Maple News reports that Canada has conducted its first Express Entry draw of 2026, targeting candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). A total of 681 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued to immigration candidates who had been nominated through a provincial or territorial program.
To qualify, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 746. This elevated score reflects the additional 600 points granted automatically to those with a provincial nomination, underscoring the strategic nature of PNP draws which are designed to fill specific regional labor market gaps.
This latest draw, numbered 391, sets the tone for the new immigration year, confirming Canada’s continued focus on leveraging provincial selection to meet targeted economic needs across the country. As of this draw, the tie-breaking rule was applied with a timestamp of November 19, 2025, at 04:09:11 UTC, meaning candidates with the minimum CRS score only received an invitation if they had submitted their Express Entry profiles before that date and time.
Candidates who received invitations have 60 days to submit their permanent residence applications. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), most applications under Express Entry are processed within six months.
Express Entry draws that include provincial nominees regularly see higher CRS cutoff scores compared to other types of draws, such as general or category-based invitations. Industry analysts view this draw as a tactical move by IRCC ahead of an expected resumption of broader draw types, including those specifically targeting in-demand occupations and language skills.
Employers across Canada are encouraged to consider partnering with provincial programs or securing Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) to support their efforts in hiring skilled foreign workers. These pathways not only offer a route to permanent residence for employees but also help businesses address pressing labor shortages.
For aspiring immigrants, obtaining a provincial nomination or a valid job offer remains a powerful strategy to strengthen their Express Entry profile. With continued changes in immigration targets and selection categories, staying informed and proactive is key for candidates hoping to secure a future in Canada.
As 2026 unfolds, Maple News will continue to track the evolving patterns in Express Entry and provincial immigration strategies, offering clear guidance and analysis for newcomers and industry stakeholders alike.