Canada’s Expres s Entry draw #391, held on January 20, 2026, sent a strong signal about early immigration priorities for the year. In this Provincial Nominee Program-only draw, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada issued 681 Invitations to Apply, with a Comprehensive Ranking System cut-off score of 746, reinforcing the growing importance of provincial nominations in Canada’s permanent residence strategy.

While the headline CRS score may appear high, it reflects the structural advantage given to candidates who secure a provincial nomination rather than a sudden spike in competitiveness across the Express Entry pool.

Full Details of Express Entry Draw #391

• Here are the confirmed details from the January 20 round:
• Program: Provincial Nominee Program
• Draw date: January 20, 2026
• Invitations issued: 681
• CRS cut-off score: 746
• Tie-breaking rule: November 19, 2025 at 04:09:11 UTC

This draw continues a clear pattern seen in late 2025 and early 2026, where targeted PNP rounds play a central role in Express Entry invitations.

Why the CRS Cut-Off Looks High But Isn’t Alarming

In a PNP-specific draw, the CRS score behaves differently than in Canadian Experience Class or category-based rounds. Candidates who receive a provincial nomination are awarded 600 additional CRS points, which dramatically elevates their overall ranking.

In practical terms, a cut-off score of 746 means:

• Minimum core CRS score: 146
• Nomination points: 600

This explains why PNP draws consistently show CRS scores well above 700. The score does not reflect an increase in human capital competition but rather the built-in advantage of nomination points.

CRS Score Distribution After the January 20 Draw

As of January 20, 2026, the Express Entry pool contained 236,443 candidates. The largest concentration of profiles remains below the 500-point mark, highlighting why nomination-based pathways continue to be one of the most effective strategies for many applicants.

A significant share of candidates sits in the 451-500 and 401-450 ranges, where securing a provincial nomination can immediately move a profile into invitation territory.

What This Draw Tells Us About Express Entry in 2026

Express Entry draw 391 reinforces an important reality: Canada’s permanent residence system is increasingly shaped by provincial labour market needs, not just age, education, and language scores.

Rather than relying solely on improving CRS through retesting language exams or waiting for score drops, many candidates are now succeeding by aligning their profiles with provincial priorities. Provinces are using nominations strategically to fill labour shortages, retain workers already in Canada, and support regional economic growth.

For 2026, this approach is expected to remain central to Express Entry selection.

Why PNP Should Be an Active Strategy, Not a Backup

This draw highlights why treating provincial nomination as a last-resort option can be a costly mistake. Successful PNP candidates typically prepare well in advance by:

• Targeting provinces aligned with their occupation and experience
• Maintaining consistent documentation across provincial and federal profiles
• Staying alert to sudden provincial intakes and notifications of interest
• Keeping Express Entry profiles accurate to avoid tie-break losses

With nomination validity periods and changing provincial criteria, timing and preparation matter more than ever.

What to Watch Next

Following this PNP-only round, attention is now shifting toward upcoming category-based draws. There is growing expectation of additional targeted rounds, including language-based invitations, as IRCC balances admissions across multiple streams early in the year.

Candidates positioned within provincial pipelines are likely to continue benefiting from steady invitation opportunities.

Express Entry draw #391 confirms that provincial nominations remain one of the fastest and most reliable routes to Canadian permanent residence in 2026. While CRS scores may look intimidating on paper, the real advantage lies in securing a nomination that reflects provincial demand.

If you are planning your Express Entry strategy this year, expert guidance can make the difference between waiting and receiving an invitation. For personalized support from trusted immigration consultants in Canada, connect with ImmigCanada immigration consulting services today.