons PNP Applications Are Refused or Delayed

Even eligible candidates can face refusals or delays due to documentation issues, including:

• Employer reference letters that do not match declared job duties or dates

• Missing proof of work hours, salary, or employment continuity

• Expired or soon-to-expire language test results

• Inconsistencies between provincial applications and Canada PNP Express Entry Draw 2026 profiles

• Weak or unclear proof of intent to settle in the nominating province

Tip from Asif Consulting for Canada PNP Express Entry Draw 2026 :
Always prepare one consistent, cross-verified evidence file for both provincial nomination and IRCC submission to avoid contradictions.

Does a Provincial Nomination Expire?

Yes. Provincial nominations come with validity periods set by the province. If a nomination expires before it is used or before processing progresses, candidates may:

• Lose the 600 CRS points

• Need to reapply for nomination (not guaranteed)

This makes timely action after nomination critical.

Asif Consulting Insight

The January 20 draw reinforces a clear message for 2026 applicants:

PNP is no longer a backup strategy—it is a primary pathway.

Candidates who actively align their profiles with provincial needs, remain documentation-ready, and respond quickly to opportunities will have a significant advantage this year.