Latest Selection Signals Strong Focus on Region-Driven Immigration
Canada has continued shaping its 2026 immigration intake by issuing a fresh round of invitations through the Express Entry system, once again spotlighting candidates nominated by provinces. The most recent selection underscores Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) preference for applicants who align closely with regional labour market priorities.
The draw, conducted on January 20, invited 681 candidates who had secured a nomination under one of Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
Also Read Canada Conducts New Express Entry Draw Focused on Provincial Nominees
High CRS Threshold Reflects Provincial Nomination Advantage
Candidates invited in this round were required to meet a CRS score threshold of 746, a level that reflects the substantial scoring boost provided by provincial nominations. Under Express Entry rules, a nomination from a province adds 600 additional CRS points, dramatically increasing a candidate’s likelihood of selection.
In addition to the score requirement, only profiles submitted before November 19, 2025, at 4:09 a.m. UTC were considered, ensuring a clear tie-breaking mechanism for candidates with identical scores.
How This Draw Fits into 2026 Express Entry Trends
This selection represents the third Express Entry draw of 2026 and the second round specifically aimed at provincial nominees. Earlier in the month, IRCC also carried out a large Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw, signaling a broader strategy centered on applicants already integrated into Canadian society and the workforce.
Rather than opening the year with general draws, IRCC appears to be refining its approach by concentrating on candidates who:
- Have been identified by provinces as economically valuable
- Possess Canadian work experience
- Are more likely to settle successfully and quickly contribute to local economies
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Overview of Express Entry Invitations Issued This Year
Since the beginning of January, IRCC has issued 9,255 invitations across two distinct Express Entry categories. The majority of these invitations have gone to candidates with prior Canadian experience, further reinforcing the department’s domestic-focused selection model.
Invitation Breakdown for 2026 (So Far)
- Canadian Experience Class: 8,000 invitations
- Provincial Nominee Program: 1,255 invitations
This distribution highlights IRCC’s intention to rely heavily on applicants who are already part of Canada’s labour market or have strong provincial backing.
Express Entry Draws Conducted in January 2026
| Draw Date | Program Targeted | CRS Cut-Off | ITAs Issued |
| January 20 | Provincial Nominee Program | 746 | 681 |
| January 7 | Canadian Experience Class | 511 | 8,000 |
| January 5 | Provincial Nominee Program | 711 | 574 |
Why Early-Year Draws Matter
The timing of these draws is not incidental. Invitations issued at the start of the year are critical to meeting Canada’s annual permanent resident admissions targets. Due to processing times, security checks, and medical assessments, it typically takes six months or longer for invited candidates to officially land as permanent residents.
By issuing invitations early, IRCC ensures a steady pipeline of approved applicants who can arrive later in the year and support Canada’s population and workforce growth objectives.
What This Means for Express Entry Candidates
For applicants currently in the Express Entry pool, the message is clear: pathways tied to provinces and Canadian work experience are playing an increasingly important role in selection outcomes.
Candidates without a provincial nomination may want to consider:
- Exploring PNP streams aligned with their occupation
- Gaining eligible Canadian work experience
- Strengthening ties to specific provinces through employment or study
As Canada continues to fine-tune its immigration priorities in 2026, further targeted draws are expected, particularly those designed to meet sector-specific and regional labour shortages.
