Canada’s First Express Entry Draw

Express Entry Draw #389 – Key Details

• Date of draw: January 5, 2026
• Draw type: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
• CRS cut-off score: 711
• Invitations issued: 574
• Tie-break rule: October 6, 2025 at 01:54:31 UTC

What is an Express Entry draw?

An Express Entry draw is how Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) selects candidates for Canadian permanent residence.

Candidates create a profile and enter the Express Entry pool. Each profile is ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which scores factors like age, education, work experience, language ability, and provincial nomination.

During a draw, IRCC sets a minimum CRS score. Anyone who meets or exceeds that score receives an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

What this draw tells us

• This was a PNP-only draw, which explains the high CRS cut-off.
• A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, pushing scores well above regular draws.
• The tie-break rule means that if multiple candidates had the same CRS score (711), IRCC invited those who submitted their profiles before October 6, 2025.

Major Changes in Canada Express Entry: What to Expect in 2026

Canada is quietly reshaping how Express Entry works. Acordingly the system isn’t just about high CRS scores anymore. In 2026, who you are, what you do, and where you work will matter more than ever.

Here’s what’s changing.

1. Category-based draws take center stage

IRCC will continue prioritizing occupation-specific draws instead of broad, all-program rounds. However now we can expect more invitations for professionals in healthcare, IT, STEM, transportation, agriculture, and candidates with strong French skills. If your job aligns with Canada’s labour gaps, your chances improve significantly.

2. Stronger push for Canada-based applicants

Canada wants to keep the talent it already has. Temporary foreign workers and international graduates will be fast-tracked toward permanent residence under Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan. If you’re already working or studying in Canada, Express Entry is increasingly working in your favor.

3. Provincial Nominee Programs gain more power

PNP-linked Express Entry draws are happening more often. This signals a clear intent: provinces will play a bigger role in selecting immigrants who meet local labour needs, not just federal benchmarks. A provincial nomination is becoming one of the most reliable routes to PR.

4. Higher targets for Francophone immigrants outside Quebec

Another key point is Canada is doubling down on French-speaking immigration beyond Quebec. More French-language-focused draws are expected, giving bilingual and Francophone candidates a clear edge in the system.

5. New occupation-specific categories introduced

Additionally, IRCC is expanding category-based draws to address urgent shortages. One major addition: physicians with Canadian work experience, aimed at strengthening the healthcare system. Similar targeted categories are likely to follow