Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Department has recently issued a significant number of invitations to apply (ITA) through the Express Entry system. In a recent draw for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates, 423 ITAs were issued. To qualify for this draw, candidates needed to meet specific criteria, including a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 749 and the creation of an Express Entry candidate profile before a specified deadline.
Summary of Express Entry Draws in 2026
| Draw date | Draw Type | CRS cut-off score | ITAs issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 21 | Canadian Experience Class | 509 | 6,000 |
| January 20 | Provincial Nominee Program | 746 | 681 |
| January 7 | Canadian Experience Class | 511 | 8,000 |
| January 5 | Provincial Nominee Program | 711 | 574 |
The recent draw signifies the fifth Express Entry selection of the year. In 2026, Canada’s immigration department has been focusing on candidates within the country, especially those with provincial nominations and Canadian work experience.
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class | 2 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 2 |
So far in 2026, IRCC has issued a total of 19,478 ITAs across various draw types, including the Canadian Experience Class and Provincial Nominee Program.