Canada opened the new immigration year with an Express Entry draw on 20 January 2026 that invited 681 candidates who already hold a provincial nomination. Because a nomination adds 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, the minimum score required for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) reached 746—one of the highest cut-offs in recent months.
The targeted draw underscores Ottawa’s strategy of using the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) to direct newcomers to regions facing acute labour shortages. Provinces such as Saskatchewan, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia have been vocal about the need for skilled workers outside major urban centres, and the federal government has pledged to allocate 93,000 permanent-residence spots to PNP newcomers in 2026. By limiting the first draw of the year to nominees, IRCC signalled that provincial priorities will continue to shape national selection rounds.
For employers, the message is clear: securing a provincial nomination can shave months off the hiring cycle and virtually guarantee an ITA. However, high CRS thresholds mean that even nominated candidates must maintain competitive scores in language ability, work experience and education. Companies should begin credential recognition processes early and encourage staff to maximize language test scores to stay above future cut-offs.
![IRCC Issues 681 Invitations in First 2026 Express Entry Draw Focused on Provincial Nominees]()
Whether you’re an employer assembling paperwork for incoming staff or a nominee racing the 60-day clock, VisaHQ can step in to handle the administrative heavy lifting. The firm’s Canada portal (https://www.visahq.com/canada/) offers real-time checklists for police certificates, biometrics appointments and proof-of-funds documentation, as well as courier pickup in dozens of countries—services that can prevent small errors from derailing an otherwise strong Express Entry application.
Candidates who receive an ITA now have 60 days to submit a complete electronic application, after which IRCC aims to process files within six months. Given the current backlog, consultants advise gathering police certificates, biometrics and proof-of-funds immediately to avoid last-minute delays. Those not invited should monitor upcoming category-based rounds, which in 2025 targeted healthcare, STEM and francophone profiles.
With three draws already completed in January—two PNP-specific and one for Canadian Experience Class—stakeholders expect IRCC to resume large all-program rounds later in the quarter. Until then, provincial engagement remains the most reliable lever for companies seeking to fast-track international talent into Canada’s tight labour market.
The targeted draw underscores Ottawa’s strategy of using the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) to direct newcomers to regions facing acute labour shortages. Provinces such as Saskatchewan, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia have been vocal about the need for skilled workers outside major urban centres, and the federal government has pledged to allocate 93,000 permanent-residence spots to PNP newcomers in 2026. By limiting the first draw of the year to nominees, IRCC signalled that provincial priorities will continue to shape national selection rounds.
For employers, the message is clear: securing a provincial nomination can shave months off the hiring cycle and virtually guarantee an ITA. However, high CRS thresholds mean that even nominated candidates must maintain competitive scores in language ability, work experience and education. Companies should begin credential recognition processes early and encourage staff to maximize language test scores to stay above future cut-offs.
Whether you’re an employer assembling paperwork for incoming staff or a nominee racing the 60-day clock, VisaHQ can step in to handle the administrative heavy lifting. The firm’s Canada portal (https://www.visahq.com/canada/) offers real-time checklists for police certificates, biometrics appointments and proof-of-funds documentation, as well as courier pickup in dozens of countries—services that can prevent small errors from derailing an otherwise strong Express Entry application.
Candidates who receive an ITA now have 60 days to submit a complete electronic application, after which IRCC aims to process files within six months. Given the current backlog, consultants advise gathering police certificates, biometrics and proof-of-funds immediately to avoid last-minute delays. Those not invited should monitor upcoming category-based rounds, which in 2025 targeted healthcare, STEM and francophone profiles.
With three draws already completed in January—two PNP-specific and one for Canadian Experience Class—stakeholders expect IRCC to resume large all-program rounds later in the quarter. Until then, provincial engagement remains the most reliable lever for companies seeking to fast-track international talent into Canada’s tight labour market.
