IRCC issued 681 ITAs to Provincial Nominee Program candidates with a minimum CRS of 746. This draw highlights the strong advantage PNP nomination provides.
On January 20, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted Express Entry draw #391, targeting candidates with a provincial nomination. A total of 681 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 746. The high CRS score reflects the 600-point boost that provincial nominees receive, making this draw exclusive to candidates who have already secured a nomination from a Canadian province or territory.
Who Received Invitations?
This draw specifically targeted candidates in the Express Entry pool who hold a valid provincial nomination certificate. Provincial nominees automatically receive an additional 600 CRS points, which explains the elevated cutoff score of 746. To receive an invitation in this round, candidates needed:
- A valid nomination from a participating Canadian province or territory
- A base CRS score of approximately 146 or higher (before the 600-point PNP boost)
- An active Express Entry profile linked to their provincial nomination
- Eligibility under one of the federal economic programs: Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Federal Skilled Trades (FST), or Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
What This Means for Your Application
If you already hold a provincial nomination and your CRS score meets or exceeds 746, you may have received an ITA in this draw. Check your IRCC account for updates. For those with a nomination and a score slightly below this threshold, future PNP-specific draws may present opportunities, as cutoff scores can fluctuate. If you do not yet have a provincial nomination, this draw underscores the significant advantage that PNP candidates enjoy in the Express Entry system. Pursuing a provincial nomination through streams such as Ontario's OINP, British Columbia's BC PNP, or Alberta's AAIP could dramatically improve your chances of receiving an ITA.
What Should You Do Next?
Whether you received an invitation or are still working toward one, taking strategic action is essential. Here are your recommended next steps:
- If you received an ITA: Begin gathering your documents immediately. You have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application.
- If you have a PNP nomination but didn't receive an ITA: Keep your Express Entry profile updated and ensure all information is accurate. Your invitation may come in a future draw.
- If you don't have a provincial nomination: Explore provincial nominee programs that align with your skills, work experience, and connections to specific provinces. Many provinces have streams for skilled workers, international graduates, and those with job offers.
Let Us Help You Navigate Your Immigration Journey
Understanding which provincial nominee program suits your profile and how to maximize your CRS score requires expert guidance. At ITC iLand, our experienced immigration consultants are ready to assess your eligibility and develop a personalized strategy for your Canadian immigration goals.
