The Express Entry draw #389 held on January 5, 2026, marked the first selection round of the new year, with 574 Invitations to Apply issued to Provincial Nominee Program candidates. Conducted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, this Express Entry PNP draw recorded a CRS cut-off score of 711, which was 20 points lower than the previous PNP-focused round in 2025.

This opening draw of 2026 signals Canada’s continued reliance on provincial nominations to meet regional labour market needs while managing Express Entry intake volumes.

Key Highlights of Express Entry Draw #389

This draw targeted only candidates who already held a provincial nomination, which automatically adds 600 CRS points to their Express Entry profile.

Draw summary details:

Draw Feature	Information
Draw number	389
Draw date	January 5, 2026
Program targeted	Provincial Nominee Program
ITAs issued	574
CRS cut-off	711
Tie-breaking rule	October 6, 2025 at 01:54:31 UTC

If more than one candidate had the minimum CRS score, only those who submitted their Express Entry profiles before the tie-breaking date received invitations.

Express Entry Pool Size and Competition Levels

As of January 4, 2026, 236,554 profiles were active in the Express Entry pool. This high number highlights ongoing competition, especially for candidates without provincial nominations.

PNP candidates continue to dominate targeted rounds due to their significantly boosted CRS scores, making provincial pathways one of the most reliable routes to permanent residence.

How This Draw Compares to 2025 Express Entry Trends

Canada maintained a busy draw schedule in 2025, conducting 58 Express Entry rounds and issuing 113,998 ITAs, including 10,898 invitations to PNP candidates.

Breakdown of 2025 draw types included:

• PNP-specific draws
• Canadian Experience Class draws
• French-language proficiency draws
• Occupation-targeted draws in healthcare, education, and trades

The first Express Entry draw of 2026 continues this targeted approach rather than all-program selections.

What Provincial Nominees Should Do Next

Candidates invited in this round now have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application. Applications are typically processed within the six-month service standard once submitted.

Applicants should ensure:

• Employment records are accurate
• Proof of nomination remains valid
• Police certificates and medical exams are ready
• Any discrepancies can lead to delays or refusal.

What This Means for Non-PNP Candidates

For candidates without a provincial nomination, this draw reinforces the importance of exploring PNP options. With CRS thresholds remaining high, relying solely on core CRS factors may not be enough in 2026.

Provincial programs aligned with Express Entry continue to offer one of the strongest advantages.

Express Entry Draw #389

The first Express Entry draw of 2026, draw #389, confirms that Canada remains focused on provincial selection to manage immigration levels effectively. For candidates aiming to secure an ITA this year, aligning with a provincial stream may be essential. If you are aiming to improve your Express Entry score or secure a provincial nomination, guidance from a Regulated immigration consultant can significantly improve your chances. ImmigCanada immigration consulting services, led by Eivy Joy Quito, help candidates identify the right PNP and prepare strong Express Entry profiles for upcoming draws.