Two days into the new year, IRCC conducted the first Express Entry draw of 2026, focusing exclusively on Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates. The 7 January selection round delivered 574 ITAs, with a high CRS threshold of 711 points—reflecting the 600-point boost nominees receive from a provincial endorsement.
Although smaller than the CEC draw that followed, the invitation round matters for corporate mobility managers who support assignees in regional labour markets. PNP nominations remain the most reliable pathway for candidates whose CRS scores are below federal cut-offs or whose occupations align with provincial priorities such as health care, construction and francophone services.
![First 2026 PNP-Linked Express Entry Draw Invites 574 Candidates]()
VisaHQ’s immigration specialists can help employers and applicants navigate the complexities of provincial nominations, from gathering supporting documentation to synchronizing timelines with federal Express Entry submissions. Through its dedicated Canada portal (https://www.visahq.com/canada/), VisaHQ offers step-by-step guidance, real-time status tracking, and corporate account tools that streamline large-volume filings—making it easier for HR teams to keep assignees on track toward permanent residence.
Employers should monitor forthcoming provincial allocations. Ottawa cut overall nomination ceilings in 2025, compelling provinces to ration invitations and favour candidates already living and working locally. Assignees outside Canada may therefore need a pre-existing job offer plus settlement ties to compete effectively.
From a compliance perspective, the draw underscores the importance of aligning Labour-Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) and provincial endorsement criteria. Where possible, HR teams should synchronise work-permit renewals with an employee’s PNP timeline to avoid status gaps while permanent-residence files are in process.
Although smaller than the CEC draw that followed, the invitation round matters for corporate mobility managers who support assignees in regional labour markets. PNP nominations remain the most reliable pathway for candidates whose CRS scores are below federal cut-offs or whose occupations align with provincial priorities such as health care, construction and francophone services.
VisaHQ’s immigration specialists can help employers and applicants navigate the complexities of provincial nominations, from gathering supporting documentation to synchronizing timelines with federal Express Entry submissions. Through its dedicated Canada portal (https://www.visahq.com/canada/), VisaHQ offers step-by-step guidance, real-time status tracking, and corporate account tools that streamline large-volume filings—making it easier for HR teams to keep assignees on track toward permanent residence.
Employers should monitor forthcoming provincial allocations. Ottawa cut overall nomination ceilings in 2025, compelling provinces to ration invitations and favour candidates already living and working locally. Assignees outside Canada may therefore need a pre-existing job offer plus settlement ties to compete effectively.
From a compliance perspective, the draw underscores the importance of aligning Labour-Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) and provincial endorsement criteria. Where possible, HR teams should synchronise work-permit renewals with an employee’s PNP timeline to avoid status gaps while permanent-residence files are in process.
