First Express Entry Draw of 2026 Issues 574 Invitations Under PNP

Canada has officially started 2026 with its first Express Entry draw, and it was a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)–focused round. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 574 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence, highlighting once again how powerful a provincial nomination can be.

Key Details of the Draw

• Program: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

• Date: January 5, 2026

• Invitations Issued: 574

• Minimum CRS Score: 711

• Rank Required: 574 or above

• Tie-Breaking Rule: October 6, 2025, at 01:54:31 UTC

Only candidates who already had a provincial nomination were invited. Since a PNP nomination adds 600 CRS points, this explains why the CRS cut-off remained very high.

If more than one candidate had the same CRS score, IRCC invited those who submitted their Express Entry profile earlier.

What This Draw Means for Applicants

This draw confirms one important reality: Express Entry in 2026 is highly competitive without a provincial nomination. Even candidates with strong profiles may struggle unless they explore PNP pathways.

The good news is that PNPs remain one of the strongest and most reliable routes to Canadian permanent residence.

CRS Score Distribution: A Snapshot of the Pool

As of January 4, 2026, the Express Entry pool had 236,554 candidates, slightly lower than mid-December 2025.

Here are some important trends:

• 601–1200 CRS range: 559 candidates (mostly PNP nominees)

• 451–500 CRS range: Over 70,000 candidates, making this the most competitive band

• 401–450 CRS range: Over 65,000 candidates

• Below 400 CRS: More than 79,000 candidates combined

This shows that without a PNP or category-based draw, most candidates remain stuck in the mid-range with limited chances.

Why the Provincial Nominee Program Is a Game-Changer

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows Canadian provinces and territories (except Quebec and Nunavut) to nominate immigrants who match their local labour market needs.

Once nominated, a candidate receives:

• 600 additional CRS points

• A very high chance of receiving an ITA

• Faster processing under Express Entry (around 6 months)

• Strong settlement and employment support at the provincial level

Provinces use PNPs to fill shortages in sectors such as:

• Healthcare

• Technology

• Skilled trades

• Agriculture and fisheries

• Construction and transportation

Types of PNP Streams

There are two main types of PNP pathways:

1. Express Entry–Linked PNP

• You must already have an Express Entry profile

• Nomination is added directly to your CRS score

• Faster processing after ITA

2. Non–Express Entry PNP

• Apply directly to the province

• PR application is submitted separately to IRCC

• Processing may take longer

Both routes can lead to permanent residence if requirements are met.

How to Secure a Provincial Nomination: Step-by-Step

At Asif Consulting, we advise applicants to follow a strategic approach:

Step 1: Research Provinces

Each province has different priorities.
For example:

• Saskatchewan uses a points-based system

• Alberta focuses on candidates already working in the province

• Manitoba values family and community ties

Step 2: Check Eligibility

Most PNPs require:

• Skilled work experience

• Language proficiency (CLB 4–7, depending on stream)

• Education and ECA

• Proof of settlement funds

• Intent to live in the province

Step 3: Choose the Right Path

Decide whether to apply through an Express Entry–linked stream or a direct provincial stream.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Prepare documents carefully, including:

• Language test results

• Work references

• Education credentials

• Proof of ties or job offer (if required)

Application fees vary by province and can range from $0 to $1,500.

Step 5: Receive Nomination & Apply for PR

After nomination:

• Your CRS score increases by 600 points

• You receive an ITA in the next eligible draw

• Submit your PR application to IRCC

Processing Timelines

• Provincial nomination: 1 to 6 months

• Federal PR application (Express Entry): 1 to 6 months

Timelines may vary due to application volumes.

Asif Consulting Insight

The first Express Entry draw of 2026 clearly shows that PNPs are no longer optional—they are essential for many candidates. With CRS scores remaining high, provincial strategies offer the most realistic path to success.

If you are planning Canadian immigration in 2026, now is the time to align your profile with provincial needs.