The first Express Entry draw of 2026 was held on 5 January 2026 and it was a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)‑only draw. IRCC issued 574 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates whose CRS score was 711 or higher

Key points from the latest pool snapshot (4 Jan 2026)

– Over 70,000 candidates are clustered in the 451‑500 CRS band, making the middle tier very competitive.
– Only 559 profiles sit in the 601‑1200 range – most of those likely already carry a provincial nomination, because a PNP adds 600 CRS points instantly .

What this means for you:

– If you have a provincial nomination, even a modest core score (e.g., 111) can jump to the 711‑plus range and become invitation‑ready.
– Without a nomination, you’re competing against a large pool in the 450‑500 bracket, so boosting your language, education, or work‑experience points is essential.
A provincial nomination is the fastest way to turn a low core score into an ITA in today’s tight draw environment.