PNP
Draw Issues 681 ITAs with CRS Cut-Off of 746.
On January 20, 2026, IRCC conducted Express Entry Draw #391,
once again inviting candidates through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
stream. A total of 681 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued, and the CRS
cut-off score reached 746, reflecting the continued weight of provincial
nominations in the Express Entry system.
Rather than focusing on volume, this draw highlighted precision, selecting candidates already endorsed by provinces to meet specific regional and economic priorities.
Snapshot of Express Entry Draw #391
● Draw Number: 391
● Date: January 20,
2026
● Program Targeted:
Provincial Nominee Program
● Invitations Issued:
681
● Minimum CRS Score:
746
The elevated CRS score is consistent with PNP-only draws, as
nominated candidates automatically receive an additional 600 CRS points.
Unlike broad CEC draws earlier in the month, Draw #391
underscored IRCC’s strategy of allowing provinces to fine-tune immigrant
selection. By prioritizing nominees, the federal government continues to rely
on provincial programs to fill occupation-specific and region-specific labour
gaps.
This approach ensures that newcomers arrive with a clear
pathway to employment and long-term settlement.
A CRS cut-off of 746 does not indicate increased competition. Instead, it reflects the mathematical impact of a provincial nomination. Most invited candidates had solid base CRS scores before receiving their nomination, reinforcing the value of being competitive even before entering a PNP stream.
Express Entry Draw #391 offers several practical takeaways
for PR hopefuls:
● Provincial
nominations remain one of the most reliable routes to permanent residence
● Candidates outside
recent CEC draws should consider PNP-focused strategies
● Building ties to a
province- through work, study, or employers can significantly improve outcomes
● Long-term planning
matters more than short-term CRS fluctuations
Rather than signaling a shift, Express Entry Draw #391
reinforced an ongoing trend: provinces remain central to Canada’s immigration
decision-making in 2026. For candidates willing to align with regional needs,
PNP pathways continue to offer stability and opportunity within the Express
Entry system.
With Express Entry strategies becoming increasingly
competitive, professional guidance can make a decisive difference. A&M Canadian Immigration Law Firm is one of Canada’s top-rated immigration law
firms, known for its strategic, client-focused approach. With extensive
experience across Express Entry, PNP streams, and permanent residence
applications, A&M supports candidates at every stage of their Canada PR
journey.
