Express Entry: January 2026 draws

In Canada, more than 8,000 immigrants are celebrating the start of the year with the possibility of obtaining permanent residency. This is thanks to the Express Entry system. 

The government launched two draws in a row: the first on January 5 for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates and the second on January 7 for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). 

Of the two draws, the most significant was the CEC round, with 8,000 ITAs issued, a record number that only demonstrates the need to attract skilled workers with work experience in the country. Do you know the requirements to qualify for one of these two categories? 

Today, I will share an analysis of these two draws and Canada's precise plan for 2026. Read on to the end and plan your successful immigration process.

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What is Express Entry?

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Before analyzing the draws, let's define the basic concepts:

Express Entry is Canada's online application management system for skilled workers seeking permanent residence, which operates through regular draws in different categories.

Round type: 

• PNP (Provincial Nominee Program) draw for candidates who have already been nominated by a province due to their specific skills. 
• CEC (Canadian Experience Class) lottery for foreign workers who have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada and are proficient in English and French.

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How the first two draws in January went: PNP and CEC

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1. PNP Lottery (January 5, 2026)

In this round, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 574 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to applicants who created their profile before October 6, 2025 (01:54 UTC).

• Minimum score (CRS): 711 points. (This is the typical PNP average, taking into account that 600 additional CRS points are awarded).
• As for the ITA figure, this time it was lower than in previous draws for this current. However, nomination remains the safest route for those who have the backing of a province.

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2. CEC draw: second record (January 7, 2026)

The January 7 round broke a second record with 8,000 ITAs. This is the second-highest record for the CEC category since its creation in 2008. The first was on February 13, 2021, when the government invited 27,332 candidates during the pandemic crisis.

This leads us to reflect on Canada's ongoing need to attract and retain skilled workers, particularly in high-demand areas such as healthcare. 

The fact that today's figures show 8,000 invitations with a competitive CRS score is the clearest way to understand that Canada needs those with skilled work experience to stay. If you think you can join this group, it is important to know your profile and analyze your score. With our CRS calculator, you can determine how close you are to being selected in the next mass round. Click here.

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Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028

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For the coming years, Canada's goal is to welcome 380,000 new permanent residents. According to the plan, this figure will remain stable during the 2026-2028 period. You can find the official details at this link: Canada's Immigration Levels Plan.

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If you have worked in Canada for more than a year, are a professional, and are fluent in the language, you could be one of those 380,000 guests invited to permanent residence. You just need to explore your immigration profile to find out where you stand. To do so, you can use our free Immiland Canada assessment tool by clicking here.

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What is your immigration priority this year?

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1. Change current job for a skilled one (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3).
2. Obtain permanent residence through current Canadian experience.
3. Improve your score (language or studies) to enter through special categories (Health, STEM, Trades, etc.).

Knowing exactly what is missing from your profile is what leads to a successful invitation.

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Get your permanent residency in 2026 with Immiland Canada

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At Immiland Canada, we guide you through the immigration process from start to finish, from creating your profile to the final application for permanent residence. 2026 looks set to be a year of opportunities for applicants who know how to plan their journey for immigration purposes. 

If you would like a regulated consultant from Immiland Canada to handle your process, please do not hesitate to contact us. Learn about our services at: Immiland Consulting Services

I hope this topic helps you identify what is missing from your profile so that you can be successful in the next rounds. Don't miss our next blog on Express Entry: frequently asked questions about the immigration profile.

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With love,

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Immiland Canada