On January 20, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held Express Entry Draw #391, issuing 681 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) stream. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required for this draw was 746, and the tie-breaking rule was based on the date and time candidates submitted their Express Entry profiles.
This round marked one of the early Express Entry selections of 2026 and highlighted the continued strategic importance of provincial nominations in Canada’s economic immigration framework.
Express Entry Draw #391 – Key Details
| Detail | Information |
| Date of Draw | January 20, 2026 |
| Stream | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) |
| Invitations Issued (ITAs) | 681 |
| Minimum CRS Score | 746 |
| Tie-Breaking Rule | Applied to candidates with same CRS based on earliest profile submission |
What This Draw Means
1. Strong Start to the 2026 Immigration Year
Draw #391 represents the first major PNP-specific Express Entry selection of 2026, and it continues Canada’s emphasis on matching skilled immigrants with provincial labour market needs. Provinces nominate candidates who have the education, skills, and work experience needed in their regions – and these nominations automatically add 600 CRS points, making a high likelihood of receiving an ITA.
2. High CRS Threshold Reflects Competitive Pool
A CRS cutoff of 746 is high, but that is typical for PNP rounds because they target profiles that already have a strong foundation (before nomination) plus the additional nomination points. This suggests that invited candidates tend to be well-rounded in areas such as language proficiency, education, and professional experience.
3. Provincial Nominations Remain a Strategic Pathway
Provincial Nominee Programs are designed to complement federal immigration goals by empowering provinces and territories to select candidates who can fill regional labour shortages. For many Express Entry candidates, securing a provincial nomination remains one of the most reliable ways to obtain permanent residence – especially if their base CRS score without nomination is below typical thresholds in all-program draws.
How This PNP Draw Compares
| Draw # | Date | ITAs | CRS Cut-Off | Notes |
| #391 | Jan 20, 2026 | 681 | 746 | Early 2026 PNP round |
| Previous PNP draws along similar lines typically saw fewer ITAs or slightly lower/higher cutoffs, depending on nomination volume and candidate competitiveness. |
Note: PNP rounds regularly have higher CRS requirements compared to general all-program draws because candidates receive a large points boost from provincial nominations.
Who Benefits From This Draw
Provincial Nominee Candidates
If you have a valid provincial nomination tied to your Express Entry profile, your chances of receiving an ITA are significantly enhanced. The additional 600 CRS points effectively reposition your profile near the top of the pool.
Candidates With Strong Foundational Profiles
Even before nomination points are added, strong language skills, solid education credentials, and relevant work experience (especially in in-demand sectors) improve competitiveness.
Job-Ready Skilled Workers
Many provinces focus their nominations on skilled workers who already have job offers or Canadian experience. This makes PNP draws particularly attractive for candidates aiming for economic integration.
How to Improve Your Chances for Future Draws
If you did not receive an ITA in this round, there are several proactive strategies to strengthen your profile:
Increase Your CRS Score
- Retake language tests (IELTS / CELPIP / TEF / TCF) to boost your language points.
- Complete or update an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
- Add valid skilled work experience, especially in occupations prioritized by provinces.
- Review and optimize spouse or common-law partner factors if applicable.
Target Provincial Nomination Streams
- Research provincial streams aligned with your occupation and experience.
- Submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs) in provinces that offer regular nomination opportunities.
- Explore employer-supported nomination pathways.
Monitor Category-Based Opportunities
- Category-based Express Entry draws (e.g., healthcare, trades, STEM, French language proficiency) can offer alternative pathways that are not strictly CRS-ranked across the entire pool.
What to Do If You Receive an ITA
Receiving an Invitation to Apply is an exciting milestone – but the work doesn’t stop there. Here’s a ready checklist of next steps:
- Prepare Your Application Package: Gather all required documents – work references, passports, language tests, education assessments, police certificates, and proof of funds.
- Review Your Provincial Nomination Letter: Ensure accuracy and that it’s correctly linked to your Express Entry profile.
- Submit Within the Deadline: You typically have 60 days from the date of the ITA to submit your complete application for permanent residence.
- Double-Check Validity Dates: Ensure that language tests, ECAs and other time-sensitive documents remain valid throughout your submission period.
How Earnest Immigration Can Help
At Earnest Immigration, we support candidates throughout every phase of the Express Entry and Provincial Nominee journey:
- Eligibility assessment & CRS evaluation
- Provincial nomination strategy
- Profile optimization to boost CRS
- Document drafting and review
- Guidance on ITA response and PR application
- Backup pathway planning
Get in touch with Earnest Immigration today to evaluate your profile, build a tailored strategy, and prepare for upcoming Express Entry draws with confidence.
