First Express Entry Draw of 2026 Invites 574 PNP Candidates. Register your EOI now!

Canada held its first Express Entry draw of 2026 in early January, shortly after the start of the new immigration year. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) typically resumes Express Entry invitations soon after the New Year to maintain continuity in permanent residence intake. The timing of the first draw helps applicants understand how quickly Canada is moving to meet its annual immigration targets. Early draws are especially important for candidates monitoring CRS trends and draw frequency for the year ahead.

In the first Express Entry draw of 2026, IRCC issued Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to eligible candidates from the Express Entry pool. The number of invitations issued reflects Canada’s short-term immigration intake strategy and the type of draw conducted. ITA volumes can vary based on whether the draw is program-specific, category-based, or all-program. For applicants, the number of invitations provides insight into competition levels and the likelihood of future draws with similar or higher intake volumes.

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score for the first Express Entry draw of 2026 was determined by IRCC based on the number of invitations issued and the candidate profiles in the pool. CRS scores fluctuate depending on draw type, frequency, and immigration priorities. A higher cut-off usually indicates stronger competition, while lower scores may signal increased draw frequency. Candidates often use early-year CRS scores as a benchmark to plan profile improvements or alternative immigration pathways.

The first Express Entry draw of 2026 included candidates who met eligibility requirements under the program or category specified by IRCC. Depending on the draw type, this may include applicants from the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), or category-based selections targeting specific occupations or skills. Understanding which program was included helps applicants assess their eligibility and determine whether future draws may align with their work experience and profile.

The first Express Entry draw of 2026 was conducted based on the selection method announced by IRCC, either as an all-program draw or a category-based draw. All-program draws invite candidates across multiple Express Entry programs, while category-based draws focus on specific occupations or skills in demand. The draw type indicates Canada’s immediate labour market priorities and influences CRS cut-off scores. Applicants often track draw types to evaluate their chances of receiving an ITA.

Eligibility for the first Express Entry draw of 2026 was limited to candidates with active Express Entry profiles who met the criteria of the selected program or category. Applicants must have satisfied requirements such as skilled work experience, language proficiency, education credentials, and minimum CRS score thresholds. Only candidates ranked above the cut-off score at the time of the draw received Invitations to Apply. Maintaining an accurate and up-to-date profile is essential for eligibility.

The first Express Entry draw of 2026 alone does not guarantee lower CRS scores in upcoming draws. CRS trends depend on factors such as draw frequency, immigration targets, category-based selections, and the size of the candidate pool. However, early draws can provide preliminary insight into IRCC’s approach for the year. Applicants should monitor multiple draws over time before concluding whether CRS scores are likely to rise, fall, or remain stable.

The first Express Entry draw of 2026 can be compared to the final draw of 2025 in terms of CRS cut-off, number of invitations issued, and draw type. Differences between the two may reflect changes in immigration targets, year-end backlog management, or shifting labour market needs. Such comparisons help applicants understand whether competition is increasing or easing and whether IRCC has adjusted its selection strategy entering the new year.

For permanent residence applicants, the first Express Entry draw of 2026 confirms that Canada continues to rely heavily on Express Entry to meet its economic immigration goals. It reassures candidates that invitations are resuming and provides early indicators of CRS trends and draw patterns. Applicants can use this information to assess their readiness, improve CRS scores if needed, and plan timely submission of documents once an ITA is received.