Express Entry Draw #391 Issues 681 Invitations in Provincial Nominee Round

Canada continues its strong start to the year with another Provincial Nominee focused Express Entry round. The Express Entry Draw #391 marked the third draw of the year and the second Provincial Nominee Program round in January, reinforcing the federal government’s growing emphasis on provincial selection.

In this latest draw, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada issued 681 Invitations to Apply to candidates who already hold a provincial nomination. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score required was 746, confirming that provincial nominees remain among the highest scoring and most competitive profiles in the Express Entry pool.

This draw highlights Canada’s renewed strategy to strengthen provincial immigration pathways while addressing regional workforce demands.

Key Results From Express Entry Draw #391

The Express Entry Draw January 20 2026 took place at 12:31:58 UTC and targeted candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program category. A total of 681 invitations were issued, with a CRS cut off score of 746. The tie breaking rule applied to candidates who submitted their Express Entry profiles on or before November 19 2025 at 04:09:11 UTC.

This draw invited 107 more candidates than the previous Provincial Nominee draw earlier this month, although the CRS score increased by 35 points, reflecting stronger competition among provincial nominees. As of January 19 2026, the Express Entry pool includes 237,120 candidates, showing a highly active and competitive applicant base.

Why Provincial Nominee Draws Are Gaining Momentum in 2026

The Express Entry Draw January 20 2026 confirms a noticeable trend in Canada’s immigration strategy. Provincial Nominee Program draws are becoming more frequent and larger in size compared to the previous year. Canada’s updated Immigration Levels Plan has significantly increased provincial immigration targets. PNP admissions are expected to rise from 55,000 in 2025 to 91,500 in 2026, signalling that provinces now play a bigger role in selecting newcomers who match local labour market needs.

This shift gives provinces more authority to nominate candidates in fields such as healthcare, skilled trades, technology, manufacturing, and other high demand sectors. For candidates, this means provincial pathways may offer one of the strongest opportunities to secure an Express Entry invitation in 2026.

How This Draw Compares With Earlier Express Entry Rounds in 2026

So far, Express Entry draws in 2026 have followed a pattern that mixes Provincial Nominee and Canadian Experience Class rounds. Earlier this month, a Canadian Experience Class draw issued 8,000 invitations with a CRS cut off of 511, demonstrating a strong year opening for both domestic workers and provincial nominees.

Compared to the January 5 2026 PNP draw, which invited 574 candidates with a CRS score of 711, the Express Entry Draw January 20 2026 shows a higher CRS threshold and a larger number of invitations. This indicates stronger competition among nominees and increasing provincial participation. The consistency of these rounds suggests that Canada may continue running bi weekly PNP draws throughout the year.

For candidates aiming to immigrate through Express Entry, this draw reinforces the importance of securing a provincial nomination, which adds 600 CRS points to a profile and significantly boosts selection chances.

If your CRS score falls below typical Canadian Experience Class thresholds, pursuing a Provincial Nominee Program could be one of the fastest and most reliable routes to permanent residence. Many provinces are reopening or expanding their streams, especially for applicants with in demand skills or Canadian work experience.

Candidates are encouraged to keep their Express Entry profiles updated, monitor provincial program openings, and prepare required documents to act quickly when nomination opportunities arise. Canada’s immigration strategy in 2026 strongly favors applicants who align with provincial economic priorities.

Canada’s Growing Focus on Regional Immigration Needs

The Express Entry Draw reflects Canada’s broader effort to distribute newcomers more evenly across provinces and communities. Provincial Nominee Programs help address specific workforce shortages and support regional economic growth outside major metropolitan centres. By strengthening PNP draws, Canada ensures that immigrants settle where they are most needed, contributing to sustainable community development and stronger local economies. This balanced approach supports both national immigration goals and provincial priorities.

The Express Entry Draw #391 highlights Canada’s growing reliance on Provincial Nominee Programs as a key pathway to permanent residence. With 681 invitations issued and a CRS cut off of 746, this draw confirms the rising competitiveness among provincial nominees and the federal government’s expanded PNP targets for 2026. As Canada continues to prioritize region specific immigration, candidates seeking permanent residence should consider provincial nomination as a strategic advantage in their Express Entry journey. Canada Immigration News provides accurate insights on Canada PNPs, eligibility trends, and province specific pathways. Stay informed, stay prepared, and take confident steps toward your Canadian future.