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Express Entry Draw #389: IRCC Issues 574 Invitations to PNP Candidates for PR

Express Entry Draw Focused on PNP Candidates

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    Canada Begins 2026 with First Express Entry Draw Focused on PNP Candidates

    Canada has officially launched its 2026 Express Entry cycle with the first invitation round of the year, reinforcing the country’s continued focus on provincially selected skilled workers. The draw was conducted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on 5 January 2026, marking an early start to permanent residence invitations in the new year.

    Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a large-category-based Express Entry draw on December 17, targeting candidates with proficiency in the French language. A total of 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued, marking one of the most accessible CRS thresholds seen this year.

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    Summary of Express Entry Draws in 2026

    Results: Rounds of invitations

    • Provincial Nominee Program
    • Number of ITAs: 574
    • CRS score of the lowest-ranked candidate invited: 711
    • Date and time of round: January 05, 2026 at 13:51:42 UTC
    • Tie-breaking rule: October 06, 2025 at 01:54:31 UTC
    • Total ITAs issued in 2026 so far: 574

    If more than one candidate has the lowest score, the cut-off is based on the date and time they submitted their Express Entry profiles.

    Invitations to Apply for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Trades Program may be issued through this round of invitations.

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    Why This Draw Matters for Immigration Candidates

    This selection round is significant for several reasons. First, it confirms that IRCC is continuing its trend of issuing early-year draws rather than delaying invitations. Second, it underscores the importance of provincial nomination pathways for candidates aiming to secure Canadian permanent residence in 2026.

    Provincial programs remain one of the most reliable routes into the Express Entry pool, especially for applicants whose CRS scores may not be competitive in general or category-based draws.

    Total Express Entry ITAs for 2026

    Following the latest draw, the total of ITAs issued under Express Entry for 2026 has come to 574.

    Collectively, the total depicts the continuous pattern towards Canada’s aggressive immigration targets and strategy to prioritize human capital and even labour market requirements for selected sectors.

    Category-Based Draws for 2026 up to Now

    Express Entry in 2026 has seen draws across several of its highest-priority streams. The breakdown of draws is below:

    The draws are now divided as follows:

    • PNP : 1 draw
    • CEC : No Draws Yet
    • French-language skills : No Draws Yet
    • Healthcare and social services : No Draws Yet
    • Education: No Draws Yet
    • Trade Occupations : No Draws Yet

    When looking at total ITAs issued across streams, French-language draws and CEC rounds lead the pack, followed closely by healthcare and PNP streams.

    A Busy Period of ITAs for December 2026

    This is the 1st Express Entry draw of the month.

    • French language proficiency draw on December 17: 6,000 ITAs
    • CEC draw on December 16: 5,000 ITAs
    • PNP on December 15: 399 ITAs
    • Healthcare and Social Services draw on December 11: 1,000 ITAs
    • CEC draw on December 10: 6,000 ITAs
    • PNP draw on December 8: 1,123 ITAs

    With these rapid-fire invitation rounds, IRCC is closing out the year with one of the most active Express Entry periods in over the past 12 months.

    Summary of Express Entry Draws in 2026

    Below is a snapshot of all Express Entry draws conducted so far this year:
    • Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) : 574
    • French language proficiency: No Draws Yet
    • Canadian Experience Class (CEC) : No Draws Yet
    • Healthcare and social services occupations : No Draws Yet
    • Education Professionals : No Draws Yet
    • Trade occupations (Version 2) : No Draws Yet
    Draw Date Draw Type Number of ITAs Minimum CRS
    389 January 05 PNP 574 711

    As of January 05, a total of 574 ITAs have been issued through the Express Entry system in 2026.

    Express Entry Draw Reports

    Number of Express Entry Draws by Category This Year:

    The Provincial Nominee Program category of the Express Entry categories leads the trend with the highest number of 14 rounds, followed by the Canadian Experience Class with 8 rounds. Also, IRCC has conducted 3 rounds each for French-speaking candidates and healthcare professionals. A single draw was also held for individuals in the education sector.

    Draw Type Number of Draws
    Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) 14
    Canadian Experience Class (CEC) 8
    French-language proficiency 4
    Healthcare and social services 3
    Education 1

    The trend since June 10, 2025, reveals a pattern of alternating draws between PNP and CEC categories roughly every two weeks. Additionally, healthcare-focused draws have taken place monthly since May, reflecting IRCC’s commitment to addressing sector-specific shortages in Canada’s healthcare system.

    Current Express Entry Trends and Category Breakdown

    With the latest draw, the healthcare and social services category now joins a growing list of specialized selection categories implemented this year. The distribution of draws in 2025 highlights a more nuanced approach to selecting candidates who meet Canada’s urgent labour and demographic needs.

    Draw Type Number of Draws
    Provincial Nominee Program 7
    French-language proficiency 3
    Canadian Experience Class 3
    Education 1
    Healthcare and social services 1

    CEC and Category-Based Draws: A Strategic Trend

    The November draw is the second of the month and follows a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw on November 10, a French language proficiency draw on October 29, and the previous CEC draw on October 28.
    So far in 2025, IRCC has issued 83,199 invitations to apply through the Express Entry system. With two consecutive CEC draws in such a short span, Canada is likely emphasizing pathways for candidates who already have Canadian credentials and work experience, a move that supports faster settlement and labour market integration.
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    Express Entry Trends Expected in 2026

    While this draw focused solely on PNP candidates, IRCC’s broader immigration signals suggest a more diverse draw pattern ahead. According to previously announced policy directions, several developments are expected to shape Express Entry draws throughout 2026:
    • Increased category-based draws, particularly for candidates with French language proficiency
    • Continued emphasis on in-Canada applicants, especially those with Canadian work experience
    • The anticipated rollout of invitations under newly introduced categories, including physicians with Canadian work experience
    These shifts indicate that Express Entry in 2026 will remain strategic rather than random, rewarding candidates who align closely with labour market and demographic priorities.
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    What This Means for Future Applicants

    Candidates planning to apply for Canada PR in 2026 should take this draw as a clear signal to strengthen their profiles strategically. Provincial nominations, category-based eligibility, and Canadian work experience are likely to play a decisive role in upcoming Express Entry selections.

    Also check out Canada Immigration Plan 2025 to 2027 | Canada Immigration Levels Plan For 2024-2026 | Canada Immigration Level Plan for 2023-2025​

    Stay tuned for future updates on Express Entry draws and immigration news.

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