Canada Immigration Update
On January 20, 2026, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted an Express Entry draw specifically for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), issuing 681 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) with a cutoff Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 746. This draw highlights the significance of provincial nominations as a fast-track route to permanent residence in Canada.
The minimum CRS score required in this draw is driven by the additional 600 points awarded for a provincial nomination, making the practical interpretation of a 746 cutoff score quite different from what it may seem at first glance.
Key Details:
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- Program: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
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- Date and Time: January 20, 2026
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- ITAs Issued: 681
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- CRS Cutoff: 746
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- Tie-Breaking Timestamp: November 19, 2025 at 04:09:11 UTC
A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points to an Express Entry profile, significantly impacting the overall CRS score. Candidates with a nomination score higher than the core CRS requirement benefit from this additional boost, leading to higher cutoff scores in PNP-specific draws.
Looking ahead, a French-language proficiency Express Entry draw is anticipated on January 21, 2026, underscoring the diverse selection criteria within Canada’s immigration system.
CRS score Distribution (as of January 20, 2026):
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- 601-12000: 5
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- 501-600: 16,341
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- 451-500: 72,714
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- 401-450: 66,836
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- 351-400: 53,221
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- 301-350: 19,062
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- 0-300: 8,269
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- Total Candidates: 236,443
The recent Express Entry draw reinforces the importance of aligning one’s profile with a province’s needs to secure a nomination and leverage the additional points effectively. In 2026, proactive engagement with the PNP strategy is crucial for candidates aiming to enhance their CRS scores and improve their chances of obtaining permanent residence in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. What are common reasons for provincial nomination application refusals or delays?
Issues often stem from documentation quality and consistency concerns rather than point eligibility. Examples include discrepancies in employer letters, incomplete work or education proofs, expired language results, and discrepancies between provincial forms and Express Entry profiles. Establishing a coherent evidence file and ensuring accuracy in all submitted information are recommended practices.
2. Do provincial nominations have an expiration date, and what are the implications?
Provincial nominations come with validity periods established by the province, and failure to secure permanent residence within this timeframe may impact one’s immigration status.
