What is Canada’s New Immigration Update?

Canada Begins 2026 Immigration Year With PNP-Focused Express Entry Draw

In an effort to highlight the growth of provincial immigration pathways, Canada has introduced its 2026 immigration calendar, which includes a special Express Entry draw. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 681 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to those candidates who already received a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination on January 20, 2026.

This was the initial draw of the year, restricted to provincial nominees only, which underscores Ottawa's interest in taking provinces and territories as a major economic immigration driver. With the additional 600 points provided under provincial nomination through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), the lowest-scoring CRS dropped to 746, which was among the highest-scoring levels in the latest Express Entry rounds.

Provincial Nominees Take Centre Stage in Early 2026

IRRC has made it clear by launching the year with a PNP-specific draw that provincial labour market requirements will significantly influence invitations in Express Entry in 2026. Provinces like Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia have reiterated many times that they are short of skilled jobs, especially in large metropolitan areas.

This direction is facilitated by federal immigration targets. The PNP is one of the most considerable entries of skilled immigrants since Canada intends to accept about 93,000 permanent residents under provincial programs in 2026. Specialised Express Entry rounds enable the federal government to match the national selection of immigration with regional workforce priorities more accurately.

Why the CRS Cut-Off Was So High

The high CRS score of 746 also indicates the significant benefit of provincial nomination compared to the higher competition among general Express Entry candidates. Nominees would automatically receive 600 points, and even applicants with more moderate scores on core human capital would be able to meet standard cut-offs.

Nonetheless,s immigration professionals warn that nominations are not grounds to drop profiles. The level of proficiency in the language, qualified work experience, educational qualifications and age still play a role in general CRS ratings. It is advisable that the candidates keep their competitive scores as future PNP draws can be of various sizes and cut-offs.

Implications for Canadian Employers

The provincial nomination streams are strategic to employers who are interested in attracting international talent in a manner that reflects the latest draw. Applicants who are sponsored by PNPs tend to be faster in the Express Entry program, which provides companies with a more reliable hiring schedule.

However, employers are required to be on the offensive. Preparation of educational credential assessments, language testing, and occupation verification should be done early and can contribute to the fact that nominees can be competitive. The nomination process will help the foreign workers to gain substantial benefits in terms of time loss in comparison with the purely federal Expression draws.

What Invited Candidates Need to Do Next

Applicants who were issued an ITA now have a time of 60 days to make a final application to be permanent residents. IRCC hopes to take the majority of the Express Entry applications in six months, but the processing time can be extended depending on the availability of the documents and background checks.

It is recommended that the applicants start to collect the necessary documents, which may include police clearance certificates, biometrics, medical examination, and evidence of settlement funds. According to immigration advisors, most of the time in meeting these requirements, delays are recorded in instances where the same is not done until the last weeks of the submission window.

What to Expect in Upcoming Express Entry Rounds

Three Express Entry draws have already taken place in January 202,6 two of which are targeted at PNP,s and the other one is targeted at applicants of the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Given the past trend, ds larger all program or category based draws are likely to be reinstated later in the first quarter.

In 2025, IRCC regularly prioritised applicants in the healthcare category, the STEM category, the skilled trades category and those who spoke the French language. Occupation-based and language-based rounds of a similar type are also likely to keep occurring in 2026, providing more chances to people who were not chosen during the initial PNP draws.

Provincial Pathways Remain Key in 2026

The Express Entry draw of 2026 indicates that provincial nomination remains one of the surest pathways to permanent residence in Canada. With the continuing labour shortages in various regions, the partnership of the provinces and the federal government is bound to increase.

To the employers as well as talented workers, a timely involvement with provincial immigration programs may be the key to permanent residency in the competitive immigration scene in Canada. With 2026 in its play, provincial interests will likely sustain the same role in influencing invitationees, and at what time.

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Also Read - Canada Adds 5,000 New PR Spaces for Francophone Immigrants, Strengthens French-Language Immigration Push