Canada has officially opened its 2026 immigration calendar with the first Express Entry draw of the year, reaffirming its commitment to welcoming skilled immigrants through targeted selection programs. The draw was conducted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and focused exclusively on candidates nominated under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
In this opening draw of 2026, IRCC issued 574 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for Canadian permanent residence. Candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 711 to receive an invitation, reflecting the typically high cut-off associated with provincial nomination rounds.
Key Details of the First Express Entry Draw of 2026
The draw targeted applicants who had already secured a nomination from a Canadian province or territory. Key highlights of the draw include:
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Immigration program: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
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Number of invitations issued: 574
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Minimum CRS score required: 711
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Tie-breaking rule: Profiles had to be submitted before 1:54 a.m. (UTC) on October 6, 2025
The tie-breaking rule ensures fairness when multiple candidates share the same CRS score. Only those who created their Express Entry profiles before the specified date and time were considered eligible at the cut-off score.
Why CRS Scores Are Higher in PNP Draws
PNP-specific Express Entry draws generally have much higher CRS cut-offs compared to all-program or category-based draws. This is because a provincial nomination automatically awards candidates 600 additional CRS points. As a result, most PNP candidates already rank near the top of the Express Entry pool once nominated.
For example, a candidate with a base CRS score of 111 would reach a total of 711 points after receiving a provincial nomination. This explains why CRS cut-offs in PNP draws often exceed 700, while other draws may have significantly lower thresholds.
What the Draw Indicates About Canada’s Immigration Strategy
This first draw of 2026 highlights Canada’s continued reliance on targeted immigration pathways to meet regional labour market needs. Through the Provincial Nominee Program, provinces and territories can nominate skilled workers who match local economic priorities, such as healthcare, technology, construction, trades, and education.
By starting the year with a PNP draw, IRCC has signaled that provincial selection will remain a key component of Canada’s immigration system in 2026. Provinces such as Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan actively use their nomination programs to attract talent in high-demand occupations.
What This Means for Express Entry Candidates
For candidates already holding a provincial nomination, this draw offers a positive indication that IRCC will continue to process PNP-linked applications steadily throughout the year. Receiving an ITA allows candidates to submit a complete application for permanent residence, which includes medical exams, police clearance certificates, proof of funds, and other required documentation.
For candidates without a provincial nomination, this draw reinforces the importance of exploring PNP pathways alongside federal Express Entry options. Improving CRS scores through language tests, additional work experience, or education remains important, but securing a provincial nomination can dramatically increase the chances of receiving an invitation.
Expectations for Express Entry in 2026
While the first draw of 2026 focused solely on PNP candidates, IRCC is expected to conduct a variety of Express Entry draws throughout the year. These may include:
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Category-based draws targeting specific occupations
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Draws for French-speaking candidates
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Program-specific or general Express Entry draws
The timing, size, and CRS cut-offs of future draws will depend on Canada’s annual immigration targets and labour market requirements. Applicants are encouraged to keep their Express Entry profiles updated and remain attentive to provincial nomination opportunities.
Conclusion
Canada’s first Express Entry draw of 2026 sets a clear tone for the year ahead, emphasizing provincial nominations and targeted selection as central pillars of the immigration system. With 574 invitations issued and a CRS cut-off of 711, the draw reflects both the competitiveness of the process and the significant advantage provided by provincial nominations.
As 2026 progresses, Express Entry candidates can expect continued opportunities across multiple streams. Staying informed, proactive, and prepared will be key for those aiming to secure Canadian permanent residence this year.
