PNP-Only
Draw Issues 574 ITAs with CRS Cut-Off of 711
Canada kicked off 2026 with its first Express Entry draw on
January 5, 2026, and the focus was clear: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
candidates. In Express Entry Draw #389, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Canada (IRCC) issued 574 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to PNP candidates, with a
minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 711.
This PNP-specific Express Entry draw reaffirmed the federal government’s continued reliance on provinces and territories to address regional labour market needs and select skilled immigrants for permanent residence.
Key Highlights of Express Entry Draw #389
● Draw Number: 389
● Draw Date: January
5, 2026
● Program: Provincial
Nominee Program (PNP)
● ITAs Issued: 574
● CRS Cut-Off Score:
711
As with all PNP draws, candidates benefited from the
600-point CRS bonus awarded through a provincial nomination. This means most
invited applicants already had competitive base CRS scores before receiving
their nomination.
Strong Start to 2026 with a PNP Focus
The first Express Entry draw of the year sent a strong
signal: PNP will remain a cornerstone of Canada’s immigration strategy in 2026.
Provinces Continue to Drive Immigration
Selection
By prioritizing PNP candidates, IRCC reinforced the
importance of provincial and territorial immigration programs in meeting
localized workforce shortages.
PNP Remains the Most Reliable PR Pathway
With the added 600 CRS points, provincial nomination continues to be the most powerful pathway to Canadian permanent residence under Express Entry.
What This Means for Express Entry Candidates
For applicants aiming for Canadian PR in 2026, Express Entry
Draw #389 delivered an important reminder:
● Provincial
nominations provide a significant competitive advantage
● Aligning your
profile with provincial priorities can dramatically improve your chances
● Long-term Express
Entry success increasingly depends on PNP eligibility and strategy
Candidates without a nomination may want to explore
provincial streams, employer connections, or regional pathways to stay
competitive.
Express Entry Draw #389 confirmed that provinces are still
leading the selection of skilled immigrants for Canada in 2026. For those
serious about permanent residence, focusing on Provincial Nominee Programs
remains one of the smartest and most effective strategies moving forward.
Navigating Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs can
be complex, especially as provinces take a leading role in immigration
selection. A&M Canadian Immigration Law Firm is one of the top-rated
immigration law firms in Canada, trusted by applicants worldwide for its
strategic, results-driven approach. With in-depth expertise in Express Entry,
PNP pathways, and Canadian permanent residence applications, A&M helps
candidates maximize their chances and move confidently toward a successful Canada
PR journey.
