IRCC issued 681 ITAs in the latest PNP-targeted Express Entry draw, 2026 Housing Trends. Explore Canada’s 2025 immigration statistics and the ongoing housing construction challenges.
Canada’s 2026 Immigration Surge: Express Entry Results and the Strategic Shift to Northern Ontario
The third week of January 2026 has confirmed that Canada remains a top destination for global talent, despite domestic challenges in housing and infrastructure. With a fresh round of Express Entry invitations and a new economic vision for Northern Ontario, the path to Permanent Residence Canada continues to evolve.
Express Entry Draw #391: 681 Invitations for PNP Candidates
On January 20, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted the third draw of the year. Draw #391 was exclusively for candidates with a provincial nomination.
Key Draw Highlights:
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Invitations Issued (ITAs): 681
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CRS Cut-off Score: 746 points (a 35-point increase from the previous PNP draw).
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Tie-breaking Rule: November 19, 2025, at 04:09:11 UTC.
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Pool Status: As of January 19, there are 237,120 profiles active in the Express Entry pool.
So far in 2026, IRCC has issued 9,255 invitations, demonstrating a robust start to the year. This draw highlights the critical importance of securing a provincial nomination to remain competitive in the current high-score environment.
Canada’s 2025 Immigration Performance: A Year of Massive Processing
New data through November 2025 shows that IRCC has been working at record speed to process applications. The numbers reflect a system under high demand but high efficiency:
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Permanent Residence: 414,000 decisions made, with 367,500 new permanent residents welcomed.
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Canadian Citizenship: 181,600 individuals were granted citizenship (April–Nov 2025).
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Temporary Residence: IRCC finalized 557,400 study permits and over 1.2 million work permits (including extensions).
These figures prove that for Skilled Workers, the opportunity to transition from temporary to permanent status is still very much alive.
The Housing Shortfall: Challenges for 2026
While immigration remains strong, the housing sector is struggling to keep pace. Despite federal promises to double construction, Canada saw only 259,028 housing starts last year—far below the 500,000 target (Housing Trends).
Key Housing Market Data:
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Toronto: A 31% decline in new starts due to high development charges.
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Rents: Average two-bedroom rents rose by 5.1% nationwide.
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Vancouver: Home sales reached a 20-year low.
This data suggests that newcomers should look beyond major hubs like Toronto and Vancouver to regions with more affordable housing and strong economic potential.
Thunder Bay Forward: Building the Growth Story through 2030
In response to the housing and urban strain in major cities, Thunder Bay has released a strategic plan to become a primary destination for newcomers. The Thunder Bay CEDC initiative focuses on:
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Economic Diversification: Creating jobs in key sectors like mining, healthcare, and technology.
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Newcomer Support: Strengthening workforce opportunities and community infrastructure for immigrant families.
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Inclusive Growth: Positioning Northern Ontario as a vibrant, welcoming alternative to southern urban centers.
Why Choose Go Canada Services?
Go Canada Services (est. 2004) is the only Canadian Incorporation providing holistic Academic, Immigration, Integration, and Legal Services. We help you find the best Canada Immigration Programs tailored to your career and lifestyle goals.
Our Core Services:
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Permanent Residence Canada: Expert strategies to boost your CRS score and secure PNP nominations.
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Study Permits: Placement in universities and colleges with strong regional pathways.
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Family Sponsorship: Legal expertise to reunite your family in growing communities.
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Free Immigration Assessment: Evaluate your 2026 eligibility instantly.
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Contact Our Experts: Personalized consultation for Northern Ontario and PNP opportunities.
Useful Resources:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | , 2026 Housing Trends
1. What was the cut-off score for the latest PNP draw on January 20, 2026? The cut-off score for Draw #391 was 746 points.
2. How many people were invited in the most recent Express Entry draw? IRCC issued 681 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to PNP candidates.
3. How many permanent residents did Canada welcome in 2025? Through November 2025, Canada welcomed approximately 367,500 new permanent residents.
4. Why is housing construction declining in Toronto? High development charges—often exceeding $130,000 per apartment—and high interest rates have significantly slowed new housing starts.
5. What is the Thunder Bay Forward initiative? It is a strategic economic plan running through 2030 aimed at growing Thunder Bay’s population by welcoming immigrants and diversifying the local economy.
6. Is the number of work permits being issued still high? Yes, IRCC processed over 1.2 million work permits and extensions through November 2025.
7. How can I increase my CRS score to get an invitation? The most effective way is to secure a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination, which adds 600 points to your profile.
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Your Future in Canada Starts Now
With high scores and shifting housing trends, choosing the right destination—like Thunder Bay—could be the key to your success. Let Go Canada Services guide your path.