Key Details of Express Entry Draw 391
- Invitation Round: #391
- Date of Draw: January 20, 2026 (12:31:58 UTC)
- Type of Draw: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Number of ITAs Issued: 681
- CRS Cut-off Score: 746
- Tie-breaking Rule: November 19, 2025 at 04:09:11 UTC
Comparison with Previous PNP Draws
Compared to the previous PNP draw held earlier in January 2026, IRCC issued 107 more Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in this round. However, the CRS cut-off increased by 35 points, reflecting strong competition among PNP-nominated candidates in the Express Entry pool.
It is important to note that PNP candidates receive an additional 600 CRS points, which explains the higher cut-off score in these draws.
Express Entry Draw Trends in 2026
IRCC’s early 2026 draw pattern mirrors trends seen in early 2025:
- A PNP-specific draw
- Followed by a large Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw
So far in 2026, IRCC has conducted:
- PNP draws on January 5 ( Express entry draw 389) and January 20 ( Express entry draw 391)
- A major CEC draw ( Express entry draw 390) on January 7, issuing 8,000 ITAs with a CRS cut-off of 511
Current Express Entry Pool Snapshot
As of January 19, 2026, the Express Entry pool contains 237,120 candidates. Understanding CRS score distribution is crucial for applicants assessing their chances of receiving an ITA in upcoming draws.
What This Means for Candidates
The latest draw reinforces the importance of securing a provincial nomination for candidates with lower core CRS scores. Provincial Nominee Programs remain one of the most reliable pathways to Canada permanent residence, especially for applicants aligned with provincial labour market needs.
Candidates are encouraged to:
- Explore province-specific PNP streams
- Improve CRS scores through language tests or additional credentials
- Seek expert guidance to identify suitable immigration pathways
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