Canada's Latest Express Entry Draw: 681 ITAs Issued on January 20, 2026

Last Updated On 20 January 2026, 1:46 PM EST (Toronto Time) On January 20, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) ran a Provincial Nominee Program-only Express Entry draw, issuing 681 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) with a cutoff Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 746. Canada’s Express Entry system just delivered another clear signal about how permanent residence selection is being steered early in 2026: provincial nominations remain a major fast-track lane. That 746 headline number looks intimidating at first glance. But in a PNP-only draw, it is largely a “nomination score,” not a “human capital score.” The minimum is driven by the extra 600 CRS points awarded for a provincial nomination. Table of Contents Full Details Of The January 20 Express Entry Draw Program: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Date and time: January 20, 2026 Invitations issued: 681 CRS cutoff (lowest-ranked invited): 746 Tie-breaking timestamp: November 19, 2025 at 04:09:11 UTC A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points to an Express Entry profile. So when the cutoff is 746, the practical interpretation is: Minimum core CRS (non-nomination portion) is 146 or above (746 minus 600). This is exactly why PNP-specific draws regularly post high cutoff scores: the nomination points push profiles into the top tier. We are hoping to see a large French-language proficiency Express Entry draw tomorrow on January 21, 2026. The CRS distribution below shows what the pool might look like just after this round. Total candidates in the pool: 236,443 This January 20 Express Entry draw is a reminder that Canada’s PR system is not only about building a high CRS through age, education, and language. In 2026, the fastest path for many candidates is increasingly structural: align your profile with a province’s needs, secure a nomination, and let the +600 points do the heavy lifting. If you are serious about competing this year, your best move is to treat the PNP strategy as an active project, not a backup plan. Pick realistic provinces, become “nominatable,” stay ready for sudden intakes, and keep your Express Entry profile accurate so you do not lose out on a tie-break or an NOI when timing matters most. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) licensed by CICC (formerly known as ICCRC) with member number R708618. He brings extensive knowledge of immigration law and new changes to rapidly evolving IRCC. You may also like: 32,000 Statistics Canada Jobs Now Hiring Across Canada For 2026 All The CRA Tax Deadlines For 2026 and Important Updates Canada’s New Unemployment Rates For LMIAs Now In Effect For 2026